This study explores the problems facing the African continent in general and Gambia in particular. Specifically, it examines The Gambia\'s dependence on foreign aid, as a result of the Bretton Woods Institutions and the neoliberalization of Africa, and it juxtaposes the aforementioned with microfinance, as an alternative method for fighting poverty. Empirically, this work examines the potential effectiveness of Reliance Financial Services in Gambia\'s microfinance institution who are engaged in this burgeoning enterprise and that of the VISACAS, a grassroots microfinance organization in The Gambia. / Master of Public and International Affairs