Top 5 loan apps for MWK100,000 in Malawi

Your phone lights up: “Balance too low for transaction.” Again. As you’re mentally calculating how to stretch the last kwacha for the week, another message pops up: the reminder about the kids’ school fees, which are due in two days. The stress mounts and it’s not even 8 a.m. yet. In Malawi, where nearly 80% of households face income gaps between paychecks, these financial dilemmas are everyday realities, not rare events. What if you could solve these problems using the same device that delivered the bad news? 

In a country where just under half the adult population is unbanked, mobile loan apps are rewriting the rules on who can access credit. With most loans approved within minutes, it’s no wonder that over 7million Malawians are turning to their phones for instant relief.

But not all loan apps serve the right purpose — ease up financial burden. Some charge sky-high fees, others have hidden terms, and a few are downright unreliable. So, which ones can you really count on when your next financial crisis hits? We’ve reviewed the top five loan apps in Malawi that deliver customers quick, fair, and trustworthy loans.

Also read: How to get a lending license in Malawi

What are the requirements for a MWK100,000 loan?

Before you can apply for a MWK 100,000 loan through any of the loan apps listed below, it’s essential to have a few basic requirements ready. These help the lender verify your identity and evaluate your ability to repay. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Valid national ID

Your national ID is essential for confirming your identity, reducing fraud risks, and ensuring the loan provider knows who they are lending to. This step aligns with Malawi’s general verification policies, especially for micro-loans, and is typically non-negotiable across loan apps.

Letter of undertaking from employer

his letter acts as proof of employment, verifying your current job and your income’s reliability. Lenders may view this document as additional security, especially if they plan to work directly with your employer to deduct repayments from your paycheck. Depending on the app, this step is sometimes optional but can improve your application’s approval chances.

Pay slips

Lenders often require the last three months’ pay slips to understand your income trends and consistency. For employed people, these pay slips help lenders determine your monthly income and assess your capacity to repay the loan within the agreed terms. If you’re self-employed, you may need to provide similar income documentation, like bank statements, instead​. 

Proof of residents (water or electricity bill)

Many lenders require a utility bill, such as one for electricity or water, to confirm your residence. This document serves a dual purpose: verifying your address and establishing a stable point of contact. It’s also a way for lenders to assess the applicant’s overall financial stability and connect the person to a tangible address.

Also read: How to get started as a lender in Malawi

5 best loan apps in Malawi

Here are the five best loan apps in Malawi that can quickly lend you MWK 100,000 with minimal hassle:

Select financial services

Select Financial Services Malawi is making waves in the financial world, especially for government employees. Established on December 20, 2007, and starting operations in February 2011, this company fills a gap often ignored by traditional banks, which usually see these clients as too small or risky. They offer personal loans tailored specifically for people who might struggle to get credit from other institutions. With loan amounts up to MWK1 million and tenor ranging from 1 to 72 months, they provide the flexibility needed for their clients to manage repayments comfortably.

Chitukuko SACCO

Chitukuko SACCO, a well-established financial cooperative founded in 1986, has been serving Malawians by offering accessible, community-driven financial services, including credit. This member-owned SACCO operates democratically, allowing members from various workplaces across Malawi to pool their savings and fund each other’s loans. This approach enables Chitukuko to offer loans at lower interest rates compared to traditional financial institutions, with the added benefit of insured loans and quick, reliable service.

Chitukuko provides a range of loan options tailored to meet different financial needs. The Advance Loan is designed for immediate needs, with a 5% interest rate and a two-month repayment period, capped at MWK100,000. For more urgent expenses, the Emergency Loan offers a 4% interest rate with up to four months to repay and a maximum amount of MWK200,000.

Chitukuko also provides Material Loans for purchasing household items or building materials. This long-term loan can be repaid over 24 months, with interest rates from 3.5% to 6% and a loan limit of up to 200% of the member’s current shares. For those seeking standard financing, the Normal Loan option offers a 3.5% interest rate with up to 24 months to repay, disbursed twice a month. Finally, the Usova Loan is a short-term option, disbursed every Friday with a 4% interest rate and a six-month repayment period, capped at MWK500,000.

GreenFund

Green Fund Ltd began as a small operation with limited resources, initially able to serve only five clients. Since its establishment, however, it has steadily grown into a reputable microcredit agency in Malawi. Officially registered as a company in 2018, Green Fund Ltd secured a license from the Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2020, strengthening its status in the financial sector. By 2022, it became a member of the Malawi Microfinance Network, further enhancing its credibility and outreach.

