In collaboration with M2i, Equifax, MFIN, and Sa-Dhan, the Association of Microfinance Institutions – West Bengal (AMFI-WB) hosted the 9th edition of the Eastern India Microfinance Summit 2025.

The theme of the summit in 2025 was Microfinance-On the Path to $5 Trillion Economy through Women Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment.

It is commonly acknowledged that microfinance is a potent instrument that advances the attainment of sustainable development objectives. Its diverse responsibilities include some of the most important elements that support sustainable development. Microfinance increases economic participation and empowers marginalized populations by democratizing access to money through financial inclusion. Providing opportunities for business and employment development helps reduce poverty. Because microfinance gives women access to financial services and promotes gender equality. Microfinance is a change agent that bridges the gap between social and financial empowerment, opening the door to a more sustainable and inclusive future. It is anticipated that MFI practitioners, regulators, and funders will attend this year’s gathering to discuss the most important issues affecting the industry.

India’s three main sectors—services, industry, and agriculture—are crucial to the country’s ambitious objective of having a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027. It is anticipated that the manufacturing and agricultural sectors will each contribute USD 2 trillion toward the desired GDP, with the service sector accounting for USD 3 trillion. By meeting the financial needs of these industries, especially manufacturing and agriculture, with a particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs, microfinance and other regulated financial institutions are well-positioned to play a significant role in reaching this goal.

The financial sector in India is changing quickly. The financial system, which was previously dominated by banks, has seen the emergence of new and alternative intermediaries, including digital service providers, Fintech firms, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and an entirely new range of creative and effective models and products. By improving the flow of credit, financial, and other services, especially to underprivileged populations, these groups are fostering growth in several different industries. The financial sector’s contribution to India’s economic growth is being greatly increased by the use of cutting-edge technology in digital financial services, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), which is revolutionizing the way services are provided, financial transactions are handled, and financial inclusion is attained.

The adoption of digital financial services by underprivileged communities, especially those in distant places, and those at the bottom of the pyramid is an intriguing facet of this financial transformation. Technology is creating new livelihood options, increasing family incomes, increasing social security, and enhancing access to basic services like healthcare and education by making financial services more accessible. These advancements are also contributing to the development of resilience to natural disasters and climatic threats, which are becoming increasingly frequent in India.

With the theme “Microfinance – On the path to $5 Trillion Economy through Women Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment”,  the 9th Eastern India Microfinance Summit in 2025 offered a vital forum for professionals from a range of industries, including banking, microfinance, investors, insurance, fintech, and health services. The summit gave participants a chance to exchange ideas and work together on ways to support the overall objective of creating an economy worth USD 5 trillion, with a particular emphasis on women’s financial empowerment and entrepreneurship as catalysts for this change. Additionally, it will offer a chance to find shared partnership options.

Priyanka Dutta