Entrepreneur of the Week

Our Entrepreneur of theWeek is Ms Virginia Sibanda, founder and chief executive officer of VIRL Financial Services.

She has several years of experience in the banking sector, with a particular interest in micro and small enterprise development and financing. She works with non-profit organisations to develop a business model to reach rural communities, providing funding for economic activities and programmes that have contributed directly to social development.

Ms Sibanda has a strong background in programme design, management and implementation across multiple sectors, including microfinance and training in business skills and financial knowledge. She is also involved in developing and implementing microfinance projects.

The entrepreneur is passionate about rural development, especially the agriculture sector and community development. She is devoted to reaching the unbanked through access to finance, financial education and business development skills with a focus on small- holder farmers, women and youths. Over the years, VIRL Financial Services has developed a business model that reaches the last mile and through its five loan products, the company has been able to provide credit to rural communities for inputs and working capital.