Enabling Qapital (EQ) was founded in early 2020 with the goal of investing institutional funds sustainably and with attractive returns, guided by the mission of 'Moving Money to Meaning'. Since then, EQ has experienced remarkable growth and now manages assets worth 700 million US dollars with over 50 employees in the areas of Private Debt/Microfinance, Access to Energy, and Clean Cooking. Enabling Qapital is B-Corp certified and collaborates with over 150 microfinance and clean cooking companies, thereby reaching more than 400,000 small and micro-entrepreneurs across over 45 emerging countries.

Amid the bustling villages of rural Kenya, individuals like Mary Malelu embarked on entrepreneurial journeys, striving to make ends meet with limited resources. Despite her perseverance, she faced challenges accessing the financial resources she needed to expand her ventures.

At EQ, we strongly believe that Earth Day should be celebrated every day. More than just a corporate goal, it's a way of life, a shared passion, and a collective responsibility we’ve all set out to embrace as best we can.  

Enabling Impact in Indonesia
Voices of Change: Mrs. Nur | Esta Dana Ventura

In Gunung Sindur, West Java, Mrs. Nuridah (Mrs. Nur), and her husband Pak Mahmud faced a significant challenge when he lost his job in 2022. Determined to provide for their family and support their daughter's university education, Mrs. Nur decided to utilize her knitting skills to start a knitting bag-making business. With the help of a business capital loan and training from Esta Dana Ventura (EDV), she transformed her passion into a thriving enterprise.

Why Enabling Qapital?

I've been closely monitoring Enabling Qapital since its inception, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by its exceptional team and their profound expertise in impact investing within emerging markets. Collaborating with a Swiss Firm, which boasts a network of local professionals spanning over 10 developing countries, presents an unparalleled opportunity for both my investors and me.

Embark on the journey of Armando, a lettuce producer, as he navigates the world of agriculture with FACES by his side. Witness how their support has helped him overcome obstacles and achieve success in his rural entrepreneurship endavors.

Enabling Impact in Ecuador
Voices of change: Alexandria Garcia | Faces

At EQ, we are dedicated to fueling growth that makes a lasting impact. Through our partnership with FACES, a leading financial institution in Latin America, we’ve had the privilege of supporting microentrepreneurs like Alexandria Garcia, whose inspiring journey shows how small beginnings can lead to substantial business success.

Enabling Impact in Tajikistan
Voices of Change: Oisha Madalieva | Humo

Oisha Madalieva aspired to pursue a career in IT, but faced significant obstacles in Tajikistan. The country's IT sector had low female employment rates, and education costs were prohibitively expensive for her. 

Enabling Impact in Ecuador

Voices of Change: Galapagos Flores | Produbanco

At EQ, we focus on providing capital that drives sustainable development. One of our key success stories is Galapagos Flores, a leader in Ecuador’s flower industry for over 30 years. Through our partnership with Produbanco, we’ve helped Galapagos Flores expand and contribute to local communities while reaching international markets.

SME loans are tailored to meet the financial requirements of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a pivotal sector renowned for fostering substantial employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital outlays, while also driving industrial growth in rural locales. With their substantial contributions to domestic production, marked increase in export revenues, and operational adaptability, SMEs play a key role in a country's development.

Abishov Razim Husan, a valued customer of AccessBank CJSC’s Barda branch, resides in Gapanli village, Tartar region, where he manages a family-run animal breeding business with his three sons. Facing challenges in obtaining funding from other banks due to the front-line location of his village, Abishov turned to AccessBank in 2011 for support in expanding his household.

Enabling Qapital (EQ) is actively engaged in more than 50 Emerging Markets. Since the inception of EQ, each business year begins with a planning session in which the past is reviewed, and different scenarios for the upcoming year are discussed and planned for. The aim is to be as well-prepared as possible for whatever changes may occur, recognizing that in Emerging Markets, change is the only constant.

What an inspiring week at #AFIForum 2024 in Bangkok!

