We lift families out of poverty by empowering local entrepreneurs.
How many lives could your donation change?
By providing business education and microcredits, Swisshand builds functioning economic communities in some of the poorest regions of Africa.
Even $150 can completely change the life of one entrepreneur and her family.
With a little help from the outside, local entrepreneurs create a chain of economic empowerment.
The four pillars of Swisshand
Highly efficient
The Swisshand board and team members all work for free.
Except for small administrative expenses (e.g. external auditor), all funds received are invested in our activities in Africa.
Trustworthy
Swisshand is zewo-certified, which strictly regulates how our money is used.
We regularly audit and visit our partners in all countries, making sure our investments are working hard towards creating sustainable change.
Sustainable
We don’t hand out food or money - Swisshand is run like a business.
Clients receive extensive training and mentoring before and during the loan period. As a result, businesses are successful, clients escape poverty and generate a sustainable income for the benefit of their families.
Multi-use capital
More than 95% of Swisshand clients repay their loans on time. Therefore, the same money can be used for new clients multiple times.
With a little help from the outside, local entrepreneurs create a chain of economic empowerment.
What are others saying?
An interview with donors Christine & Roman Sieber. Switch on English subtitles at the bottom right of the player.
Why Swisshand?
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ACCOUNTABLE
Swisshand holds itself to high standards. This is why we are zewo-certified and publish an annual report which gives donors an excellent overview over our activies, successes, and failures. -
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VOLUNTEER RUN
While we of course pay our local partners, our entire board works on a volunteer basis. We are in this to make a change, not to make a living off of charity work. -
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TRACK RECORD
Swisshand has an excellent track record. We have provided microcredits to thousands of women over the last fifty-five years. -
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SUSTAINABLE MODEL
Microcredits are a powerful way to run a charity because they empower people to build sustainable livelihoods, creating lasting change instead of one-time aid. Our solution integrates into a capitalistic world. -
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HOLISTIC
Over the years, we have learned what it takes to make microcredit-based development work a success. Our clients are trained in bookkeeping and financial planning. This makes success much more likely, thanks to solid preparation, mentoring and peer support. -
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EMPOWERING
If you give a man a fish he eats for one day, but if you teach a woman how to run a business, she ends poverty for her entire family.
Swisshand Client
Martha, Project Coordinator Swisshand Uganda
Charles, Project Director, Swisshand Uganda
Swisshand Client with Project Coordinator Rosette
FAQ’s
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Clients are trained by our experienced local staff with years of experience. Clients are trained in accounting, financial planning and best business practices.
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They are in Switzerland! If you are from a different country, please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can support you in receiving the documentation you need for your taxes.
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Yes, they are! Most of our clients are succesful in building their own businesses and turning a profit. Once they repay the loans, they are reinvested locally.
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We have programs in Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana.
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We cooperate with local organizations (mostly small NGOs run by locals) which we select, train and supervise carefully. We are in regular contact with them and provide support and guidance whenever needed.
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Swisshand is non-discriminatory. The overwhelming majority of our clients are women due to social structures in the countries we work in.
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Swisshand clients invest in small businesses which are immediately cash-generating, such as hair salons, restaurants, small grocery stores, coal trade, second-hand clothing.