With support from the World Bank, the Western Balkan economies are making significant progress in aligning their national payment systems with EU standards as part of their accession goals.

iiDENTIFii has formed a close partnership with Zanaco to champion an identity solution relevant to the needs of Zambian consumers and citizens.

KEP Trust plans to on-lend the proceeds of the senior, unsecured loan to micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The plan is to increase financial inclusion in rural areas from the current 50 percent to 75 percent.

The initiative, known as the Debt Resolution Project, is expected to create a safety net for businesses and investors, improving access to credit, especially for small and medium enterprises.

The foundation has announced its disbursal of local-currency loans to Togo-based Assilassimé Solidarite in an amount approximately equivalent to $2.5 million and Agora Microfinance Zambia in an amount approximately equivalent to $1.2 million.

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and the UN Capital Development Fund have announced a partnership designed to bring digital financial services closer to Zambians living in remote areas across the country through Airtel Money.

The facility has been provided under IFC’s Small Loan Guarantee Program (SLGP), a programmatic approach to risk-sharing that aims to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to finance SMEs in low-income countries.

The collaboration enables UNFCU members to transfer money to mobile wallets in select countries in local currencies.

Microfinance startup Lupiya has received an investment of $1 million from a US Venture Capital fund Enygma Ventures.