At Giving Assistant, we celebrate nonprofits that turn small contributions into transformative impact. Today, we’re highlighting Zidisha, a pioneering microlending platform whose very name comes from the Swahili word for “grow” or “expand.”
Zidisha connects everyday backers with entrepreneurs in developing countries directly, without intermediaries. This makes global support more personal, transparent, and effective.
🚀 What Is Zidisha?
Founded in 2009, Zidisha describes itself as the first online microlending community that directly connects backers and entrepreneurs without using local intermediary organizations. This model sets it apart from many mainstream microfinance platforms, which often rely on third-party field partners.
Here’s how it works:
- Entrepreneurs apply: Individuals post their business ideas or personal projects on Zidisha’s platform.
- Funders choose: Backers browse projects and lend directly to those that inspire them.
- Funds are disbursed quickly: Once a project is fully funded, Zidisha sends the loan amount to the entrepreneur, usually within days.
- Pay it forward: As entrepreneurs repay, funds are recycled into new projects, enabling a cycle of growth.
How Borrowing Works
Zidisha does not charge borrowers traditional interest rates. Instead, a 5% service fee is reserved from each project to cover the cost of transferring funds. Unlike some platforms, Zidisha also does not charge any service fees to backers.
Borrowers share their own stories, written in their own words, and can update backers as their projects progress. Zidisha may help translate or edit for clarity, but the voice remains authentically the entrepreneur’s.
A Direct Connection
One of Zidisha’s most unique features is its messaging system, which allows backers and entrepreneurs to communicate directly. This not only adds transparency but also builds relationships across continents. Funders can follow along as projects come to life and even exchange encouragement with the people they support.
Funding and Repayment
Projects typically fund within one day to two weeks, and once the target is met, disbursement is immediate. Repayments then help fund new entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable cycle that multiplies impact over time.
How You Can Support Zidisha
- Fund a project: Even small amounts make a difference. You can browse Zidisha’s platform and lend directly to someone whose story inspires you.
- Share entrepreneur stories: By spreading the word, you help new projects get noticed and funded faster.
💬 Why We’re Spotlighting Zidisha
At Giving Assistant, we believe in models that maximize transparency and minimize overhead. Zidisha empowers entrepreneurs to share their journeys in their own voices while giving backers a direct line of connection.
It is a model built on trust and growth, showing that even modest contributions, when recycled and repaid, can spark lasting change.To learn more or to start lending today, visit Zidisha.org.