Microfinance - Village Community Banks in Tanzania

For many people in so-called developing countries, it is impossible to get even small loans from conventional banks, due to a lack bankable collateral. Therefore, many people are unable to implement their own business ideas, such as agricultural projects, crafts, or running a store/restaurant. Subsequently their life stagnates and an improvement of their living conditions is not possible.

Through their sustainable and effective concept of self-management of funds, income-generating activities can be started or expanded through the VICOBAs. The basic concept of each Village Community Bank is the same: At regular meetings, members deposit a certain amount into the savings fund. Loans are only paid for investments into income-generating activities and for education purposes. Through an insurance fund, VICOBAs also provide financial security to their members in case of immediate health and social requirements.

In the Kilimanjaro region, VICOBAs can become a member of the Kilimanjaro Village Community Banks Network (KIVINET). For them, KIVINET functions like a bank. The VICOBAs can invest their money at KIVINET, rather than depositing it at a conventional bank. The conditions for investment and lending are more favorable than at conventional banks.

Besides access to credit, the system also provide a social security system as well as empower its members through regular meetings and trainings.

Volunteers can assist KIVINET in various areas, such as training and monitoring of new and existing groups, carry out workshops in entrepreneurship, business planning, finances, management, accounting, etc., assistance in administration; networking and initiating self-help initiatives among the group members; further development and strategic planning.

Volunteers should have previous knowledge in finances, entrepreneurship, economics, micro finances or similar. Volunteers will be based at the headquarters of KIVINET in Moshi, but will be involved in activities all over the Kilimanjaro Region and also in rural areas of Tanzania.