The path to financial freedom shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for the few, but a right accessible to all. Chilufya Mutale-Mwila, co-founder and chief visionary officer of eShandi, is on a mission to make this vision a reality across Africa.

Growing up in Zambia, Chilu witnessed firsthand how access to financial services could transform families and communities. After joining a microfinance institution as an intern, she spent six years immersed in understanding the challenges faced by small business owners in underserved communities. This experience, followed by leadership roles expanding fintech operations across Southern Africa, revealed both the power of technology and the limitations of existing financial models.

The breakthrough came when Chilu realized that combining the efficiency of technology with the personalized approach of microfinance could create something revolutionary. eShandi (meaning “mine” in local language) was born as a pan-African challenger bank putting financial power directly into customers’ hands. The company serves those often overlooked by traditional banks – market vendors, cross-border traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs who operate primarily in cash economies without formal financial records.

What makes eShandi’s approach unique is their deep understanding of customer needs. Rather than forcing digital-only solutions on communities accustomed to cash, they’ve created accessible pathways to financial inclusion. Their impact is measured in tangible success stories – women expanding from one market stand to three, entrepreneurs purchasing their first delivery vehicle, or families buying their first refrigerator.

With operations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Chilu has ambitious plans to expand eShandi’s reach and services. The vision of “banking without borders” aims to connect African entrepreneurs across national boundaries, allowing seamless transactions and expanding opportunities. By adding insurance products, remittances, and new market entries, they’re building a comprehensive ecosystem for financial empowerment.

Ready to discover how innovative financial solutions are transforming Africa’s economic landscape? Listen now to learn how eShandi is bridging the $330 billion financing gap and creating pathways to prosperity for underserved communities across the continent.

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