About Sayiwe Microfinance
Empowering communities through financial inclusion since 2020
Our Story
Sayiwe Microfinance was founded in 2020 with a clear vision: to provide accessible financial services to underserved communities across Malawi, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
We recognized the gap between traditional banking services and the needs of micro-enterprises, which employ 1.8 million people and contribute 40% of Malawi's GDP. Our mission is to bridge this gap by offering tailored financial solutions that empower people to achieve economic independence.
Our Mission
To promote economic growth and financial inclusion through responsible lending practices and personalized financial solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Our Vision
To be the leading microfinance institution in Malawi, recognized for our integrity, innovation, and commitment to transforming lives through financial empowerment and technology-driven solutions.
Financial Solutions
Pay Day Loans
Quick financial solutions for employed individuals
- Amounts from Mwk100,000–Mwk500,000
- For employed individuals
- Flexible 1-3 month terms
Solidarity Loans
Empowering women's groups in rural communities
- Group funding Mwk100,000–Mwk1,000,000
- Community-based support
- Financial education included
Phindu Loans
Supporting local business expansion
- Business funding Mwk100,000–Mwk5,000,000
- Expert business mentoring
- Growth-focused support
How It Works
Apply Online
Loans are applied for online via our mobile-friendly platform, making the process accessible to clients across Malawi.
Social Collateral
For rural groups, we use social capital as collateral, enabling access to credit without traditional assets.
Financial Education
All clients receive financial literacy training to ensure responsible borrowing and successful business management.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and ethical standards that build trust with our clients and communities.
Community
We are committed to understanding and serving the unique needs of the communities where we operate, with a focus on rural women entrepreneurs.
Innovation
We leverage technology to improve access to financial services and create solutions that address evolving financial challenges.
Empowerment
We believe in providing not just financial services, but the knowledge and support that enables our clients to succeed and improve their livelihoods.
Our Leadership Team
Stella Msongole
Founder & CEO
With over 10 years of experience in microfinance and community development, Stella leads our organization with vision and integrity.
Watson Mukumbwa
Chief Financial Officer
Watson brings 10+ years of experience in audit, accounting, and finance to ensure our financial sustainability and growth.
Dr. Winnie Mkandawire
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy and Research Officer
Dr. Winnie leads Sayiwe’s strategic growth, research, partnerships, and impact agenda. Drawing on more than 10 years of experience in strategic planning, program development, research, and resource mobilization, she guides evidence-informed initiatives that expand financial inclusion, strengthen economic resilience, and deliver measurable impact for underserved communities.
Dr Trusting O. Inekwe
Chief Technological Officer
With over 10 years of experience in technology, data analytics, and digital innovation, Dr. Trusting leads Sayiwe’s technology strategy and digital transformation, developing secure, data-driven solutions that strengthen operations, improve customer experience, and expand access to financial services.
Our Impact
At Sayiwe Microfinance, we measure our success not just by our financial performance, but by the positive change we create in people's lives. Through our services, we've helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, enabled families to improve their living conditions, and contributed to the economic development of communities across Malawi.
With a market size of $350 million in small loans for individuals and micro-enterprises, we're targeting to reach 10,000 clients across Malawi, which has a population of over 18 million.
Client Success Stories
Sayiwe Microfinance helped me expand my small grocery store. With their support, I've been able to increase my inventory.
Grace Banda
Small Business Owner, Mchinji
The loans we received from Sayiwe helped us purchase better seeds and equipment. Our crop yield has increased by 40% since working with them.
Chikondano Village Bank
Women Entrepreneurs, Lilongwe