Where we work

We provide small loans to groups of women across sub-Saharan Africa. The need for appropriate financial services in the rural and poor parts of sub-Saharan Africa has been the driving force behind the development of MicroLoan since 2002.

MicroLoan is committed to enabling families to become self-sufficient by financing and helping them launch their own businesses. Small loans provide women with the opportunity to start simple trading businesses, to set up food stalls, buy a new sewing machine or breed goats for example.

A modest increase in financial resources from money generated through a small business can improve a family's food security and pay for their children's education.

Microloans results in asset creation, employment generation and economic security.

Why MicroLoan Helps Those Who Others Won't

The charity provides loans to groups of 10-18 women. Each group has its business ideas appraised and receives eight training sessions covering topics such as book keeping and cash flow. All group members are required to save money as a source of security. Each woman receives her loan as a cheque and opens an account at a designated bank.

Individuals in the group then establish small commercial ventures. Groups meet with a loan officer every two weeks to review their progress. Repayments against loans are made fortnightly or monthly by each group member. Where a business is not going well it is the responsibility of the MicroLoan loan officer to provide support and to get things back on track.

Loans typically last for four months. Each group member is eligible to receive up to four loans after which their business should be commercially viable. Loans are small – on average £67 per individual. Interest of 15-20% is charged in keeping with the local economy. Should an individual want to develop a business further they may receive a bridging loan of £140-£350, or access our specialist training MicroVentures service.

And here's the real beauty in MicroLoan - because we offer a hand up not a hand out, when the women repay their microloans, we give it to another woman....when she repays it we give to another....and so on...so your donations keep on helping women in Africa over and over again.