Regional Project

Financial Inclusion and SME Promotion for Employement and Resilience in Southern Africa (2026 - 2028)

A new DSIK project is bringing together African and German partners to strengthen financial inclusion, small and medium-sized enterprises, employment and economic resilience across Southern Africa. Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project orientation phase will operate in Zambia, Malawi and Namibia from August 2026 to July 2028.

The project aims to contribute to stronger, more inclusive and socially equitable economies. Small and medium-sized enterprises will receive support to improve their business skills, access financial services, manage climate-related risks and create sustainable jobs. Households will benefit from practical financial education that supports informed decision-making and greater resilience to economic shocks. Particular attention will be given to women, young people and people with low incomes.

Partnership is at the heart of the project. In Zambia, DSIK will continue its long-standing cooperation with the Bank of Zambia, alongside financial-sector organisations, vocational training providers, universities, civil society and business networks. In Malawi, the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the Malawi Microfinance Network, financial institutions, universities and community organisations will support financial education, responsible finance and enterprise development. In Namibia, cooperation with Agribank, vocational training centres, academic institutions and government partners will strengthen sustainable finance, entrepreneurship and practical skills development.

Three German partner Sparkassen will contribute practical banking knowledge: Kreissparkasse Esslingen-Nürtingen for Zambia, Sparkasse Schwaben-Bodensee for Malawi and Kreissparkasse Saarlouis for Namibia. They will make qualified employees available for short-term assignments, support delegations and provide technical advice tailored to local needs. This exchange will strengthen professional expertise, institutional relationships and knowledge transfer between African and German partners.

By combining local ownership with regional cooperation and international expertise, DSIK and its partners aim to create practical and lasting solutions for inclusive and sustainable economic development across Southern Africa.