Population Council > Horizons > Microfinance and Households Coping with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe

RESEARCH SUMMARY

June 2002

Zambuko is the largest microfinance program serving microentrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. Begun in 1992, it had branch offices in all of the major urban centers as well as key secondary towns by 1999. Its legal status as a money lender does not permit it to accept voluntary deposits.

Zambuko loan products

Group-based loan. Given to individuals in a self-selected group of five to ten individuals who co-guarantee the loans to its members. A non-essential movable asset is pledged by each member against his or her loan. Prior to formal loan application, individuals must attend a half-day training session that covers basic business management. Loans are usually for nine to twelve months, repaid on a monthly basis. Informal business management advice from loan officers is provided.

Individual loan. Individuals must have a personal guarantor and pledge a movable asset against the loan. Loans tend to be from nine to twelve months, with monthly loan installments. Prior to formal loan application, the person is required to attend a half-day training session that covers basic business management. Informal business management advice from loan officers is provided.

Trust bank loan. Self-selected groups of ten or more individuals that co-guarantee loans to its members; targeted to the poor. A potential borrower must attend a one-hour training session for eight weeks prior to receipt of the loan, and bi-weekly meetings during the loan cycle. Loan size is smaller than other products and the loan lasts for six months, with monthly installments.

Approximately 45 percent of its clients are traders and 40 percent of its clients are engaged in manufacturing, such as knitting sweaters and sewing. The others are engaged in services, agriculture (livestock rearing and market gardens), and food preparation.

In 1997, the average Zambuko loan was Z$2,537 (equivalent to US$213) and carried a 32 percent per annum interest rate. In 2000, the average loan size was Z$10,162 (equivalent to only US$185, due to the decline in the value of the Zimbabwe dollar). By late 2000, the interest rates rose as high as 52 percent, depending on the loan cycle and repayment record, as a result of Zimbabwe’s high rates of inflation.

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For additional information please contact: 
Horizons 
Population Council 
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Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: +1 202 237 9400 
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This page updated
19 Oct 2007

 
Publications/Resources

"Microfinance and households coping with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe: An exploratory study," Horizons Final Report (2002)(PDF, 522 KB)

More Horizons publications on consequences for individuals, families, and society