On April 29 and 30, 2026, Progynist Ethiopia, the Mother NGO of Meklit MFI, along with the shareholders and prominent partners, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Meklit Microfinance Institution held under the theme “25 ዓመታት ህልሞችን ያሳካ – ብሩህ ነገን የሚያፈካ”. The two-day celebration brought together government officials, financial institutions, shareholders, board members, development partners, staff, and invited guests to reflect on the institution’s 25-year journey and achievements.
Established through the initiative of Progynist, Meklit Microfinance Institution was founded, nurtured, and managed under Progynist during its first seven years, its most critical formative stage. During this period, W/ro Netsanet Mengistu, the founder of both institutions, served as Executive Director of Progynist and Meklit Microfinance Institution, providing the strategic leadership that guided its early growth and sustainability.
The first day of the celebration was held in Adama and featured the inauguration of Meklit Microfinance Institution’s newly constructed five-story commercial building, which will serve both institutional and commercial purposes.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Adama City, respected Abba Gadas, government stakeholders, board members, staff, and invited guests. Participants recognized the institution’s contribution toward expanding financial inclusion and economic empowerment for underserved communities, particularly women and youth.
A key highlight of the event was the naming of the Adama main branch after W/ro Netsanet Mengistu in recognition of her visionary leadership and longstanding contribution to the establishment and growth of the institution. The naming reflects her pivotal role in shaping the institution from its early stages and guiding its development into a sustainable financial institution. She has also played a significant role in advancing financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community development initiatives over the years.
The event also highlighted Meklit Microfinance Institution’s achievements in expanding access to financial services for communities with limited access to conventional banking services. The institution currently serves more than 93,000 loan and savings clients across multiple regions of Ethiopia.
The second day program was conducted at Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa, where various awards of recognition were presented to Founders and earlier board members, staff that are long serving and with extra ordinary achievement, partner banks and government stakeholders in appreciation of their contribution and continued collaboration in the institution’s growth and impact. Special Awards were given to W/o Netsanet Mengistu, executive director of Progynist, the first CEO and current Vice chairperson of the board of directors of Meklit, the former board chairman, Commodore Mesfin Binega and the current Board chair person Ato Tamrat Tiruneh, in recognition of their contribution.
Participants also viewed a documentary presentation showcasing the overall journey, milestones, achievements, and impact of Meklit Microfinance Institution over the past 25 years.
The anniversary celebration served as an important opportunity to recognize the institution’s contribution to financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, job creation, and community development in Ethiopia.
Progynist congratulates Meklit Microfinance Institution on its 25th anniversary and takes pride in its foundational role in supporting the institution’s journey and continued impact over the years.
For more information about Meklit Microfinance Institution and its services, visit their official website.