Small loans in Khartoum

Oxfam works with local partners and women’s groups in some of the poorest areas of Khartoum, supporting microfinance projects – small loans that give people the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty.

While the centre of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital city, has experienced massive growth and development over the past few years, many communities in the sprawling suburbs still live in grinding poverty. There are few opportunities to earn an income, no regular supply of electricity or water, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Under the microfinance initiative, community members come up with a business idea, then apply for a loan to help turn the idea into reality. They receive in-kind equipment and support – usually worth a few hundred dollars – and gradually repay the loan as they start to make a profit.

According to Salwa Marhoum, Oxfam’s project officer, “They have the ideas, and the determination to make them succeed. But these are very poor areas and people have few savings – what they lack is the capital to get their businesses started. That is where we can help. Gradually, they can make the money they need to send their children to school, build a new home, or improve the lives of their families.”

Many poor communities are unable to access loans from banks and other formal institutions. Oxfam also advocates to increase their access to credit.

Photos: Alun McDonald/Oxfam

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items are from between 15 Dec 2008 & 21 Dec 2008.