100%
Women
90%
Rural
New
Locations
Extensive Training & Support

MicroLoan Foundation is expanding into South Africa in 2025 and are currently in the process of securing an operating license.



The geographical expansion of MicroLoan Foundation into South Africa aims to maximise our impact on women in the region, diversify risks, and capitalise on economies of scale. South Africa presents a significant opportunity for MicroLoan to make a meaningful difference. 18.2 million people living in extreme poverty, predominantly in rural areas. Despite being one of the more advanced economies in sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa is also one of the most unequal. The need for financial services among the rural poor, particularly women, is extensive. MicroLoan’s mission is to bridge this gap, and we are well positioned to do so. Our team has extensive experience and knowledge of the South African microfinance market. The first branch will be established in the western part of KwaZulu Natal in 2024. Building on our proven model from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, we will tailor our approach to fit South Africa's unique needs.

Board Of Directors

Mateo Zanetic - Director

Read Bio

Mateo Zanetic

Director

Medha Wilson - Director and Group CEO

Read Bio

Medha Wilson

Director and Group CEO

Branch Locator

Success stories

In November 2018, Bertha was running a modest grocery stall in a Zambian market. Her stall, while providing for her family, was subject to the challenges of seasonal weather. During the rainy season, Bertha often had to shut down her… Read more

Read more

If you are seeking a loan, please contact our teams in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe or South Africa.

    We do not currently operate outside of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe so you are not eligible for a loan at this time. If you would like to speak to a member of our team: contact@mlf.org.uk

    Mateo Zanetic

    Director

    Regional Director and Chief Executive Officer Zimbabwe, Board of Directors Zambia

    Mateo Zanetic is the Regional Director of MicroLoan Foundation. In his current role he is responsible for operations management, which includes providing hands-on support to MLF CEOs in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mateo serves on all three MLF subsidiaries. His responsibilities include providing guidance and troubleshooting in areas related to expansion to new operational areas and products, development of annual budgets and setting of performance targets for operational staff. Mateo heads the Social Performance Management function and is responsible for developing the evolving SPM framework and the reporting of SPM findings to both internal and external stakeholders. Currently, Mateo also serves as a CEO of MLF Zimbabwe.

    Mateo has an extensive background in microfinance operations in Southern Africa, specifically in scale-up of activities, integrating social performance in operational decision-making and in people management.

    He holds a degree in Management Accounting and Corporate Finance from Wits University.

    Medha Wilson

    Director and Group CEO

    Medha Wilson is the Chief Executive Officer at MicroLoan Foundation. In her current role she oversees the activities of MicroLoan’s operations in Africa and is responsible for developing the overall strategy of the Group. She serves on the board of the three MicroLoan subsidiaries in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    Medha has extensive experience in financial inclusion in both senior operational and investment management roles in emerging and frontier markets, across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her expertise also includes establishing and scaling-up of greenfield operations, turnaround of struggling entities and governance. She also has considerable experience in engaging with a broad range of social and impact investors.

    Medha is a Qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a degree in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics from The London School of Economics.