In Madagascar, CEM is the main institution which practises savings mobilisation for all categories of population. It does not yet distribute credits. Hence its mission is both social and community-oriented. Its principal functions are (i) promotion of individual savings and savings education; (ii) providing the public, in particular SMEs, with a variety of financial services; (iii) taking part in the financial markets through investments and (iii) contributing to the economic and social development of the country.