SNV Partners with Four Zambian Firms in Anti-Poverty Push

Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), through its Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund Phase Three, has signed contracts with four Zambian companies aimed at strengthening inclusive business innovations and creating sustainable impact for low-income communities.

The selected companies—Wuchi Wami, Lamish Trading, Mima Sanitation, and Fanaka Technologies—are established inclusive businesses that engage people living in poverty as customers, employees, suppliers, and distributors, while also generating commercial returns.

According to a statement issued to Money News, Wuchi Wami’s total investment stands at €624,037 with an IAP Grant of €197,630. The firm focuses on empowering communities in North-Western Province through sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly products, while promoting gender equity and environmental protection.

For Lamish Trading, total investment stands at €612,422, with the IAP Grant of €183,906, supports small-scale farmers with seed loans, premium pricing, and technical assistance to produce high-quality certified seeds, fostering a sustainable supply chain and improving farmer livelihoods.

On the other hand, Mima Sanitation provides affordable sanitation solutions through professional pit latrine emptying services and low-cost, eco-friendly chlorine tablets to improve public health and sanitation access in low-income communities, with a total investment of
€438,856 and IAP Grant of €173,543.

Further, Fanaka Technologies combines field agents and digital platforms to offer integrated financial services—micro-credit, micro-insurance, and financial literacy training—to underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. Its total Investment stands at €499,024, and IAP Grant of €193,426.

Launched in 2016, the IAP Challenge Fund identifies and supports innovative, inclusive business models that benefit people living in poverty.

The fund prioritizes businesses integrating financial inclusion and digitalization, particularly those operating in sectors such as Clean energy at household and community levels.

This includes improved and clean cooking, climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security, nutrition, and regenerative agriculture, women and youth entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, as well as water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and waste management.

The IAP Challenge Fund offers matching grants ranging from €50,000 to €200,000, covering up to 49% of total project costs, while businesses are required to co-invest a minimum of 51%.

In addition to financial support, IAP provides tailored business development services, including investment readiness support.