FUTURE-PRENEURS ZAMBIA (FPSZ)

Before the project, Adrian Nsama had no practical skills and no capital to start a business. Opportunities felt distant, and self-reliance seemed out of reach. That changed when the project introduced him to structured training, hands-on mentorship, and the support of a community savings group.

Through the skills he acquired, Adrian established a small but growing enterprise focused on raising and selling tree seedlings, contributing not only to his household income but also to environmental sustainability in his community. With access to savings and financial discipline learned through the group, he diversified his income further by starting a small trade in paraffin, sold in affordable quantities to meet local demand.

Today, Adrian supports his family with dignity and confidence. His journey has transformed how he is perceived and how he sees himself. Once underestimated, he is now a respected example of determination, opportunity, and community support. His story continues to inspire many young people and women in his community to rise, lead, and thrive.

Thank you to ActionAid Zambia and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency for your invaluable support in making this possible. Your commitment continues to create meaningful opportunities and positive change in our communities.

When the Future-Preneurs Zambia team arrived in Kalumbila, it opened a door of opportunity for one aspiring woman entrepreneur who was eager to learn and take-action. Attending the training workshop organized by FPSZ became a turning point—transforming knowledge into a real, income-generating venture.

During the workshop, participants received an allowance. Instead of spending the money, this woman made a bold decision: to invest in a fruit orchard. Using the allowance, she purchased seedling and began planting lemon, mango, pawpaw, orange, and guava trees at home.

“From the same money we were given, I bought these plants to start an orchard. I am very thankful to FPSZ for the training—they really did a good job. Very soon I will start harvesting and earning income,” the participant shared with excitement.

Today, the orchard is growing, representing not just fruit trees but a future built on knowledge, initiative, and smart investment. This story highlights how even small support, when combined with the right training and motivation, can spark sustainable livelihoods and inspire entrepreneurship.

This success would not have been possible without the generous support of ActionAid Zambia and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. We are grateful for their partnership in empowering communities and transforming lives.

Josephine Nsekwila, a committed member of her Community Savings Group in Mufulira, is strengthening her small business and improving her family’s livelihood through access to affordable financing.

Already operating a shop in Kawama, Josephine wanted to increase her stock to meet customer demand and grow her income. Through the savings group, she accessed a loan of K1,000, which she invested in essential fast-selling items, including trays of eggs, sugar, and cooking oil for resale.

The added stock quickly made a difference. With more products available, Josephine attracted more customers and improved her daily sales, helping her better support her household while keeping her business active and competitive.

Josephine says the Community Savings Group has given her the support and confidence to strengthen her shop and plan for further growth. She hopes to continue expanding her business so it can reliably serve the Kawama community and provide long-term stability for her family.

Thank you to ActionAid Zambia and Sida for making this initiative possible through your continued support and partnership.

Florence, the Secretary of the Kasempa Natural Resource Governance Committee and an active member of her Community Savings Group, is demonstrating how access to small loans can create meaningful economic opportunities.

Determined to improve her income and support her household, Florence obtained a K500 loan from her Community Savings Group and invested it in a small clothing business. She carefully selected clothing items that were in demand within her community and began selling them to local customers.

Her commitment and business skills quickly paid off. After selling her stock, Florence earned a profit of K500, effectively doubling her initial investment. The success not only increased her income but also boosted her confidence as an entrepreneur.

“The loan gave me the opportunity to start something of my own. Making a profit from my first sales showed me that with determination and support, I can continue growing my business,” Florence shared.

Encouraged by this achievement, Florence plans to reinvest her earnings, expand her stock, and reach more customers. Her journey highlights the power of Community Savings Groups in providing accessible financing and empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods.

Florence’s story is a testament to how small financial opportunities, combined with hard work and determination, can lead to lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.

Thank you to ActionAid Zambia and Sida for your invaluable support in making this opportunity a reality. Your partnership continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.

Ethel Kabamba, a member of the Mufulira Community Savings Group, is proving that small opportunities can lead to meaningful progress.

With the desire to start her own income-generating activity, Ethel accessed a loan of K700 from the savings group and used it to launch a small perfume business. She selected her products and began selling within her community, focusing on quality and affordability to attract customers.

Her effort paid off. After her first round of sales, Ethel made a profit of K700, successfully doubling her initial investment. The earnings have strengthened her confidence and provided much-needed support for her personal and household needs.

Encouraged by this success, Ethel now plans to reinvest in the business, increase her stock, and expand her customer base. She believes the Community Savings Group has given her the financial boost and encouragement needed to build a sustainable livelihood.

Thank you to ActionAid Zambia, with support from Sida, for empowering communities and creating lasting impact.

When Natasha joined the Community Savings, she was driven by a simple but powerful desire to build a better future for herself and her family. What she did, she didn’t know that this decision would soon open the door to new opportunities, confidence, and financial independence.

After participating in a capacity-building training, Natasha and other members were introduced to the concept of community savings groups. With renewed motivation and practical financial skills, the group was strengthened through an empowerment fund of K7,500, giving members a real chance to turn knowledge into action.

Natasha applied for a loan of K700 from the savings group. She invested it in a small but strategic business: selling fresh vegetables, fresh maize, and fried cassava within her community.

She generated a profit of K500, proving not only the viability of her business but also her own resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The income has helped her contribute to household needs and support her family, reducing financial pressure and increasing her sense of stability and pride.

She plans to reinvest her earnings, expand her stock, and grow her customer base. More importantly, her journey reflects the wider impact of community savings groups empowering members, strengthening livelihoods, and turning small loans into meaningful change.

Natasha’s story is a reminder that when women are given access to knowledge, financial tools, and supportive community structures, they do more than improve their own lives they uplift families and inspire others to believe in what is possible.

Thank you to ActionAid Zambia and Sida for your invaluable support in making this opportunity a reality. Your partnership continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.