Hakoola 0703 Group

The Hakoola 0703 group is made up of five hardworking women who run small businesses to support their families and build a better future. With an estimated average age of 45, the group collectively cares for around 34 dependants. Their small enterprises play an essential role in meeting daily household needs, supporting children in school and keeping their families moving forward.

One of the group members is Irene, a 59‑year‑old married woman who sells African wrappers and related clothing materials. She is a mother of eight children, with one still attending school. Irene started her business because she recognised it was profitable and provided a practical way to support her household. Before entering the trade, she worked in farming, but later moved into selling wrappers, chitenges and similar items to women in the community and passers‑by.

Irene plans to use her share of the loan to buy more stock and strengthen her business. The other members of the Hakoola 0703 group will also use their loan shares to develop and expand their own businesses, helping them continue providing for their families and improving their livelihoods.

The Microloan Foundation, Lendwithcare's local partner in Zambia employs a unique 'centre' model for lending to female entrepreneurs. A centre comprises several sub-groups which share the same name as the centre. As such, you may have seen similarly named group loans from Zambia all belonging to the same centre. In this system, each woman is individually responsible for repaying her loan, but the group offers mutual support by assuming overall responsibility together.