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Fouad Abelmoumni

Fouad Abelmoumni
Executive Director, Association Al Amana
Rabat, Morocco
Advisor for the International Year of Microcredit 2005

“As in the rest of the world, poverty and marginalization in Morocco are certainly diminishing. Yet in view of the progress made in the world, the decline is certainly not at a satisfactory rate. The reduction in the level of poverty and marginalization is due to a combination of factors, in which strong actions for human development is not a small part. Indeed, it is a priority to accelerate, reinforce, deepen and implement these actions. Recognizing microfinance as one of the key instruments, the UN General Assembly declared 2005 as the “International Year of Microcredit.” The Year provides an opportunity for the various actors in the industry to highlight their work; to reflect on what is at stake in the development of the sector, and by examining the factors restricting access to financial services. This reflection will intensify and reinforce the positive impact of microfinance, and engage other actors to make a significant contribution.

Our actions, participation and efforts will determine the outcome of the Year. It is therefore up to us to take part in this Year, to animate it, nurture it, and promote it in order to achieve the best possible results in the reduction of poverty and promotion of sustainable.”

En francais
“Au Maroc comme dans le monde, la pauvreté et l’exclusion reculent certes, mais à un rythme qui ne peut être traité de satisfaisant, au vu de tout ce qui est aujourd’hui à la portée de l’humanité. La pauvreté et l’exclusion reculent du fait d’un faisceau de facteurs, parmi lesquels l’action volontaire visant le développement humain n’est pas le moindre. Accélérer, renforcer, approfondir et inscrire cette action dans la durée est prioritaire. Et comme la micro-finance est l’un des instruments de cette action, l’Assemblée Générale des Nations-Unies a décidé de déclarer l’année 2005 « Année Mondiale du Micro-Crédit ». Cette année offre à la multitude d’acteurs de cette industrie l’opportunité de mieux mettre en lumière ce qu’elle fait, afin de réfléchir plus globalement les enjeux, facteurs et limites de cette industrie, afin d’en multiplier et approfondir la portée et d’en renforcer l’impact positif, et afin d’inciter les autres opérateurs à y contribuer favorablement.

Cette année ne sera vraisemblablement ce que nous en ferons. A nous donc de l’animer, de l’alimenter, de lui donner de la visibilité et de la force d’entraînement, afin d’en tirer le meilleur, contre la pauvreté et pour le développement.”

Fouad Abdelmoumni contributed to the founding of Association Al Amana from 1996 to 1997 and has managed the organization since that time. Before working for Al Amana, Mr. Abdelmoumni managed MADI (Maghreb Développement Investissement), a social venture capital fund that is a member of the SIDI network from 1990 to 1996. From 2001 to 2003, he served as a member of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) advisory board. He is a civil society activist (vice president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, member of the Espace Associatif for the promotion of civil society). He also serves on the executive committee of SANABEL.

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