WAKILI : Social microfinance in Guinea
In Guinea, the poorest people, especially women, have had very little schooling. As a result, they are poorly qualified and find it very difficult to find a stable salaried job. So, to earn a living, they start their own business! From one day to the next, they start a small business, a workshop or an agricultural activity. But with no access to capital or training, they find it hard to develop and sustain the business. They need financial, technical and human support if they are to move on from a survival economy and project themselves into the future.
Comprehensive support for these entrepreneurs
In 2016, Entrepreneurs du Monde created WAKILI, which stands for “Willpower, Perseverance”, to help these vulnerable but enterprising women and men sustainably develop their income-generating activities to succeed in empowering their families and improving their well-being. This local support is deployed even in the most isolated rural communities.
2023 key figures
69%
women
24%
of agricultural loans
€228
average loan
It works !
I’ve completed several projects and I’ve got more on the way!
I’m a rice farmer… Before the arrival of WAKILI, we were in great distress. Now, my business is growing, I own a hectare of rice fields and WAKILI’s technical agricultural advisor regularly helps me to make my business a success.
I’m on my 8th loan, which I invest in my activities. My profits are growing, and I’m able to carry out other projects. I first opened a store and then built my house. Thanks to training and advice, I’m also increasing my knowledge to take care of my 6 children.
Now I’m planning to fill my store with even more products and further develop my agricultural and commercial activities.
Bountouraby Bangoura
Tailored local services
The team offers micro-entrepreneurs financial services (individual credit, regular savings), socio-economic services (training, individualized support, social referral, technical agricultural support).
WAKILI is the only social microfinance institution in Guinea to grant loans without guarantees or sureties, and to offer the opening of a free, interest-bearing savings account.
