100%
women
90%
rural
70%
live below $2.50 poverty line
Extensive Training & Support
MicroLoan Foundation Zimbabwe launched in April 2017 and provides pro-poor financial services and focuses on clients living in the rural areas to reach financially excluded and underserved communities. There is high demand for appropriate financial products and services, and a real need for capital, business support and financial literacy training.

The macroeconomic climate in Zimbabwe is challenging and the operations have been impacted by hyperinflation and a highly unstable local currency. As a social microfinance provider with positive impact and the well-being of clients at it’s core, we are currently relying on grants to fund our operations and growth. As one of the only social microfinance providers in the country, we are well positioned for growth.

Number of active clients

2,205

Number of branches
(including satellites)

2

PAR30(%)

0.0%

Average loan size (USD)

$186

Loan Officers

8

Loan book (USD)

$291,206

Operational self-sufficiency (%)

133%

No. of clients per Loan & Training Officer

276

Data as of 31 December 2023. For latest data please see quarterly operations reports.

Mobile money

Mobile money technology is used to make disbursements, collect repayments and provide savings facilities for clients via the EcoCash platform. All transactions are 100% cashless, making it safer, easier and faster for clients to run their businesses.

Leadership Team

Mateo Zanetic - CEO and Director

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Mateo Zanetic

CEO and Director

Board of Directors

Elias Hwenga - Chairperson

Elias Hwenga

Chairperson

Ngaa Gumbo - Director

Ngaa Gumbo

Director

Andre Harriman - Director

Andre Harriman

Director

Medha Wilson - Group CEO and Director

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Medha Wilson

Group CEO and Director

Quarterly Operational Reports

Branch Locator

Success stories

Dadirai was in an abusive relationship, and the actions of her husband created a stigma for her whole family. She had no friends or family to offer help when her marriage ended, and she had three young children to provide… Read more

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Latest Updates

Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa most affected by the severe impacts of the El Niño induced drought which is having catastrophic consequences including failed harvests, lack of food supplies and malnutrition. All three countries… Read more

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Browse Our Locations

If you are seeking a loan, please contact our teams in Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

    We do not currently operate outside of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe so you are not eligible for a loan at this time. If you would like to speak to a member of our team: contact@mlf.org.uk

    Our Partners

    Mateo Zanetic

    CEO and Director

    Regional Director and Chief Executive Officer Zimbabwe, Board of Directors Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi

    Mateo Zanetic is the Regional Director of MicroLoan Foundation. In his current role he is responsible for operations management, which includes providing hands-on support to MLF CEOs in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mateo serves on all three MLF subsidiaries. His responsibilities include providing guidance and troubleshooting in areas related to expansion to new operational areas and products, development of annual budgets and setting of performance targets for operational staff. Mateo heads the Social Performance Management function and is responsible for developing the evolving SPM framework and the reporting of SPM findings to both internal and external stakeholders. Currently, Mateo also serves as a CEO of MLF Zimbabwe.

    Mateo has an extensive background in microfinance operations in Southern Africa, specifically in scale-up of activities, integrating social performance in operational decision-making and in people management.

    He holds a degree in Management Accounting and Corporate Finance from Wits University.

    Medha Wilson

    Group CEO and Director

    Medha Wilson is the Chief Executive Officer at MicroLoan Foundation. In her current role she oversees the activities of MicroLoan’s operations in Africa and is responsible for developing the overall strategy of the Group. She serves on the board of the three MicroLoan subsidiaries in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    Medha has extensive experience in financial inclusion in both senior operational and investment management roles in emerging and frontier markets, across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her expertise also includes establishing and scaling-up of greenfield operations, turnaround of struggling entities and governance. She also has considerable experience in engaging with a broad range of social and impact investors.

    Medha is a Qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a degree in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics from The London School of Economics.