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.

Together with our partners, investors, and team members from Ecuador, we had the honor of meeting Marianne Jenni, the Swiss Ambassador to Ecuador.

In the world of impact investing, making informed decisions is crucial to ensure that capital is channeled into initiatives that create a positive and lasting difference. A key aspect of this decision-making process involves conducting thorough due diligence to gain deeper insights into the organizations and individuals being supported. Recently, two of our investment analysts in Pakistan, Aastha Dawani and Abdul Ijaz embarked on a due diligence trip in Pakistan, where they had the opportunity to visit MFIs and meet with end clients. This journey offered them a unique perspective on the impact of EQ’s investments and provided valuable lessons on the power of financial inclusion in a developing nation.

Our time at LuxFLAG Sustainable Investment Week (#LSIW23) allowed us to connect with industry leaders, share perspectives, and contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Finance.

Why Enabling Qapital?​

I applied to Enabling Qapital because its impact investment focus aligns with my vision of the private sector playing a crucial role in enhancing social, economic, and environmental aspects. The company’s commitment to financial inclusion resonates with my social awareness, especially as a citizen of Ecuador. I’m excited about EQ’s projects, such as the Spark+ Africa Fund, positively impacting societies like Africa through modern household energy access. In essence, I am drawn to EQ’s dedication to social responsibility and creating value by investing in high-impact projects for community well-being.​

Enabling Impact in Cambodia
Voices of Change: Mr. Horn Kong | Chamroeun

Mr. Horn Kong, aged 59, and his wife Kul Theara, aged 58, reside in Ou Ta Kam Pir Village, Toul Ta Ek commune, in the Battambang Province of Cambodia. They have been acquainted with Chamroeun Microfinance Plc for nearly a decade since Chamroeun established its first office near their home.

Resilient Harvests: How Smart Agriculture Transformed a Sri Lankan Tea Plantation

We are committed to supporting organizations that drive positive change and make a significant impact in the world of microfinance. Kashf Foundation is a remarkable addition to Enabling Qapital’s portfolio.

As part of our commitment to education and knowledge sharing, we are excited to announce that, one of our esteemed Co-Founders and SMT Member Remo Oswald, serves twice a year as a guest lecturer at FHNW School of Business, sharing insights on how microfinance works in practice. This lecture is a part of the CAS Sustainable Finance course module Sustainable Investing, aimed at equipping participants with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of finance.

Recent Central Bank language as well as early economic indicators are clearly pointing towards a state of global interest rates remaining higher for longer, somewhat in opposition to previous market consensus and futures forward pricing. I joined a recent session where our portfolio management has shared its views on what that means for the microfinance industry and its return perspectives as a whole.

At EQ, addressing the risk of greenwashing isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to credibility and transparency. Our meticulous approach guides our strategies, aligns our team, and ensures our impact fund communications go beyond industry best practices. Explore how we steer through the challenges, making continuous strides in demonstrating tangible impacts and evolving alongside regulatory landscapes.

The African Microfinance Week, often referred to as SAM (Semaine africaine de la microfinance), stands as the largest conference dedicated to inclusive finance in Africa. Held in a different African country every two years, this extraordinary five-day event brings together up to 900 professionals in the inclusive finance sector from across the globe. SAM week 2023, was held in Lomé (Togo) from 16-20 October 2023, and some members of our investment team based in Kenya had the opportunity to attend.

Why EQ?

EQ’s mission is highly inspiring due to its essential positive influence on emerging markets, particularly in the context of the Central Asian region.

Our recent expedition to Sri Lanka uncovered the nation’s unwavering spirit in the face of challenges. Our Asia team conducted due diligence, visited branches and countless clients.

Enabling Impact in Kazakhstan
Voices of change: Ulzhas Agatayeva | Solva

At Enabling Qapital, we are inspired by success stories like that of Ulzhas Agatayeva, an enterprising woman from Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and a valued end client of one of our partner microfinance institution, Solva.

Why EQ?

EQ offers a platform for fostering a sustainable and positive impact in developing nations.