Luntha Group

The Luntha 1 Group from Mchinji is a determined group of five entrepreneurs who are using small businesses as a pathway toward improving their families’ well-being. The group members are engaged in farming and clothing businesses, creating income opportunities that help sustain their households. Among the members, two are married while three are unmarried, and together they support 25 children, including 9 orphans.

Judith, aged 42, is a hardworking member of Luntha 1 Group who has spent the last seven years building her businesses in farming and selling clothes. As a single mother, she takes care of two children, one relative, and two orphans, making her business activities an important source of support for those who depend on her.

She began her businesses because she wanted to become financially independent and take greater responsibility in supporting her family. Over time, both businesses have helped her provide for daily household needs, but she now wants to expand further. With this loan, Judith plans to purchase more materials for both her farming and clothing businesses so that she can increase her earnings and strengthen her operations. Her vision for the future is to grow steadily and eventually establish a large clothing shop that will give her long-term financial security.

The loan will support all members of Luntha 1 Group by helping them invest more into their existing businesses. Members involved in farming will purchase farming inputs and materials needed to improve productivity, while those selling clothes will buy additional stock to meet customer demand and expand their sales.

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.