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Annual Report
WorldWise Microfinance WorldWise Microfinance
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Global Microfinance Metrics

Metrics

Globally, poverty is distributed unevenly. World Bank data estimates that approximately 847 million people are living in extreme poverty, defined as living on $3/day or less. Extreme poverty remains overwhelmingly rural, with nearly three-quarters of the world’s extreme poor living in rural communities.

Research shows that microfinance can support poverty reduction, but its effects are highly conditional. The clearest benefits appear for entrepreneurs and for agricultural smallholders when paired with training.

By the numbers

80%

80% of borrowers are women

64%

64% of borrowers live in rural areas

10.2%/year

The number of borrowers is increasing at a rate of 10.2%/year

7%

The percent of loans at risk (over 30 days behind in repayments) is stabilized around 7%.

More facts about global microfinance

  • An estimated 200 million people globally are active microfinance borrowers, served by over 7,000 microfinance institutions worldwide.
  • Most microfinance credit is provided without collateral. The loans given are usually quite small. The average loan to a small business owner is $100 or less.
  • The average global rate of interest for microcredit in the industry is 35%.
  • The average repayment rate for loans offered by the industry is higher than 95%.

There is a large continuing demand for microfinance

  • Hundreds of millions of people in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to formal financial services, representing a significant potential market for microfinance.
  • The global microfinance market reached $310.10 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow to $876.49 billion by 2035 (Precedence Research).

Global Microfinance Use

    • South and Southeast Asia together account for nearly 72% of all borrowers worldwide.
    • India alone represents roughly 35% of global clients.
    • Latin America and the Caribbean follow, holding a 16% share of the market.
    • Approximately 5% of borrowers are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Middle East and North Africa represent less than 2% of global borrowers.
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How WorldWise Compares

Gender of Borrowers

  • WorldWise is proud to serve a predominantly female clientele. 88% of our borrowers are women, surpassing the global microfinance average of 84%.
  • Female borrowers are more likely to earn greater community respect and household influence.
Microfinance by gender
Microfinance by gender

Interest Rates and Repayment Rates

  • WorldWise is proud of its low interest rate of 1% per a month, keeping our loans an affordable and accessible option and helping borrowers save money when every dollar counts.
  • We are able to sustain such a low interest rate as a non-profit organization, and all interest goes to maintaining operational costs for community partners.
  • Our particularly high repayment rate is the result of strong connections to partner organizations.
Microfinance interest rates bar chart
Microfinance Repayment Rates

Other Microfinance Organizations in Madison

  • Envest Microfinance Cooperative: A for-profit impact investment fund manager that provides financing to microfinance institutions (MFIs) in 10+ countries, often focusing on traditionally marginalized populations.
  • Working Capital for Community Needs (WCCN): An organization that invests in social impact projects, particularly in Latin America, to provide credit to vulnerable populations and support smallholder farmers and microfinance borrowers.