Participation in the panel discussion “Pathways for Transition from Informal to Formal Economy”, held on 16–17 September 2025 in Istanbul.

The Association of Microcredit Organizations in BiH – AMFI had the honor, at the invitation of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), to participate in the panel discussion “Pathways for Transition from Informal to Formal Economy”, held on 16–17 September 2025 in Istanbul.

The panel gathered representatives of international institutions, employers’ associations, microfinance organizations and civil society. The discussions covered key themes: challenges and trends in transitioning from informal to formal economy, employment and social protection policies, the role of employers’ organizations, the perspective of microfinance institutions, and particularly the empowerment of women and youth through entrepreneurship, digital and green solutions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was represented by Elma Zukić, President of AMFI, as a panelist who shared the experiences of the BiH microfinance sector, including financial inclusion, green lending, financial literacy campaigns such as Borrow Wisely, the development of the ESG & KPI Dashboard, and regional cooperation through the Western Balkans Alliance.

Special thanks go to Marwa Farghali, Fidelma O’Shaughnessy, Saïd Kajji and the entire UfM Secretariat team for their excellent organization and inclusive dialogue.

For AMFI, this invitation is not only recognition of past achievements, but also the beginning of broader cooperation that will further position the Western Balkans microfinance sector in international processes of building an inclusive and sustainable economy.