Member-Centric Lending: Designing Member-Friendly Loan Products for SACCOs Training Course

Introduction

The success of a SACCO is rooted in its ability to meet the unique financial needs of its members. This specialized training course is designed to empower leaders and product development teams with the strategic mindset and practical tools required to create loan products that are not only profitable but also genuinely member-friendly. By moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a member-centric design process, this course enables SACCOs to deepen member relationships, foster financial inclusion, and build a portfolio that truly serves the community.

This intensive program offers a clear and actionable roadmap for the entire product development lifecycle, from market research and needs analysis to product launch and performance evaluation. Participants will learn how to design flexible loan products, set fair terms and conditions, and use member feedback to drive innovation. This is an essential course for any SACCO committed to building a sustainable and impactful lending portfolio that aligns with its core cooperative principles.

Duration 5 days

Target Audience This course is for SACCO product managers, credit managers, marketing officers, loan officers, and senior executives involved in loan product development and strategy.

Objectives

  • To understand the principles of member-centric product design.
  • To master a systematic approach to identifying member needs and market gaps.
  • To design flexible and tailored loan products that meet diverse member needs.
  • To develop fair and transparent loan terms and conditions.
  • To understand the role of technology and digital channels in product delivery.
  • To create a robust framework for launching and marketing new loan products.
  • To effectively gather and use member feedback for product innovation.
  • To analyze the financial performance and social impact of loan products.
  • To ensure all products comply with regulatory and ethical standards.
  • To champion a culture of continuous innovation and member focus.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of Member-Centric Design

  • The difference between traditional and member-centric product design.
  • The importance of empathy and understanding the member journey.
  • The role of a SACCO's mission in product innovation.
  • Identifying core member needs vs. wants.
  • Case studies of successful member-centric loan products.

Module 2: Market Research & Needs Analysis

  • Techniques for conducting market research in the SACCO sector.
  • The use of surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather insights.
  • Analyzing member data to identify unmet needs and trends.
  • Competitive analysis of other financial institutions and their offerings.
  • Using a "problem-solution" framework to guide product development.

Module 3: Product Design & Features

  • Designing flexible repayment schedules and loan terms.
  • The role of loan size and interest rates in product appeal.
  • How to incorporate member loyalty and behavioral incentives.
  • The importance of a clear and simple application process.
  • Prototyping and testing product concepts with a small group of members.

Module 4: Pricing & Profitability

  • Understanding the relationship between loan pricing and member value.
  • The role of risk-based pricing in fair and sustainable lending.
  • Analyzing the cost of capital and operational expenses.
  • Calculating the profitability of a new loan product.
  • The art of balancing member affordability with institutional sustainability.

Module 5: Technology & Product Delivery

  • Leveraging a loan management system for product configuration.
  • The role of mobile and digital channels for loan applications and disbursements.
  • The benefits of a digital-first approach to loan products.
  • Ensuring the security and privacy of member data.
  • Integrating new products with existing SACCO technology.

Module 6: Policy & Governance

  • The board's role in approving new loan products and policies.
  • Essential components of a comprehensive loan product policy manual.
  • Defining clear approval authority and risk limits.
  • The importance of a regular policy review and revision process.
  • Aligning product policies with regulatory and legal requirements.

Module 7: Launch & Marketing

  • Developing a strategic launch plan for a new product.
  • The role of marketing and communication in generating awareness.
  • Training front-line staff on the features and benefits of the new product.
  • Creating a clear and transparent value proposition for members.
  • Using a phased rollout to manage risk and gather feedback.

Module 8: Performance Monitoring & Analytics

  • Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for a new product.
  • Tracking loan volume, repayment rates, and profitability.
  • Using data to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
  • The role of member feedback in product performance analysis.
  • Creating a dashboard for real-time performance monitoring.

Module 9: Product Innovation & Evolution

  • The importance of a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Strategies for gathering and incorporating ongoing member feedback.
  • Identifying opportunities to evolve or sunset underperforming products.
  • The role of cross-functional teams in driving innovation.
  • Building a culture that embraces change and experimentation.

Module 10: Capstone Project: A New Product Launch

  • Participants will work in teams to design and present a new loan product for a SACCO case study.
  • They will conduct a needs analysis, design the product features, and develop a launch plan.
  • Teams will present their proposal to a mock "Product Committee," discussing profitability and member value.
  • This module provides a hands-on opportunity to apply the concepts from all modules.
  • The project prepares participants to successfully launch new products in their own SACCO.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Member-centric Lending: Designing Member-friendly Loan Products For Saccos Training Course in Congo, Democratic Republic of the
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