Economic development
Microfinance
Small loans and savings groups for people banks won't lend to.
Illustrative photo: Ali Mkumbwa / Unsplash
Objective for the 2026 funding round
Make 600 loans to small entrepreneurs, recycling repayments into new loans so every dollar is lent again and again.
Who it reaches: Market traders, farmers and craftspeople who can't get a bank loan.
Target$49,261
Funding for this cause closes in
From $50: lockboxes and record books for two savings groups.
The need
Without collateral, poor families can't borrow to buy stock, seed or a sewing machine. Village savings groups and small, fair loans let them build income, and the money is repaid and lent again.
Why give to this cause
- Poor families without collateral cannot borrow from banks.
- Your gift keeps working as it is repaid and re-lent.
- We report repayment rates and how many times funds are re-lent.
What your gift does
- $50lockboxes and record books for two savings groups
- $150a first loan for a small trader
- $1,000seed capital for a savings group of 25 members
Where your donation goes
The planned budget for this cause. Every quarter, the field report shows what was actually spent against each line.
- Loan capitalLent out, repaid and lent again.65%$98 of $150
- Loan officersLocal staff who assess, support and follow up.15%$23 of $150
- Financial trainingBudgeting and business skills for every borrower.10%$15 of $150
- Loss reserveCovering loans that can't be repaid after disaster or illness.3%$5 of $150
- Monitoring and reportingRepayment rates and business growth.7%$11 of $150
How we do it
- 1
Communities form savings groups and save weekly before any loan.
- 2
Loans are small, at fair rates, and repaid into a revolving fund.
- 3
Members are trained in bookkeeping and business basics.
- 4
Repayment and savings data are published every year.
The impact your gift will have
- Families borrow to buy stock, seed or tools, and grow their income.
- Loans are repaid and lent again, so each gift helps several families over time.
- Savings groups give members a safety net for emergencies.
What we measure and report
Targets for the 2026 funding round. Results against each one are published in the quarterly field report sent to every donor to this cause.
| Measure | Target |
|---|---|
| Savings group members | 1,000 |
| Loans issued | 600 |
| Repayment rate | 95% |
| Times each donated dollar is re-lent in 3 years | 3+ |
Join in the cause today
Make an impactful change in Africa.
Donate to microfinanceFund microfinance
Your gift goes to this programme. You'll get an email receipt now and the field report every quarter.
Funding for this cause closes in
Choose an amount
- $50lockboxes and record books for two savings groups
- $150a first loan for a small trader
- $1,000seed capital for a savings group of 25 members
Gifts start at $50. Choose your own amount on the next page.
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DonateQuestions donors ask
How can I help end poverty in Africa?
Supporting families to earn is one of the most lasting ways to help. Choose Microfinance, Agriculture, Job creation or Entrepreneurship training and give online. Choose a cause, enter your amount in US dollars and pay securely by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and 100+ coins). You get an email receipt straight away and a field report every quarter.
How does microfinance help families in Africa?
Families borrow to buy stock, seed or tools, repay the loan and the money is lent again, so each gift helps several families over time.
Can I sponsor a family in Africa?
Our economic development and children's causes support whole households: income, food, school and savings. Choose the cause that fits, and you get a quarterly report on what it achieved.