During our recent field trip with investors and partners, one of the highlights was the invitation to the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi. We had the privilege of attending a Dinner hosted by Valentin Zellweger, the esteemed Swiss Ambassador, and Dr. Steve Tharakan, Deputy Head of Mission.

We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives and communities. As we celebrate the International Day of Education 2024, we seize this opportunity to underscore our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. This year’s theme, ‘Learning for Lasting Peace,’ resonates deeply with our mission.

Enabling Impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Voices of Change - SMG SA – Ms Mamie

Société de Microfinance Guilgal (SMG SA) is a microfinance institution operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 2020, following the transformation of COOPEC GUILGAL created in 2012, SMG SA currently has nine branches across six provinces. The institution aims to provide financial services to individuals and small businesses that lack access to traditional banking services.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) kicked off in Davos on January 15th, 2024. One of our Co-founders and Managing partners, Remo Oswald attended the House of Switzerland panel discussion on financing just transitions. 

Chandrani Podder, Subhojeet Chatterjee, Elisabetta Bertotti, and Abdul Rehman Ijaz are gearing up for AFIFORUM – Asia Financial Institutions Forum!

In the dynamic economic landscape of Azerbaijan, the story of ART RIGHT LLC stands out as a testament to AccessBank’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. Gurbanov Tariyel, the founder of ART RIGHT LLC, embarked on his journey with AccessBank on September 14, 2017. At that time, Tariyel was involved in food sales with his father, and started with a modest business capital of AZN 15,000.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Annah Mumbe's Journey with Yehu

Annah's First Steps Towards Financial Empowerment

In the ever-evolving finance landscape, our commitment to “Moving Money to Meaning” propels us to invest strategically, to drive impact on both financial and social fronts. Acknowledging the significance of ensuring gender equity, we are applying a gender lens to our internal processes and investments, taking steps to foster a more inclusive global financial ecosystem.

At Enabling Qapital, we're committed to monitoring the progress of microfinance institutions and celebrating the success stories of entrepreneurs they support. Witnessing the improvement in the well-being of micro-entrepreneurs is integral to the impact we strive to achieve. Recently, we had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Nelson Mwangi, owner of a thriving small shop in Kangemi, Nairobi County, through our collaboration with Sidian Bank.

As we approach the new year, let’s reflect on the impactful journey of 2023 at Enabling Qapital. Thanks to our team and partners for contributing to a world where investment empowers people and embraces the planet!

Reflecting on an extraordinary End-of-Year call at EQ! We didn’t just celebrate wins; we savored the sweet taste of success, toasted to our shared victories, and reminisced about the incredible journey that brought us here.

Enabling Impact in Cambodia
Voices of Change - Chhoeun Sokha | Chamroeun

In the heart of Siem Reap province, Cambodia, meet Chhoeun Sokha, a dedicated farmer who has transformed her life through the cultivation of cassava and rice. 

Why Enabling Qapital?​

I was drawn to Enabling Qapital’s dedication to social impact investing and their commitment to effecting positive change globally. The company’s proficiency in emerging markets is particularly appealing, and I am confident that joining EQ could offer me invaluable experience and skills in this domain.​

CENTRAL AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN MICROFINANCE NETWORK (REDCAMIF) is bringing together leaders and experts at the Regional Forum on “Strengthening the value proposition of financial inclusion for women.” SMT and Co-Founder Chuck Olson will be a panelist at this impactful event, in collaboration with FinEquityALC, Andares Mujeres, FinDev Portal, and National Networks.

Why Enabling Qapital?​

I chose EQ because it focuses on investing in Micro Finance Institutions, which increase financial inclusion for low-income individuals, and small and medium enterprises mainly in developing countries. Working for EQ will enable me to have a positive impact on people’s lives..

As the world gears up for COP28, the significance of addressing climate change becomes more pronounced than ever. Amid global efforts, let’s delve into microfinance’s often-overlooked yet powerful role in the battle against climate challenges.