Wakili

Wakili helps vulnerable but enterprising women and men to develop their businesses sustainably in order to escape poverty. In recent years, this support has been rolled out to rural communities in the most isolated areas.

Economic and social inclusion

Guinea

A unique social microfinance initiative in Guinea

In Guinea, the poorest people, especially women, have had very little schooling. As a result, they have few skills and find it difficult to find stable, paid employment. So, to earn a living, they start small businesses, workshops, or agricultural activities overnight. But without access to capital or training, they struggle to develop their businesses and escape from a subsistence economy.

In 2016, Entrepreneurs du Monde created Wakili, which means “Willpower, Perseverance,” to help these vulnerable but enterprising women and men sustainably develop their income-generating activities and escape precariousness. Over the past few years, this local support has been rolled out to rural communities in the most isolated areas. They now represent two-thirds of beneficiaries.

The team offers micro-entrepreneurs financial services (individual credit and savings) and socio-economic services: training, individualized support, social referencing, and technical agricultural support.

Wakili is the only social microfinance institution in Guinea that:

grants loans without collateral or guarantees
offers free, interest-bearing savings accounts
physically deploys all of its services within communities, even the most remote ones.

A vital need for support to succeed in a difficult socioeconomic context

Since 2021, Guinea has been undergoing a political transition to civilian rule, scheduled for completion in 2025. The national context remains marked by a fragile economic situation and restricted civic space.

In 2024, the country faced high inflation (around 10%) and fuel and electricity supply difficulties, exacerbated by the explosion of the main oil depot in Conakry.

In this context, many young people are seeking to improve their future prospects, sometimes by migrating. Wakili supports the most vulnerable people to strengthen their capacities and promote their economic and social integration.

A real impact thanks to a committed and determined team

In 2024, Wakili expanded its activities to the forested region of Guinea in the south of the country. It also set up two school canteens in the Moussayah area, providing both stable outlets for farmers and healthy food for students. It has also committed to a climate plan and to preventing gender-based violence and inequality, with the aim of becoming a leading model organization in these areas.

17 853 beneficiaries
78 % are women
84 % say they are better equipped to deal with life's uncertainties

Testimonial

Mamadama Sylla, who was financially supported by her brother for a long time, has gained her independence and is looking ahead to the future.

portrait d'une bénéficiaire de wakili devant son étal en extérieur

I grew up in agriculture and small business with my parents. For a long time, my brother supported me financially. After his death, I joined Wakili and restarted my business. Today, I sell 2 tons of rice per month and 5 bags of sugar every two weeks. Thanks to training, I have learned to manage my money better and to save. My business allows me to help my customers in turn with small loans. My next goal is to rebuild the roof of my house and open my own shop.

Mamadama Sylla