SEVI: Revolutionizing Small Shop Financing in Africa

In this episode Gea and Bill talk with Walter aan de Wiel, a Dutch entrepreneur who co-founded SEVI, a business providing stock financing to small shops in Kenya and other developing countries. These small shops, often no larger than a square meter, struggle with the lack of credit and must pay upfront for their stock. Sevi allows them to purchase on credit, benefiting from bulk discounts and deliveries, which improves their efficiency and profitability.Walter blends technology with personal relationships, leveraging local salespeople to build trust with shop owners before introducing them to Sevi's platform. The business model has been successful in reducing default rates and offering ethical, low-interest loans, as opposed to informal and unjust lending systems.Walter's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by a prophecy about working in Africa, leading him to study and work in countries like Kenya and Kosovo. Despite setbacks like COVID-19, Sevi grew rapidly after 2021. Walter emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and an open mind to new opportunities, even in challenging times.The promised link to the book 'Operating in the Courts of Heaven' by Robert Henderson.