Pakistan Microfinance Network & UNIDO Announce 9th Annual Microfinance Conference

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi, The Annual Microfinance Conference (AMC) is set to return for its 9th edition, taking place from October 7-9, 2025, in Karachi. This year’s theme, “Renaissance of Microfinance,” reflects a renewed commitment to revitalizing the sector. The event is being organized by the Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) in collaboration with UNIDO-PAIDAR. It promises to unite key industry stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and innovation leaders, in a shared vision for the future.

The conference aims to foster collaborative discussions on enhancing the role of microfinance in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. With the participation of high-profile organizations such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AMC-9 is expected to outline strategic pathways for the sector’s evolution.

AMC-9 will feature a rich program, including keynote speeches from distinguished sector leaders, panel discussions tackling critical issues in policy, risk management, and innovation, alongside numerous networking opportunities for stakeholders in the financial inclusion landscape.

In a statement, Mr. Amir Khan, Chairman of PMN, and Mr. Ahsan Gaylani, UNIDO Representative, articulated that AMC-9 will serve as a vital platform to not only celebrate the achievements of the past two decades but to also envision a transformed future for microfinance in Pakistan. “By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing inclusion, the sector can become a powerful driver of economic transformation, social justice, and sustainable development,” they stated.

Key thematic areas to be explored at the conference will include agriculture and rural finance, climate risk adaptation, and women’s financial inclusion, alongside the role of blended finance in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and rural enterprises. The integration of microfinance providers with fintech solutions and the importance of inclusive insurance will also be highlighted.

With a focus on rejuvenating microfinance through inclusive, resilient, and digitally enabled strategies, AMC-9 aims to reaffirm the significance of blended finance as an instrument to support microfinance and SMEs alike. The event is designed to foster new partnerships among Microfinance Providers (MFPs), commercial banks, fintech companies, and development sector stakeholders, all aimed at scaling impactful solutions across the sector.

The recent curtain raiser event was graced by key sponsors, including Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC), ASA-P Microfinance Bank, HBL Microfinance Bank, and the management team of PMN, showcasing a unified front in advancing the vision of microfinance in Pakistan.