Maravi

(ACCION.ORG) Meet Microentrepreneurs from Africa

Meet Microentrepreneurs from Africa
Anna Leone Mushi
Mango, Tanzania
Client of ACCION partner Akiba Commercial Bank

In the small town of Mango at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Anna works tirelessly selling rice, oil, sugar and other food products out of her tiny storefront. Before owning her store, “life was miserable,” Anna explains. There was no work, and she resorted to asking for money in the street to take care of her parents and her daughter, Irene.

With a small loan from a relative, Anna began selling mangos and vegetables at the local market, but she struggled to support her family. Desperation was never far from reality—until she heard about ACCION’s partner in Tanzania, Akiba Commercial Bank.

After forming a solidarity group with several other women, Anna received her first loan of $32 and used it to buy sweets and other small retail items, quickly making a $10 profit.

With three more loans, Anna was able to buy four pigs. She now has 8 piglets and has added meat to her array of products. She is also buying in bulk at wholesale prices, and with a consistent supply of products, she is able to maintain a loyal client base.

The family’s living conditions have improved dramatically. No one is hungry and Irene goes to school. Anna laughs as she says, “the store is now so full that it’s hard to walk in it.” She looks ahead full of hope, with plans of further education for her daughter, and continued growth of her business.

Labels: ENTREPRENEURS, MICRO-FINANCE, TANZANIA

posted by MrK @ 11:30 PM