Post-COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Responding To Emergency Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to cause untold human suffering and economic devastation in Southern Africa. Shared Interest is laser-focused on protecting Black-owned enterprises and agribusinesses that are on the frontlines of providing communities of color with the critical goods and services they need to survive – and thrive – in these trying times.
To address the unique needs of rebuilding low-income communities in Southern Africa that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, Shared Interest has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide community micro-grants of up to $5,000 to our 2.3 million beneficiaries and partners in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
These microgrants will support:
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Working capital and other short-term financing to sustain beneficiaries’ business operations;
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Due diligence assessments for new business opportunities and solutions;
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Monitoring and risk management interventions to prevent business closures; and
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Necessary protective supplies to build resilience and strengthen communities.
Without urgent intervention, financial analysts predict that around 60% of Black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises may close due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Your support of this emergency microgrants program will provide critical catalytic support for Black-owned businesses in Southern Africa who are experiencing the worst impacts of the crisis.
What Our People Are Saying
"Shared Interest demonstrated that it's not always just about the money, but firstly about a believing relationship with a potential financial partner that is critical to an entrepreneur."
Kapumpe Musakanya, Mushilil Corporation Ltd.
"COVID-19 highlights how the most vulnerable have been the hardest hit. Shared Interest is working with our local partners in Southern Africa to take immediate action to address the economic hardship that has devastated low-income communities on the frontlines of the pandemic so that no one is left behind. Only by working together we can we build an equitable and sustainable future."
“The company has seen a downturn in business due to the expiry and non-renewal of transport contracts due to mine closures and reduction or complete shut-down of heavy industries such as steel and timber.”
Sihlangene Bus Company, Shared Interest Partner
Aleah Bacquie Vaughn, Executive Director of CJI Fund and Shared Interest Board Member
TAKE ACTION TODAY by supporting our local partners and communities affected by the pandemic. By supporting this Emergency Fund, you will help us continue our critical, responsive programming and ultimately help families, communities, and local economies in Southern Africa recover more quickly.
