Minster of Finance unveils 253.1 billion Budget
While artificial intelligence has undoubtedly revolutionized the world of image creation, it also raises important questions.
45 direct jobs preserved, with more than 25,000 jobs projected through supported enterprises.
Powering inclusive growth though Risk-Sharing Guarantees.
Enabling growth through strategic partnerships and innovative financial solutions.
Partner with ZCGS to expand access to financing and drive business growth.
45 direct jobs preserved, with more than 25,000 jobs projected through supported enterprises.
Small and Medium Enterprises are vital to Zambia’s economic growth, yet many struggle to access affordable finance. At ZCGS, we are committed to reducing lending barriers by providing credit guarantees that support viable businesses. Through strong partnerships, we are expanding access to finance and driving inclusive economic participation.
GUARANTEED Loans
SME's
PRESERVED
ISSUED
We provide credit guarantees and strategic partnerships that help viable businesses secure the funding they need to grow.
We provide partial credit guarantees through partner financial institutions to support viable MSMEs that lack sufficient collateral. This reduces lending risk and improves access to finance.
We connect MSMEs to appropriate partner financial institutions based on their financing needs, helping businesses secure suitable loan facilities for growth and expansion.
We collaborate with strategic partners to strengthen business management, financial literacy and record keeping, improving the credit readiness and sustainability of MSMEs.
Our credit guarantee model helps viable MSMEs access finance through structured partnerships with financial institutions.
Submit your application through a participating financial institution with a clear and viable business proposal.
The financial institution carefully reviews your proposal to assess viability, risk profile and financing suitability.
If eligible, ZCGS provides a partial credit guarantee to share lending risk with the partner institution.
With the guarantee in place, the loan is approved and funds are disbursed to support business growth.
1
Submit your application through a participating financial institution with a clear and viable business proposal.
2
The financial institution carefully reviews your proposal to assess viability, risk profile and financing suitability.
3
If eligible, ZCGS provides a partial credit guarantee to share lending risk with the partner institution.
4
With the guarantee in place, the loan is approved and funds are disbursed to support business growth.














Viable Zambian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that have inadequate collateral to access financing on their own. ZCGS also has a deliberate affirmative focus on underserved groups, particularly women, youth, and businesses in rural areas.
ZCGS provides partial credit guarantees, sharing default risk with the lending bank rather than covering 100% of the loan. Based on publicly reported partnership terms (e.g. the FNB Zambia agreement), guarantees typically cover up to 50% of net losses on qualifying MSME loans. Worth confirming the current standard percentage with ZCGS directly, as it can vary by Partner Financial Institution.
You apply through a Partner Financial Institution (PFI) — that is, a commercial bank, microfinance institution, or non-banking financial institution that has signed an agreement with ZCGS (e.g. Stanbic Bank, FNB Zambia). The bank assesses your loan application and, if your business is viable but you lack sufficient collateral, requests guarantee cover from ZCGS on your behalf. You do not apply to ZCGS directly.
Loans for working capital, fixed assets, and business investments extended to eligible MSMEs by Partner Financial Institutions.
The guarantee is designed to enable access to more affordable financing on terms negotiated between ZCGS and Partner Financial Institutions, since the bank takes on less risk. However, the final interest rate is set by the lending bank based on its own credit assessment — the guarantee improves your chances of approval and can support better pricing, but it doesn't fix or automatically reduce the rate. Recommend confirming exact wording with ZCGS for the FAQ.
Because the application goes through your chosen Partner Financial Institution, the documents required are those requested by that bank. Typically these include: a valid business registration certificate, tax registration (TPIN), KYC documents for directors/owners, a business plan or project proposal, recent financial statements or management accounts, bank statements, and cash flow projections. ZCGS's site doesn't publish a specific document checklist — you may want to either get one from ZCGS or simply direct applicants to consult their PFI.
While artificial intelligence has undoubtedly revolutionized the world of image creation, it also raises important questions.
The Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme (ZCGS) is delighted to announce its new partnership with Stanbic Zambia Bank solidified during an
On this special occasion of Farmer’s Day, we celebrate your dedication, resilience, and your contributions to our nation’s growth and
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