Conversations with the Dreamers: Dr Ethel Mupambwa

Dr Ethel Chiwara Mupambwa is a Zimbabwean financial inclusion pioneer and founder of MoneyMart Finance Group, established in 2014.She holds a BCom (Hons) in Finance from NUST, is a Certified Digital Finance Practitioner (Tufts/Fletcher), and earned a Doctorate in Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship.🎯 What She Does • Leading Zimbabwe’s fastest‑growing digital microfinance group over 35 branches, ~10,000 active clients (70% women), $25 million disbursed. • Offers tailored loans from daily/weekly repayments to solar energy financing, micro‑insurance, school fees, and asset finance. • Champions digital finance, enabling clients to apply and manage funds via WhatsApp, USSD, mobile wallets, even distributing smartphones on credit.🌍 Social & Sustainable Impact • Served over 10,000 micro‑entrepreneurs (70% female) and created more than 30,000 jobs. • Distributed over 3,000 pay‑as‑you‑go solar systems, enhancing energy access and educational time in rural communities. • Actively advances UN SDGs: poverty relief (1), gender equality (5), clean energy (7), and economic growth through financial literacy and tailored financial tools.🏅 Recognition & Awards • 2020: Jack Ma’s Africa Business Heroes – 2nd Runner-Up. • 2021 & 2022: Zimbabwe Businesswoman of the Year.