Kilimanjaro, TZ – Kirua Village Community Banking group is changing group members’ Lives – Mar 2025

Kirua Village Community Banking (VICOBA) group is making steady progress by providing loans for investments to help group members engage in entrepreneurial businesses and create sustainable incomes for their families.

The VICOBA group members meet every week to collect savings, share challenges and discuss solutions. This system improves home incomes, children’s health, and happiness within the community families.

Thanks to this collaboration, many members have started small businesses to support their children with school supplies and pay school fees on time. These businesses also provide sustainable income, which contributes to food security and home improvements.

Some families have invested in businesses like a home supplies store and a banana-selling venture. These businesses have allowed members to pay off loans ahead of schedule, with lower interest rates and fewer penalties, while also benefiting from shared savings in the community fund.

Kirua members are focused on expanding their businesses, especially during the rainy season. However, poor infrastructure is a challenge that makes it difficult to access markets, limiting their ability to reach customers and grow their businesses during this time.

The VICOBA is making a positive impact, transforming lives and empowering families to engage in entrepreneurship for sustainable earning and home improvements.