Madison, WI – WorldWise Microfinance is proud to announce the launch of its newest program in Uganda, in collaboration with Nsimbi Impact. This partnership aims to empower female entrepreneurs in the Western Region of Uganda, providing them with the financial resources needed to build sustainable businesses and uplift their communities.
Nsimbi Impact is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment and leadership development among women across Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses makes it an ideal partner for WorldWise Microfinance as it expands its reach into East Africa.
“Partnering with WorldWise Microfinance aligns perfectly with our mission to provide underserved women entrepreneurs with the financial tools they need to succeed,” said Barbara Mutabazi, Founder & CEO, Nsimbi ImpactTogether. “Together, we can scale our efforts to break down the systemic barriers that limit women’s access to capital and enable them to build sustainable, thriving businesses that uplift their communities.”
Addressing Financial Barriers
The microlending program will operate in Mbarara, Uganda, a largely agricultural community located approximately 165 miles from Kampala. With around 65% of the population engaged in farming and livestock raising, access to capital remains a critical challenge for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who face significant barriers in securing financial services.
In Uganda, more than 75% of young women drop out of school before high school, with many married by the age of 18. Furthermore, 56% of married women experience domestic violence by the age of 30. Entrepreneurship offers a pathway to financial independence, yet limited access to funding often prevents women-led businesses from thriving. Through this program, WorldWise Microfinance and Nsimbi Impact seek to bridge that gap.
A Proven Lending Model for Success Now Available in Uganda
WorldWise Microfinance has funded successful group lending programs since 2010. The group lending structure brings together groups of 6 to 8 members, who receive loans simultaneously. No member can take out a subsequent loan until all members have repaid their initial loans in full. This approach fosters accountability, peer support, and financial discipline, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
By expanding financial access, the program aims to break down systemic barriers such as:
- Lack of collateral
- Limited financial literacy
- Restricted access to formal banking systems in rural areas
These obstacles often prevent women from securing the credit they need to grow their businesses. With targeted support, WorldWise Microfinance and Nsimbi Impact are committed to fostering a more inclusive financial system that empowers women entrepreneurs to succeed.
Through this collaboration, WorldWise Microfinance continues its mission of leveraging microfinance as a powerful tool for economic development. By empowering women entrepreneurs in Uganda, this initiative will contribute to lasting community growth and financial resilience.
ABOUT WORLDWISE MICROFINANCE
WorldWise Microfinance is a Madison, Wisconsin-based nonprofit committed to helping individuals develop economic self-sufficiency through small loans. Operating around the world, WorldWise Microfinance provides individuals (primarily women) who lack access to the traditional banking system with small loans. These loans help individuals lift their families from poverty by starting and running small businesses. Started as a class project at UW-Madison in 2010 with just $3000, WorldWise Microfinance now has loan programs in the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda totaling almost $500,000 in loans.For more information about WorldWise Microfinance and its ongoing work, visit www.worldwisemicrofinance.org.
