The application period for the 2016 program is now open.

• Expand your strategic thinking about serving clients at the base of the pyramid through sharing with peers and exploring real-life cases;
• Consider your role and the role of your organization in financial inclusion;
• Deepen your knowledge of business strategy and management with the foremost thinkers in the field;
• Raise the caliber of your leadership skills while debating the challenges facing the microfinance industry as a whole.

The six-day Harvard Business School–Accion Program on Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance offers leaders from around the world an exceptional opportunity to connect with peers while engaging with some of the HBS faculty's foremost thinkers in business strategy and management. The HBS Executive Education learning model immerses the world’s most promising managers in a transformational experience that combines the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and tools with professional, intellectual, and personal development.

Two years ago the program adopted a new name: the HBS-Accion Program on Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance. The name change confirmed a shift in course focus and approach that had been underway for some time, from an exclusive focus on microfinance to a broader financial inclusion scope.

In the past, HBS and Accion have brought together leaders from roughly 100 countries – including over 300 CEOs, presidents, managing  directors, and other high level executives from some of the field’s leading microfinance institutions and financial service providers. The course marries the best in strategic business thinking with the most important advances in financial inclusion and impact investing through:

• A thorough immersion in the financial inclusion industry and the operations of leading financial institutions that serve lower income clients;
• Examination of how new business models in this space, especially technology-enhanced models, succeed or flounder;
• Addressing key challenges of doing business at the base of the pyramid, including succeeding in highly competitive markets, maintaining a social focus in a commercial setting, and evolving products and delivery channels;
• Engaging participants in captivating, thought-provoking, and even inspiring discussions through the famous case method approach pioneered by HBS.

The program addresses key strategic issues arising out of the dual goals of economic and social value creation that define microfinance. Topic areas include industry change, managing in competition, organizational growth, and creating economic and social value.

“My experience at HBS is unforgettable. This training provides an opportunity to detach from everyday work and reflect on some of the 'macro' issues related to 'micro' finance.  Having the opportunity to discuss and analyze challenging aspects of the industry amongst a sophisticated group of practitioners and qualified lecturers has allowed me to bring back fresh thoughts on how best to address challenges my organization is facing in its complex environment.” 

–Ranya Abdel Baki, Executive Director, Sanabel Network Egypt

“As a CEO of my organization I was able to get practical insights through case studies that have improved my leadership skills, which has in turn helped me to manage my teams to be able to deliver better results at a low cost.”

–Wilson Twamuhabwa, CEO, UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI) Uganda

Participants in the program can expect to leave the course with an enhanced perspective on their leadership roles as well as insights on commercial finance that will shape their strategies in a rapidly changing industry. Another key takeaway is the lasting connections developed as a result of the dynamic peer-to-peer learning that takes place in small group discussions about pertinent issues.

More Information

For a program overview flyer, for reference and to share, click here.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

For a detailed schedule of last year’s program, click here.

For HBS Campus Map, click here.

For questions about the program, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For additional information regarding the HBS campus experience, please visit their website.