Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Financial Inclusion Outreach in Mazabuka, Livingstone, and Choma.

The Zambia Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB) conducted financial inclusion outreach meetings in Mazabuka, Livingstone, and Choma, reaching 300 women entrepreneurs. The initiative aimed to enhance access to financial information and support women’s participation in the formal financial sector.

Key objectives included raising awareness of alternative financing options, educating participants on the Movable Collateral Registry (MCR), and promoting the Women’s Guide to Unlocking Finance in Zambia.

Supported by the Bank of Zambia and Zanaco Bank, the meetings offered practical guidance on financial products and fostered direct engagement between women entrepreneurs and financial institutions.

Outcomes included improved understanding of financing opportunities, increased awareness of maintaining a good credit culture, and strengthened relationships with financial institutions.

Challenges identified were low digital literacy, limited knowledge of formal business processes, and the need for ongoing mentorship and support.

Recommendations for sustainable impact include follow-up training on the MCR, digital finance literacy programs, and mentorship networks.

Overall, the outreach meetings significantly advanced financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs in Zambia, bridging information gaps and improving access to finance.