LUSAKA, March, 26, 2026 — The World Bank has committed US$ 45 million to support 900 cooperatives in Zambia under the Alliance Productive Programme, implemented through the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project [ZATP] II.
ZATP Region Four Regional Facilitator, Keith Kancheya, said each cooperative will receive a US$50,000 loan under the five-year project, which is scheduled to run until 2028, to expand their businesses across the country.
Speaking during a sensitisation meeting in Luangwa District, Kancheya explained that beneficiary cooperatives will be required to contribute 40 per cent of their total project budgets, while the loan component will account for the remaining 60 per cent.
“The call for proposals is open until March 31, 2026, after which no further submissions will be accepted. There is no restriction on the number of cooperatives that can apply from any given district,” he said.
He added that allocation of funds will be based on the strength of applications rather than geographical quotas. “If one district produces more successful applicants than others, it will receive a larger share of the loans, as there are no district-based limits,” Kancheya explained.
UCS SACCO expands footprint in Malawi
Meanwhile, Malawi’s United Civil Servants Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [UCS SACCO] has officially opened a new branch in Mponela in the Central Region, marking a significant milestone in its expansion drive and commitment to financial inclusion.
The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Governor for Financial Institutions at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Henry Mathanga, underscoring the strong relationship between the regulator and the SACCO movement.
UCS SACCO Chairperson Fletcher Mhango expressed appreciation for the Deputy Governor’s presence, describing it as a demonstration of regulatory support and confidence in the cooperative sector. He also thanked the Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives [MUSCCO], other stakeholders, and the local community for their continued support.
Mhango commended staff for their dedication, noting that the SACCO’s success is built on their hard work. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strong governance, regulatory compliance and prudent supervision.
However, he highlighted challenges in accessing foreign currency, which have slowed efforts to procure a robust core banking system, and called for continued regulatory support to realise the SACCO’s automation ambitions.
General Manager Francis Waliwa outlined ambitious growth plans, targeting 500,000 members within five years, with 130,000 projected by the end of this year. He stressed the need for strong technological systems to support expansion and revealed plans to tap into diaspora markets to ease foreign exchange constraints.
He described the new Mponela branch as a symbol of digital progress and a reflection of the SACCO’s long-term vision.
MUSCCO reaffirms support
MUSCCO Chief Executive Officer Fumbani Nyangulu reaffirmed the apex body’s commitment to supporting SACCOs in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in rural communities. He praised UCS SACCO’s role in extending financial services to farmers, public servants and other groups, noting that cooperative participation can significantly contribute to Malawi’s gross domestic product [GDP].
He also commended the UCS board for prudent management and pledged continued collaboration to strengthen the sector.
Regulator applauds growth
In his keynote address, Mathanga traced the growth of SACCOs in Malawi since the 1960s, when they operated largely as village banks. He lauded UCS SACCO’s expansion, noting its presence in 28 districts, a membership of 92,000, assets worth 70 billion kwacha, and a loan portfolio of 47 billion kwacha.
He described the SACCO as “a light on a hill” and urged its leadership to maintain high standards of regulatory compliance, transparency and strong internal controls to ensure sustainability.
Mathanga also thanked MUSCCO for its oversight role and assured SACCOs of the central bank’s support in accessing foreign currency to meet their obligations without disrupting member services.
He concluded by officially commissioning the Mponela branch.
The opening marks a new chapter in UCS SACCO’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion, technological advancement and sound governance.
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