FSD Zambia

FSD Zambia We work with public & private sector to improve access to affordable, understandable, sustainable financial services.

Financial Sector Deepening Zambia is a national nonprofit company providing information, innovation, and impact to increase financial inclusion.

Strengthening pathways to finance for agri-food enterprises.FSD Zambia joined key ecosystem stakeholders at the FinRISE ...
24/06/2026

Strengthening pathways to finance for agri-food enterprises.

FSD Zambia joined key ecosystem stakeholders at the FinRISE Business Associations Workshop Forum hosted by African Guarantee Fund (AGF), bringing together Business Associations, Fintechs, Microfinance Institutions, SACCOs, and development partners to explore practical solutions for improving access to finance for women- and youth-led agri-food micro and small enterprises.

The forum provided an opportunity to foster partnerships, share insights, and identify innovative financing approaches that can strengthen the resilience and growth of MSMEs across Zambia’s agri-food sector.

Through collaboration and market-driven solutions, we can build a more inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, creates jobs, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

Initial resistance to discussions on women’s financial autonomy was observed among some men in the community who were co...
21/05/2026

Initial resistance to discussions on women’s financial autonomy was observed among some men in the community who were concerned about changes to traditional roles. However, as they were engaged through dialogue, it became clear that promoting joint decision-making benefits the whole household. When men understood that shared financial decisions lead to better planning, reduced household conflict, and stronger financial stability for families, acceptance and participation gradually increased.

21/05/2026

The newly launched Standard Mobile Money Agent Training Manual reinforces the importance of professionalism, ethics, compliance, and customer trust across the agent ecosystem.

Agents today are not just handling transactions they are:
✔ Supporting digital commerce
✔ Enabling financial access
✔ Protecting consumers
✔ Strengthening trust in digital finance
✔ Supporting national financial inclusion goals

Professionalising the agent network helps build a safer, stronger, and more resilient digital payments ecosystem for all.

Traditional leaders continue to serve as trusted voices within communities, shaping how households approach financial de...
19/05/2026

Traditional leaders continue to serve as trusted voices within communities, shaping how households approach financial decision-making and cooperation. By publicly endorsing joint household financial decision-making, they help shift long-held norms and encourage more inclusive, collaborative financial practices between partners.

Their influence goes beyond guidance, it builds trust, reduces resistance to change, and strengthens community acceptance of new behaviours.

Working through these respected local structures has proven essential in driving sustainable norm change and ensuring that financial inclusion efforts are embraced at scale within rural communities.

18/05/2026

Last week’s launch of the Standard Mobile Money Agent Training Manual by Payments Association of Zambia was a success, marking an important milestone in strengthening Zambia’s digital financial ecosystem and advancing responsible financial inclusion.

During the launch, Mwaka Miyanda, Project Manager at FSD Zambia, delivered remarks on behalf of CEO Mrs. Lillian Chilongo Kangwa, highlighting the transformative role mobile money has played in increasing financial inclusion across Zambia, particularly for rural communities, smallholder farmers, market traders, women, and youth.

The remarks also emphasised the important role mobile money agents play as the frontline of the financial system and the need to strengthen professionalism, ethics, operational standards, and consumer protection across the sector.

The launch reflected a shared commitment among regulators, providers, industry associations, and development partners toward building a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital financial future for all Zambians.

Yesterday, 14 May 2026, marked an important milestone for Zambia’s digital financial ecosystem as the Payments Associati...
15/05/2026

Yesterday, 14 May 2026, marked an important milestone for Zambia’s digital financial ecosystem as the Payments Association of Zambia, together with industry stakeholders and partners, officially launched the Standardised Mobile Money Agent Training Manual.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Denny Kalyalya, represented by the Deputy Governor - Administration, Ms. Rekha Chifuwe Mhango (DGA), emphasised that the day was not just about launching a document, "it is about strengthening the foundation of trust in Zambia’s digital economy.”

