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Siham Boukhali, MBA
Consultant, Inclusive finance for development
Siham Boukhali, MBA, is a Senior Advisor for Financial Inclusion and Business Management at HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation.13 She has extensive experience in finance and international development, with over 13 years of international experience working in both the private sector and development organizations.3
Professional Background
Siham Boukhali's educational background includes studies in finance, international development, and business administration.24 This diverse academic foundation has equipped her with a unique skill set that combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of global development challenges.
Role at HELVETAS
As part of HELVETAS' Advisory Services team, Siham contributes to the organization's mission of providing expert guidance and support in various areas of development work.1 Her specific focus areas include:
- Financial inclusion
- Business management
- Private sector development
Expertise and Contributions
Siham's work involves supporting various economic activities, including agriculture, fisheries, and small enterprises.5 Her efforts aim to enable financial inclusion by implementing innovative solutions such as revolving funds.5
As a senior advisor, she likely plays a crucial role in:
- Providing cutting-edge, evidence-based advice
- Conducting thematic analyses and producing publications
- Facilitating processes and networks
- Capacity-building through coaching and training
- Developing strategic programs and supporting project cycle management
International Experience
Siham's multi-country experience working for multinational organizations has given her a global perspective on financial inclusion and business management challenges.24 This international exposure allows her to bring diverse insights and best practices to her role at HELVETAS.
Through her work, Siham Boukhali contributes to HELVETAS' mission of building human and organizational capacities, promoting local ownership, and fostering sustainable development across various sectors and regions.
Highlights
In my second week in Myanmar, I had the honour of co-facilitating a dynamic training session on Market System Development with my colleague, Ye Win Paing . The energy and engagement from our colleagues and representatives from other organizations were truly inspiring. Every individual participant brought their insights, experiences, and questions to the table, enriching the collective learning experience. Tailoring the training to the unique context of Myanmar was crucial. We worked with real ongoing projects, using them as vibrant case studies to illustrate the MSD methodology. Understanding this concept and its approach is pivotal in catalysing change – not just any change, but systemic change that fosters resilient systems, an imperative in Myanmar complex landscape. One of the highlights was the wrap-up session, where each participant had the opportunity to present a key takeaway. This not only reinforced their understanding but also sparked invaluable exchanges and discussions. Together with Ye Yin we not only facilitated the training but also laid the groundwork for continued learning and support. Ye Yin's expertise ensures that this knowledge cascades through his staff, empowering newcomers and providing ongoing guidance. I'm genuinely grateful for everyone's enthusiasm and dedication to shaping a more resilient future for Myanmar.
Many thanks @S4E team for organising Ne Chye Thwin @Bo Bo Han
#MarketSystemDevelopment #Empowerment #ResilienceBuilding #MyanmarJourney
Thrilled to share my recent journey to Myanmar, where I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact of our Revolving Fund initiative on local communities.
The Revolving Fund initiative has been transformative for these communities, helping them adapt to economic challenges and shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the current fragile context. By involving communities in decision-making processes through Village Development Committees (VDCs), we have empowered members to take on leadership roles and develop skills in fund management and business plan assessment.
The revolving funds have supported various economic activities, including agriculture, fisheries, and small enterprises, enabling financial inclusion by providing access to credit, especially for the poorest segments. Mandatory savings schemes have fostered financial discipline and built a culture of saving among members.
However, there are challenges. Over-indebtedness is a real risk, as some members borrow from multiple sources to repay their loans, creating potential debt cycles. Addressing this issue is crucial for long-term success. Additionally, limited financial literacy requires focused attention to mitigate this risk.
These challenges also present opportunities for innovative solutions and collaborations to drive sustainable growth.
My visit to Myanmar was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the country's potential and resilience.
Special thanks to my colleagues who made it possible
Jane Carter Rakesh Munankami Thanhtike Aung Andrew Wilson @Nyi Nyi Naing
#FinancialInclusion #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #Myanmar #LeadershipDevelopment
Photos were taken with the consent of those involved.
