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Credit guarantees
Partial credit guarantees help reduce lending risk for partner financial institutions, giving viable MSMEs with insufficient collateral a better opportunity to access finance.
Explore the processYOUR AMBITION. OUR COMMITMENT.
Empowering
growth.
Unlocking
opportunities.
Big ideas deserve a chance to grow. We help Zambian businesses access finance through credit guarantees and strong financial partnerships.
Opening doors for micro, small
and medium enterprises across Zambia.
Built for possibility.Growing businesses. Growing Zambia.
Progress starts
with opportunity.
Greater access
to finance
to finance
Shared risk.
Stronger partnerships.
Stronger partnerships.
Inclusive growth
across Zambia
across Zambia
A PARTNER IN YOUR POTENTIAL
Your next chapter.
Our shared purpose.
A promising business should have the opportunity to succeed.
At Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, we work with partner financial institutions to reduce lending barriers for viable micro, small and medium enterprises with inadequate collateral.
By sharing credit risk, we help open access to finance for working capital, fixed assets and business investment — supporting enterprise growth and economic participation.
Learn about our mandateUNLOCKING BUSINESS POTENTIAL
Support for your
next big step.
Practical solutions and meaningful partnerships
to help viable businesses move forward.
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Financial linkages
We help connect businesses with partner financial institutions so they can explore financing that fits their working capital, investment and expansion needs.
Find your next connection03 /
Capacity building
Through strategic partnerships, we support stronger business management, financial literacy and record keeping to help enterprises become ready for credit.
Talk to our teamFROM POSSIBILITY TO PROGRESS
A clear path.
A stronger start.
Your journey starts with a partner financial institution.
Here’s how a credit guarantee supports it.
- 01
Make your application
Approach a participating financial institution with your financing needs and a viable business proposal.
- 02
Your partner reviews
The institution assesses your business, financing requirements and eligibility for guarantee support.
- 03
We share the risk
For an eligible application, ZCGS provides a partial credit guarantee to the financial institution.
- 04
Your business moves forward
The institution finalises approval and disburses financing, subject to its lending terms.
Ready to take the next step? Start with a partner financial institution.
Ask us about our partnersOPPORTUNITY WITHOUT LIMITS
More businesses included.
More possibilities created.
We are committed to broadening access to finance, with a deliberate focus on women, young entrepreneurs and businesses in rural communities.
Our commitment to inclusionA LITTLE CLARITY GOES A LONG WAY
Your questions.
Answered.
Understand the scheme and take
your next step with confidence.
Who can benefit from a ZCGS credit guarantee?
Viable Zambian micro, small and medium enterprises that have inadequate collateral to access financing. ZCGS also focuses on underserved groups, including women, youth and businesses in rural areas.
Do I apply to ZCGS or through a bank?
Apply through a partner financial institution. The institution assesses your loan application and requests guarantee support from ZCGS where your business is eligible.
What can the financing be used for?
The scheme supports financing for working capital, fixed assets and business investments, subject to the partner institution’s assessment and lending requirements.
Does ZCGS guarantee the entire loan?
ZCGS provides a partial credit guarantee, sharing lending risk with the financial institution. The level of cover depends on the applicable agreement and facility. Your repayment obligations remain governed by your loan agreement.
What documents will I need?
Your chosen partner financial institution will provide its application checklist. Contact the institution directly to confirm the documents required for your business and financing request.