The Governor highlighted the critical role mobile money agents continue to play in expanding access to financial services across Zambia, noting that agents are:

✔ Bridging the gap between policy ambition and real-life access
✔ Supporting first-time users of digital financial services
✔ Extending services to rural and underserved communities
✔ Enabling households and businesses to participate in the digital economy

He further stressed that:

“Professionalising the agent network is not optional, it is essential to protect consumers, safeguard trust, and accelerate digital adoption.”

The newly launched Manual establishes a uniform standard of conduct, professionalism, compliance, customer protection, and operational excellence for mobile money agents across the country.

As an industry, we remain committed to building a secure, inclusive, trusted, and resilient digital financial ecosystem for all Zambians.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Bank of Zambia, ZICTA, PIA, SEC, CCPC, FIC, ZECHL, FSD Zambia, industry stakeholders, Payment Service Providers, Mobile Money Operators, partners, and all participants who contributed to this important achievement.

Together, we are strengthening Zambia’s digital economy, one agent at a time.

Savings groups have emerged as powerful community spaces that go beyond financial saving and lending. They provide trust...
13/05/2026

Savings groups have emerged as powerful community spaces that go beyond financial saving and lending. They provide trusted environments where members can openly engage in conversations about money management, household decision-making, and social norms that influence daily life.

This openness allows participants to question and gradually shift behaviours that may limit financial inclusion and equality within households. By integrating gender-transformative content into savings group sessions, the depth and reach of impact is significantly enhanced.

These discussions not only promote shared understanding and cooperation but also contribute to long-term behavioural change that extends beyond the group itself. As a result, savings groups are becoming key drivers of inclusive development and sustainable social transformation.

With support from Jersey Overseas Aid, the Improving Smallholder Farmer Resilience and Productivity in Zambia Project co...
12/05/2026

With support from Jersey Overseas Aid, the Improving Smallholder Farmer Resilience and Productivity in Zambia Project continues to shed light on the financial realities shaping smallholder livelihoods.

The endline evaluation reveals that 78% of Small holder farmers rely on farming as their primary source of income, earning an average monthly income of ZMW 1,984 against average monthly expenditures of ZMW 1,442.5. Despite agriculture remaining the backbone of household survival, 19% are classified as financially healthy.

These findings highlight a critical insight: improving productivity must go hand in hand with strengthening financial resilience. While increased agricultural output is essential, it is equally important to equip farmers with the financial tools, knowledge, and protection needed to translate income into long-term stability.

Through strategic partnerships and inclusive support systems, smallholder farmers can be better positioned to build more secure and sustainable livelihoods.

For more details on this report, visit: https://www.fsdzambia.org/2026/04/28/improving-smallholder-farmer-resilience-and-productivity-in-zambia-project-endline-evaluation-report

In Chifunabuli District, financial inclusion is moving beyond access to meaningful transformation at household level.“I ...
07/05/2026

In Chifunabuli District, financial inclusion is moving beyond access to meaningful transformation at household level.

“I can now speak during budgeting without fear. My husband listens because we learned together.”

“Before, I thought savings groups were for women. Now I attend with my wife, and we plan together.”

These reflections highlight a deeper shift taking place within communities where women are gaining confidence to actively participate in household financial decisions, while men are increasingly engaging as allies in shared economic planning.

When both women and men participate equally in shaping financial choices, households become more collaborative, informed, and resilient. This is how sustainable financial inclusion is built: through strengthened relationships, shared responsibility, and changing social norms that support inclusive economic growth.

Expanding access to financial services is a critical step, but it does not fully address the realities shaping women’s f...
06/05/2026

Expanding access to financial services is a critical step, but it does not fully address the realities shaping women’s financial inclusion.

Evidence from Luapula Province highlights that the real barriers go beyond access. Deeply embedded gender, social, and cultural norms continue to influence decision-making, control over resources, and financial agency at household level.

To achieve meaningful progress, financial inclusion efforts must go further by addressing power dynamics within households through gender-transformative approaches

This shift is essential to move from access to true financial empowerment for women.

Address

NAPSA Complex Nyumba Yanga, Plot 208, Lusaka 10101
Lusaka

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+260211238747

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