We met Komi at the office of the local microfinance institution in Atakpame. He very kindly came to meet us since his home and workplace are tucked away in a compound just outside the town centre and fairly difficult to find. When we arrived at his workshop, his wife and sister-in-law were busily filling metal boxes with water and then lifting them into the first chest refrigerator to freeze before transporting the already frozen blocks into a second chest refrigerator, ready to sell. The loan Komi received from lendwithcare, was his third loan from our local microfinance partner, WAGES. He told us that the loans are vital to the growth of his business since he needs to be able to meet demand for ice during the peak season (the dry(warm) season) and the loans allow him to buy all the necessary equipment, including refrigerators, metal ice containers and electricity. Komi also needs to travel to the capital city, Lome, about 167km away to purchase this equipment and this comes at a cost. Komi told us he was happy with the progression of his business however, especially during the hot season when he can sell about 160 blocks of ice in one day – he charges 150CFA (approx. 20p) per block. Komi said he was thinking about moving further north where it is hotter and the demand for ice is higher and more consistent. We also talked to Komi about potentially buying a vehicle so he could deliver the ice as well as sell it and therefore charge more money. He thought this was a good idea and was going to consider it with the support of his loan officer.
Update by Nancy, Feb 2014