The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), in partnership with Water.org, the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc., and Mindanao Microfinance, hosted a Learning Exchange on the Water Credit Adaptation Program (WCAD) on 25 and 26 March 2025. This event aimed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices regarding water and sanitation financing in Cambodia.

Participants visited Amret MFI and Camma Microfinance Limited to observe project implementation and marketing strategies. The exchange included presentations on credit guarantees and relevant government policies, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector’s development and challenges, with insights from MISTI and CGCC. Additionally, attendees participated in a field visit to Daikou Finance’s office to interact with clients and learn from their experiences after receiving loans, observing the real-world impact of Water Credit implementation.

The Learning Exchange was deemed a success, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among delegations, associations, and financial institutions. The CMA expressed gratitude to its partners and member institutions for their contributions, emphasizing the event's role in strengthening the WCAD's implementation. This exchange reinforced solidarity among stakeholders and advanced financial inclusion in Cambodia, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

The WCAD initiative, a partnership between CMA and Water.org, has made significant strides in improving access to clean water and sanitation in Cambodia. By the end of 2024, the program had supported over 90,000 people with more than USD 14 million in financing, with 14 partner institutions actively involved. This project directly contributes to Cambodia's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in rural areas where access to these essential services is often limited.