Here is the story I wrote about our client, Andre Mbar Tine, in Dakar:
Dear Lenders,
My name is Paige Klunk, and I am currently a Client
Relationship Manager in Dakar. I met with Andre last week in his home in
Parcelles Assaines. Andre has been a member of Zidisha for three years. He is
currently repaying his second loan and serves as a Coach Bénévole. He lives in
Parcelles Assaines Unité 16 with his wife and son.
Andre works in the business of selling alcohol from his
home. He knows red wine is undoubtedly the most popular with the Senegalese. He
often imports red wine from Guinea Bissau because it is less expensive. He imports five cartons of red wine at a time
which comes with twelve bottles in a carton. Andre pays 15,000 XOF for the
carton plus the transportation, which is roughly 3,500 XOF. The total cost is
for each carton is 18,500 XOF. If the carton arrives safely in Dakar, he can
resell each bottle for 2,000 XOF. Each carton he sells for a total of 24,000
XOF. Andre says the returns are minimal right now but he is optimistic with his
future endeavors.
Andre is currently in the process of obtaining a license to
sell liquor. Even though it is a lengthy process, he affirms that in time he
will reap from the benefits. After obtaining the license, he is planning to
open a boutique nearby his home. Once he opens the boutique, he knows his
revenues will increase. His plans do not stop with having his own boutique, he also wishes to start his own taxi business.
Andre could not say thanks enough for what the Zidisha loan
has done for him and his family. Investment in his entrepreneurial activities,
Andre explained has allowed him to be able cover family expenditures that they
were unable to cover previously. Not only has it increased his family's
financial capacity but it has provided Andre with the personal satisfaction of
working autonomously. He said he could not praise Zidisha lenders enough for
giving him with the opportunity to start his own business and work for himself.
Sincerely,
Paige Klunk
Senegal Client Relationship Manager
Zidisha Inc
Andre sitting in his living room.
Andre's apartment building in Pacelles Assaines Unite 16.
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