Economic Empowerment and Access to Finance
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The Chakwera administration has revitalized the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as a cornerstone for inclusive economic growth, particularly targeting youth, women, and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). NEEF has been transformed into a key driver for job creation, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial development.
Since 2020, the fund has been restructured to enhance transparency, accessibility, and impact across all districts.
Problems to be solved
Limited access to affordable credit for youth, women, and small businesses
High default rates due to weak repayment culture and lack of business training
Politicization and poor governance in loan disbursement processes
Opportunities to unlock
Reformed NEEF governance structure to ensure professional management and apolitical operations
Increased loan disbursement targeting youth and women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas. Currently, NEEF has disbursed over K300 billion to over 250,000 businesses
Introduced financial literacy and business management training as a prerequisite for loan access