The 2023 Global Microfinance Case Competition was another roaring success, with over 600 participants from 12 universities worldwide, reaffirming our position as one of the largest student-operated case competitions on a global scale. The GMCC committee also conducted workshops and training sessions to support participants, enabling them to deliver high-quality solutions and recommendations for the case.

This year’s case aimed to challenge participants to think creatively and critically about strategies for enhancing the profitability and long-term sustainability of microfinance institutions. The case centred around ‘Unit for Hope Microfinance’ (UFH), a microfinance institution based in Indonesia’s Havan Region. Despite UFH’s twenty-year commitment to supporting lower and middle-income households, operational inefficiencies and post-pandemic outcomes have posed significant challenges for the institution. Participants were challenged to explore holistic improvements to UFH’s internal processes and product offerings, while also devising strategies for reducing the institution’s reliance on legal systems. The overarching goal was to enhance UFH’s profitability and organisational efficiency. 

Our aim with this case was to prompt participants to delve deeper into the Indonesian microfinance landscape, offering them a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and potential avenues for enhancing overall efficiency. Furthermore, we encouraged exploration of Indonesia's technological infrastructure and literacy, alongside examining existing industry practices within the Indonesian microfinance sector.