![Students at the National School of Public Works in Aleg, southern Mauritania, receiving a scholarship of €50 a month as part of a microfinance program.](https://imagenes.elpais.com/resizer/v2/3PR67GJECRJ6DFOP264RRNJLOU.jpg?auth=f576312edcf01e5989d65a780ccde184dbb7fbf679613800b817a0142582d0f8&width=414&height=233&focal=237%2C111)
Microfinance: salvation or a trap for the world’s poorest?
This global industry has been the first to demonstrate it can successfully boost the fortunes of the underprivileged, but is it actually efficient?
This global industry has been the first to demonstrate it can successfully boost the fortunes of the underprivileged, but is it actually efficient?