Planet Finance France

Micro Stories

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Monsieur RANDRIANARISON – Sugar and sweets industry in Antananarivo.
François RANDRIANARISON has worked in the sugar industry of Madagascar for 20 years and sells his confections to wholesalers in several regions of the country. When he heard about MicroCred, an institution supported by PlaNet Finance, he decided to apply for a loan of 2,500,000 MGA (USD$1400) to increase his working capital. His application was quickly approved and with this loan he was able to increase his production by purchasing additional raw materials like sugar and fragrances. François plans to continue his collaboration with MicroCred in order to finish the construction of his workshop and to extend his business to new regions.

Fanjatiana ANDRIANARIJAON
manages a grocery store and runs a small restaurant in the Rova area of Madagascar. She was able to increase the operating capital of her grocery shop thanks to a loan of 2,000,000 MGA (USD$1100) granted by MicroCred, an institution supported by PlaNet Finance. She reports that today it is easier for her to manage her two businesses and as a result she is considering applying for another loan, for a greater amount this time, to diversify her activities.

Zahra ESSADI
Determined to leave the streets, Zahra Essadi, a 36-year-old former prostitute who lives in Tighssaline, Morocco with her husband and 4 children, took advantage of a loan awarded by AMOS, a microfinance institution supported by PlaNet Finance. With 750 MAD (USD$90), she created a small animal husbandry enterprise. Later, having received 4 additional loans, she diversified her activities and bought a knitting and sewing machine to make custom blankets, pillows and dolls. Today, she has her own store, 10 goats tended by someone she employs and a tutor for her children.

Fettouma Hamraoui
first came to Tighssaline, Morocco to work as a prostitute. In 2000, by word of mouth, she found about AMOS, a microfinance institution supported by PlaNet Finance and received a 750 MAD (USD$90) group loan. With this loan she opened a small shop to sell dairy products and tissues, and later expanded her business to luxury goods such as canned food, candy, oil, shampoo, detergent and house appliances. Now she has received an individual loan, owns a food store and pays school and medical fees for her 14-year old son.