Green Fund offers a variety of credit products tailored to empower individuals and support business growth. The Government Payroll Loan is designed for public sector employees, providing individual loans ranging from MWK250,000 to MWK2,500,000, with flexible repayment terms of 1 to 24 months. This loan aims to improve the standard of living for salaried employees in the public sector. 

Green Fund offers the Personal Business Loan for small-scale business owners. This loan requires at least six months of business operations, a recent profit and loss statement, and physical collateral. Loan amounts range from MWK100,000 to MWK1 million, with a repayment period of 1 to 6 months, making it ideal for business expansion and development.

The Ufulu personal loan serves individuals who need funds for personal needs and requires collateral, such as land or house documentation, along with a payslip. Loans range from MWK100,000 to MWK1 million, with a repayment period of up to six months. Finally, Green Fund provides Private Payroll Loan for employees in the private sector, requiring a payslip and a confirmation letter from the employer. This loan also ranges from MWK100,000 to MWK1 million, with a maximum repayment period of 6 months.

Also read: How to get a DUNS number for Google Play and Apple App stores in Nigeria

FINCA Malawi

FINCA Malawi is a microfinance institution committed to empowering individuals and businesses across Malawi by offering a variety of accessible financial products, including loans, savings, and insurance. Designed to adapt to each customer’s evolving needs, FINCA ensures responsible and reliable credit services are within reach anytime, anywhere.

FINCA offers Small Enterprise Loans to small business owners, providing financial flexibility with loan amounts ranging from MWK20 million to MWK75 million. With an affordable interest rate of 4% per month and repayment terms between 12 and 24 months, this loan is designed to support sustainable business growth. To qualify, businesses must have operated for at least six months and hold a valid business license. Both companies and individual business owners between the ages of 18 and 70 are welcome to apply.

The Payroll Loan offers tailored credit from MWK500,000 to MWK 20 million for salaried employees. With interest rates between 5.5% and 6% per month, employees can enjoy a flexible repayment period of 6 to 24 months. A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the employer is required to support the application, along with proof of a confirmed monthly salary, customer ID or passport, and proof of residence. In addition to these primary loans, FINCA Malawi offers other financing solutions like Village Bank Loans, Education Loans, Business Loans, and Clean Energy Loans, covering the diverse needs of Malawians.

Saile financial services

Established in 2004, Saile Financial Services is a microfinance institution in Malawi that offers accessible credit to individuals who might otherwise lack financial support. One of Saile’s most popular products is the payday loan, targeted at employees in both private and public sectors and pensioners in need of emergency funds. These loans, ranging from MWK25,000 to MWK1,000,000, are processed quickly and disbursed within 30 minutes, with only a bank statement, payslip, and ID required. No guarantor is necessary. 

For borrowers needing more time, the Three-month Loan Scheme provides loans to employees, pensioners, and small business owners, with repayment spread across three months. Loan amounts range from MWK50,000 to MWK5,000,000. While applicants from all over Malawi are eligible, those residing outside Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Karonga need a guarantor from one of these districts.

The Six-month Loan (SML) Scheme offers longer repayment terms, giving employees and small business owners six months to repay loans from MWK30,000 to MWK2,000,000. Applicants undergo a thorough approval process, including desk and field appraisals, and are required to provide security in the form of household items or a third-party guarantor.

Saile also supports entrepreneurs through its Business Loans Scheme, which includes a detailed assessment of the business, cash flow, and owner credibility. These loans have a 10 to 12-month repayment period and require collateral such as vehicles or household items. To allow for close monitoring, business loans are available only to clients based in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Karonga.

Additional loan products, such as Executive Scheme Loans, Special Scheme Loans, and Enterprise Loans, expand Saile’s offering. All loan products come with an administration fee of 8.5%.

Also read: Why Lendsqr is Africa’s most affordable loan management software

Your go-to solutions for quick loans in Malawi

So, there you have it, the top five loan apps in Malawi that can get you that MWK 100,000 when you need it. With quick approval processes and minimal fuss, these apps aim to remove some financial pressure. Just remember to read the fine print and choose the app that best fits your needs. Whether for school fees, an unexpected bill, or anything in between, you’ve got options right at your fingertips. Go ahead, take a closer look, and make the choice that works for you.