On Wednesday 1st March, Inde Credit invited Zambian entrepreneurs and SMEs to the Game Rangers International (GRI) Wildlife Discovery Centre to network and showcase their businesses.
The Honourable Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, who was the guest of honor, stated: “It is good to see a financial institution truly supporting SME growth. This is exactly the kind of commitment we need to accelerate economic development and create more jobs for our citizens.”
Since their launch in 2016, Inde Credit recently reached a notable milestone of having disbursed over ZMW 1 billion to Zambian SMEs. Through this they have supported more than 450 Zambian SMEs, who have in turn created more than 3,000 jobs. “We provide financing where it’s most needed. I’m so proud of the team for always looking for solutions for our clients instead of turning them down. The growth we see in our clients’ businesses is remarkable as a result of their determination and our financing,” said Peter Bwalya, CEO of Inde Credit.
As part of Inde Credit’s commitment to be a trusted partner who wants to see their clients and businesses succeed, the company does more than just provide financing. This commitment was seen on their new website, which was also launched at the event. It features a comprehensive help centre, which includes free templates, business advice, and reviews of useful business tools. It also gave a sneak peak into the forthcoming account login section, which will enable customers to upload documents, check balances and make payments online.
“Our founding mission at Inde Credit is to make Zambian business work. While our company has grown over the years, our team remains focused on the same goal — empowering the small business economy and improving our customers’ financial lives. We want to do more than just carry out financial transactions,” said Michael Kroupnik, co-founder and Chairman of the Board at Inde Credit.
The event also celebrated the businesses that are shaping the tomorrow. Inde Credit had invited a number of Zambian businesses, who are notable within their sectors, to promote their businesses and share their work.
The evening was filled with positive energy. It was clear that inclusive SME financing and support is an important driver to the growth of our economy. “It has been exciting to participate in the strategic work on board level during the past years and experience how access to finance for SMEs accelerates their growth. Inde Credit’s ambition and strategy will help many more SMEs grow” said Lombe Batunda, External Board Member at Inde Credit.
Nicolas Megelas, Head of Operations at Inde Credit spoke on behalf of the team at the event. He talked about Inde Credit’s move to not just serve SMEs, but also microenterprises: “As part of our commitment to be a business enabler, we are now working to reach micro businesses as well through our partnership with Farm Depot. Our agri loans are even more accessible, with little to no collateral needed for small- and medium-scale farmers.”
Stories were shared about how access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth and often a hopeless obstacle for entrepreneurs. It was great to see and hear about restored hope and growing dreams. One of Inde Credit’s client’s, Chawezi Daka, shared her story, “I turned to Inde Credit last year because I was getting growing orders that I had trouble fulfilling. When looking for financing I was either turned down or faced with fees that were too high. After getting financing from Inde I was able to hire the people needed and buy the necessary equipment to take my business to the next level. In 6 months, I have grown from 2 to 5 corporate clients.”
Also present was professional golfer Madalitso Muthiya, who spoke about his incredible, inspirational story and how he was able to pursue his dream. He talked about the sheer determination and courage that drove him to become the first Zambian and black African to participate in the U.S. Open. His story features in the book Bless.ed One by James Roth, which has just won the prestigious USGA Herbert Warren Wind Award and was launched locally at the event.
The event was held at the Game Rangers International Wildlife Discovery Centre, which provides a unique and immersive wildlife educational experience in the Lusaka National Park and showcases some of the incredible conservation work being done in Zambia.
His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, made the following statement through The Honourable Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development:
“We are delighted by the Made in Zambia event and join the Minister of SME Development in congratulating Inde Credit on the amazing achievement of disbursing ZMW 1 billion to Zambian SMEs since 2016.
We appreciate the efforts to promote Zambian entrepreneurs and encourage continued support of local businesses. We also wish to congratulate professional golfer, Madalitso Muthiya, whose story was chronicled in the book Bless.ed One, which is being launched at the event. We support outstanding citizens who document their journey to inspire others.
We challenge Zambians to rise to the occasion and venture into entrepreneurship with the support of the Ministry of SME Development, the Constituency Development Fund, and private sector partners such as Inde Credit, among others.”
About Game Rangers International (GRI)
Game Rangers International (GRI) is a non-profit organisation established in Zambia in 2008. GRI works in close partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to empower Rangers and Local Communities to conserve nature.
About Lusaka National Park – Wildlife Discovery Centre
The Wildlife Discovery Centre at Lusaka National Park was opened in 2022 by GRI. The centre provides free conservation education to over 5,000 children every year and is also the new home of the renowned Elephant Nursery.
About Madalitso Muthiya
Madalitso Muthiya is a professional golfer. Muthiya won in the 16- to 18-year-old age group in the 1999 Nolan Henke/Patty Berg Junior Masters in Fort Myers, Florida. He went on to play college golf at the University of New Mexico, before turning professional in 2005.
