The Chingola Soweto Multipurpose Cooperative, comprising of 18 members was awarded a K10,000 CDF Empowerment Grant in October under the 2023 allocation.
The group has decided to utilize these funds as a revolving loan program, allowing members to borrow and repay with a modest interest rate, thereby ensuring the sustainability and growth of their financial resources.
The funds borrowed are reinvested back into their various businesses, fostering economic empowerment within the community. 
Ms. Mary Katongo, a member of the cooperative who sells vegetables and charcoal, expressed her gratitude, stating that the grant has been a significant blessing for her and her fellow members. “I could only afford to purchase one bag of charcoal to repack, but now I am able to buy five bags at once,” she shared.
Additionally, she has expanded her inventory to include dry foods such as kapenta and chinsense, which has substantially increased her turnover.
Another member, Mr. Terrence Chauluka, who operates a grocery shop, shared his own success story.
He previously faced challenges in transporting his stock after placing orders, but thanks to the financial support from the revolving fund, he has been able to purchase a bicycle.
“This grant has helped me tremendously in managing daily expenses at home,” he remarked.The cooperative’s treasurer, Mr. Joseph Mulenga, a tailor who has also benefited from the grant, expressed his gratitude to the government for this opportunity.
He encouraged others to apply for the CDF, emphasizing that it is a game changer. “Our cooperative is a testimony that CDF works and is accessible to all, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated. Mr. Mulenga also appealed to the government to consider increasing funding for grants to ensure a broader outreach.
He proudly affirmed that their success story is evident, as the initial K10,000 grant has now grown to K45,000 and continues to expand.
