Partnering for progress: Why South Africa, why now?

At MicroLoan Foundation, our mission is clear: to empower women living in poverty with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods. We have disbursed over $166 million to help over half a million women start small income generating activities in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Over 2.6 million people have seen an improvement in their quality of life and well-being as a result of giving women the opportunity to take part in economic life. 

As we expand into South Africa, we’re unlocking a strategic opportunity to amplify our impact, scale our reach, and further our mission to transform lives through inclusive finance. 

In  just 3 years we intend to scale our operations to provide loans, training and support to 30,000 female entrepreneurs in South Africa every year.

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Why South Africa? Why now?

South Africa, despite its economic stature, is home to stark inequality. Half of all female-headed households live below the poverty line, and over 18 million people experience extreme poverty. Yet, the country also offers a relatively stable financial environment and a growing ecosystem focused on gender equity and entrepreneurship. 

For MicroLoan, this represents both an urgent need and a strategic opening. South Africa’s socio-economic landscape offers fertile ground to: 

  • Expand outreach to serve thousands of women entrepreneurs
  • Enhance impact by capitalising on economies of scale
  • Further our charitable objectives by driving long-term, measurable change
  • Build organisational resilience through geographic and currency diversification

As we grow, we strengthen our position as the most effective and impactful microfinance institution serving rural women in Southern Africa.

MicroLoan South Africa

The power of partnership

To achieve scale, we are seeking committed philanthropic partners – those who not only recognise the urgency of the need but also understand the strategic value of investing in women-led economic development. 

While funding is essential to fuel this expansion, we view our partners as more than donors. We are looking for mission-aligned collaborators who bring not only financial support but also vision, insight, and a shared commitment to systemic change. 

Our ideal partners are those with both the capacity to give at scale and the propensity to invest in long-term change. We offer a compelling opportunity to be part of a high-impact initiative that delivers real outcomes: women gaining income, independence, and influence in their communities. 

Contact the MicroLoan team to discuss partnerships

South Africa presents a powerful opportunity—not just to expand MicroLoan’s reach, but to fundamentally shift what’s possible for women at the bottom of the economic pyramid. With the right partners by our side, we can build a stronger, more resilient foundation for generations of women entrepreneurs.

Join us in building a future where no woman is left behind

Published on: 22/07/2025

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