CARE will do this by expanding our village savings and loan associations to 39 countries across Africa and by building the capacity of microfinance institutions to develop and deliver the products and services these clients need. Among the critical issues CARE will be addressing in the years ahead is the question of the “tipping point,” the amount of outside investment and time that are required before CARE and other organizations can pull out – leaving behind strong, self-sufficient VSLAs and well-trained and motivated local champions who can create and train new groups. ACCESS AFRICA will ensure that.