Zambia (MNN) — Creative problem-solving is helping small Christian businesses flourish in Zambia.
The African nation’s prolonged drought and reliance on hydroelectricity present challenges for many small business owners.
Tim Landis with FARMS International says, “83 percent of the nation’s power comes from hydropower, so if they have water flowing, they have electricity. If they experience droughts, they don’t have that power source.”
Webster, a Christian business owner who partnered with FARMS International, lost money when he had to shut down his barber shop during power outages.
Thankfully, Entrepreneur Development Box training from The Full Circle – a FARMS International partner – gave Webster the leverage he needed to overcome this challenge.
Webster poses with the solar panel he purchased using a portion of his FARMS loan.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)
“Using the FARMS loan and his creative training through the EDB, he bought a solar panel, and that allowed him to keep his barber shop open during power outages,” Landis says.
“Then, he expanded his business by allowing people to come in and charge their cell phones during those power outages.”
Zambia is mainly a Christian nation, but the marketplace offers believers a chance to meet those unfamiliar with the Gospel.
“We want people to spread the love of God through their businesses.”
Not only did Webster gain valuable business skills from the EDB training, but he also repaid 80 percent of his FARMS loan. According to a recent FARMS update, he is now looking to invest in others:
Webster’s success has also created opportunities for others. He shares his business space with a local women’s salon owner. Inspired by his growth, she looks forward to applying the same principles to strengthen her own business.
FARMS’ interest-free loans help Christians succeed in small businesses and grow the local church through bigger tithes. Learn more here.
“We need people to come alongside us to see the expansion of our programs, not just in Africa, but all around the world,” Landis says.
Header and story images courtesy of FARMS International.
