Opportunity International

Opportunity International's Mozambique’s operations began in 2005 when two existing microfinance institutions joined together in partnership with Opportunity International. With a focus on rural expansion, Opportunity Mozambique serves clients via 7 hub, 6 satellite and one container branch plus one ATM and 6 mobile bank vans with 26 stops.  

In 2012, Opportunity Mozambique achieved considerable footprint expansion, with highlights including the following 

• Installation of Opportunity Mozambique's first ATM in Maputo
• Opening of the Gurue branch in July
• Providing transformative financial literacy training
• Increasing agriculture loan clients by over 65%
• 12,553 loan clients served in 2012 with an average loan size of $164 USD. 

In 2013, Opportunity Mozambique plans to launch a container branch in Nhamatanda, increase its mobile bank fleet from six to seven, and install three new ATMs. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce cell phone banking (mobile money) by 2014. 

Thank you for being a part of our continued expansion and success in Mozambique so that Opportunity International can reach more clients and provide more financial services to those in need. Your support allows our clients to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

Although Opportunity Uganda has restricted lending to avoid over-indebting clients during the country’s macro-economic challenges, it achieved strong growth in its outreach to families with savings accounts. Much of this growth was achieved by increasing community awareness through savings drives. Opportunity Uganda:

• Boosts awareness by conducting savings drives every other Friday at alternating branches and via radio campaigns.
• Mans each drive with 60 staff members who reach out to more than 500 community members, providing information about the benefits of saving as a tool for expanding business, funding education costs and preparing for emergencies.

Opportunity Uganda is increasing outreach through the following:

• Adding additional branches in Soroti, Nansana and Mukono by year-end.
• Increasing its mobile van fleet to three vans to reach more rural and remote families.
• Funding 18 solar panel loans and 180 loans for housing repairs.

Links:

• Website

A natural entrepreneur, Vivian instinctually knew how to transform what started as a table-top slipper display into a larger stall situated in a better location. “I always had a sense of what would sell in my community and how to display it nicely. I approach business with a positive attitude and a spirit of hard work.” What she lacked, however, was the capital to make it happen.

Today, selling a variety of supplies that she thoughtfully selects and displays to fill the needs of her community, Vivian uses her natural business skills coupled with strategically invested loans and training to operate a thriving business. Vivian is investing her eighth loan of $518 to purchase a freezer that will allow her to sell cold foods and beverages. 

As a result of her partnership with Opportunity Ghana, Vivian testifies that her life has taken a whole new direction. “I thank God for leading me to OISL to impact my life, and may the Lord richly bless them in return.”