Vitumbiko 0301 Group

Vitumbiko 0301 is a group of five women entrepreneurs based in the Eastern Province of Zambia. With an average age of 40, the members have come together with the shared hope of achieving financial freedom and building a brighter future for their families. They care for 35 children, 22 of whom are currently attending school. Through their businesses, the women aim to strengthen their household incomes, support their children’s education, and create greater financial stability.

Misozi is a 28 year old entrepreneur who is married to a businessman and she is the mother of two children. She has operated a grocery shop for seven years, building on her experience in earning a living through farming. Her transition into grocery trading marked a new chapter in her working life, giving her the opportunity to develop her skills in running a small business.

Over the years, she has gained practical experience in managing stock, serving customers and organising the daily activities of her shop. The business provides a way for her to contribute to her household’s needs while working towards greater financial stability.

Misozi has now requested a loan to replenish and expand the stock in her grocery shop. With additional working capital, she intends to purchase more groceries and improve the availability of products for her customers. Other group members intend to order more goods as well.

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.