Meet Valeria E. Pujia, our Head of Research and Impact

We are pleased to introduce Valeria as our Head of Research and impact at the Group level. In her current role, she is responsible for establishing and overseeing social performance, research and impact frameworks across the Agora group and its subsidiaries.

Valeria brings a wealth of experience in the financial inclusion sector, having completed over 45 consulting assignments with 50 financial service providers, in various developing and emerging countries. Her skill set encompasses social performance and client protection, research, poverty and outcome measurement, program monitoring and evaluation.

We asked her a few questions:

1. What do you expect to achieve in your new role at Agora?

Two years ago, I started a journey with Agora Microfinance Zambia (AMZ) to establish a Social Performance (SP) and research management framework. Now, with Agora group, this scope has expanded: first, to develop the SP framework across the entire organization, and then to adapt and implement it within each subsidiary. Research will play a key role in deepening our understanding of clients’ needs and supporting leadership is taking informed, data-driven decisions. Within this context, I am expecting to strengthen social performance and ESG practices, measure outcomes more effectively, and monitor alignment with our mission, with the ultimate goal that operations across the group and its subsidiaries will drive meaningful social impact with clients at the center, empowering them.

2. Agora’s institutions are already trying to make a difference in their regions.  What additional value can they create, and how?

Agora can create a significant difference in the regions where it operates by demonstrating how the integration of social, financial, and environmental performance leads to sustainable and measurable outcomes, supported by data-driven insights. Agora can play a pivotal role by enhancing client protection practices. In regions like Africa, where transparency and financial literacy levels are often low, Agora can set a high standard for responsible financial services, that contribute to empower clients to make informed decisions. By embedding these practices, Agora not only establishes a benchmark for responsible financial services but also builds trust and fosters long-term client relationships. Moreover, it addresses financial vulnerabilities, contributing to broader social and economic development in the region.

3. Lastly, tell us something about yourself – for example, who has been the biggest influence in shaping your interest in social research and impact, and why?

The biggest influences in my life have been my mother and older sister, who instilled in me the values of integrity and responsibility, which I have combined with my natural inclination for analytical thinking. This mindset has guided me working in the microfinance sector, particularly in areas like social performance, client protection and research; and their guidance has reinforced the importance of balancing business success with social responsibility. For me it is essential to work in an environment where achievements are not solely defined by financial outcomes, but also by the positive, lasting impact we create for the communities we serve. That is the kind of work that inspires me the most.