TIigo 1 Credit Group

In Rumphi, the determined members of the Tigo 1 Group are working hard to transform their families’ futures through small businesses and farming activities. The group is made up of married female entrepreneurs involved in selling fish, clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other daily commodities. Together, they support 18 dependents and continue building resilience through unity, commitment, and shared economic support

Ireen is a 43 year old businesswoman married to a farmer and a caregiver to four children and five relatives. For the past three years, she has been operating a small business selling clothes and various household goods within her community. Her business has become an important source of income that helps provide food, school fees, and other necessities for her extended family.

She began her business with the hope of lifting her family out of poverty and improving their living conditions through hard work and determination. Although running a small business comes with challenges, Ireen remains focused on growing her enterprise and creating a more stable future for those who depend on her.

With her share of this loan, Ireen plans to increase her working capital by purchasing more clothes and assorted goods to meet customer demand and generate higher profits. Her long-term goal is to expand and own more clothing shops in the future, which would help increase her income and strengthen her family’s financial stability.

The rest of the Tigo 1 Group will use their share of the loan to expand and strengthen their different business activities. Members of the group will use the funds to buy more fish for resale, stock grocery shops, purchase vegetables, add clothing inventory, and invest in other small trading activities.

The Microloan Foundation, Lendwithcare's local partner in Malawi 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 Malawi 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.