Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Partner description:

Assilassimé Solidarité (“Hand in Hand” in Ewe, the local language) is a nonprofit microfinance institution in Togo founded in 2012. The organization is distinguished in the Togolese microfinance landscape because it offers services only to vulnerable individuals in the Lomé area, particularly unbanked individuals, the disabled, single mothers, sex workers, people living with HIV, and widows.

Assilassimé also uses a unique lending model: group loans with individual responsibility. This model emerged because group liability can cause tension between borrowers, to the exclusion of some of the most vulnerable potential clients. In addition to credit, the organization offers savings and business development training. It prides itself on offering individualized support and business development coaching, convenient group meeting points, and transparent pricing.

Assilassimé offers two loan products: the “Coup de pouce” or “Boost” loan, a very small loan designed to support startup businesses at a reduced interest rate; and the “Aménovi” or “Brotherhood” loan structured to support established businesses. The type of loan product, amount, and repayment term are all tailored to the needs of individual borrowers irrespective of the terms and amounts accepted by fellow borrowing group members. All of these loan products are combined with training and customized business management support.

To reach the populations where it can make the most impact, Assilassimé works with a number of NGOs in Togo. These include organizations that support HIV patients, disabled individuals, marginalized women, and more. Sometimes, to make borrowing even easier for clients, Assilassimé has staff meet with them at other NGO offices.

Kiva loans made through Assilassimé help some of Togo’s most vulnerable people, including the very poor, to start or grow businesses and establish stable livelihoods.