Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are savings groups that are self-managed by the members. The core objectives of these groups are to provide a safe environment for members to save money through purchase of shares, and access small loans. This case study is presented by UNCDF partner Ensibuuko Tech Limited, a Ugandan Financial Technologies company (FinTech) established in 2014 that enables digital access of affordable and relevant financial services to unbanked communities.
Impact / Outcome
Over the years, Ensibuuko has built a successful business in digitalizing Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) through a microfinance platform (Mobis), and established a thriving ecosystem
of services for SACCOs including integration to mobile money systems and other payment platforms.
Through this effort, the organization has reached 68 SACCOs with at least 122,000 beneficiary accounts in 30 districts across Uganda. In 2017, taking into account the opportunities presented by VSLAs as well as the existing needs for digitalization, Ensibuuko, with the support of the USAID Feed the Future, expanded their portfolio to include Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). Ensibuuko adopted a Human Centered Design
methodology to build a unique set of tools for VSLAs.
Funding sources
Public-private combination
Key Metrics
Number of digitalized VSLAs
Operating model
Public-private partnershipYear published
25 March 2021 
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Government and other public sector