Status Update: May 4, 2010 Kiva is currently performing a preliminary investigation on LAPO Nigeria to answer many of the questions raised about the organization’s social mission. While Kiva has begun to receive important information from LAPO Nigeria, we've chosen to take the prudential step of pausing the institution and its subsidiary, LAPO Sierra Leone, from further fundraising on Kiva. Please see LAPO Nigeria's partner page for further information.



Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) launched its African Regional Initiative (ARI) in 2007. In March 2008, it began its operations in Sierra Leone with the primary aim of assisting a number of honest-hearted less privileged ones in the country break out of the grip of poverty, as well as expanding its operations to other African nations. This it does by doing the following:

1. Financially empowering owners of small scale businesses and micro-enterprises on affordable terms.

2. Support the development of Micro financing in the country by providing training and technical assistance to operators of micro finance.

3. Help individuals become self-dependent through access to credit in the micro finance sector.

Vision To be a first choice microfinance institution in delivering financial services while meeting the expectations of all stakeholders on a sustainable basis.

Mission To achieve the goal of economic empowerment of its target group through access to affordable financial services, delivered in a cost effective and innovative manner.

Core Values
• Innovativeness
• Integrity
• Simplicity
• Excellence
• Customer-centeredness