Hello! Im Chilufya
Angel Investor, Founder of The Arielle Foundation.
“Named one of Africa’s Most Influential Leaders and a Financial Times Top Startup Founder, Chilufya is building Africa’s next-generation fintech infrastructure for MSMEs—one market at a time.”
Chilufya Mutale-Mwila
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING ENTREPRENUER
Phone:
+27 010 007 5809
Email:
​
Address:
33 Ballyclare drive, Ballywoods Office Park
Cedarwood House,
Bryanston - 2191
Sandton,
South Africa
​
​
​
EXPERIENCE
2019-Current
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
ESHANDI
Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of eShandi, a multi-award-winning Pan-African challenger bank transforming access to credit and digital financial services for underserved MSMEs. Under my leadership, eShandi has grown across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, disbursing over $12 million in loans and serving more than 1,500,000 users. As CVO, i lead the company’s strategic direction, product innovation, and cross-border expansion—driven by a mission to unlock financial inclusion, empower women-led businesses, and enable small enterprises to participate in Africa’s digital and trade economy.
​
2016 - 2019
Chief Executive Officer, CxO, Founding member, Member of the Board of Directors
EXPRESSCREDIT ZAMBIA
As Country CEO of YesCash Zambia Ltd T/A ExpressCredit, I led the company’s launch in 2016—securing its banking licence, building operational infrastructure, and overseeing its rapid expansion across Zambia. Under my leadership, the company opened 14 branches, hired over 200 staff, and disbursed more than EUR 20 million to 30,000+ borrowers within two years. I also spearheaded regional expansion by establishing licensed subsidiaries in Zimbabwe and Malawi, successfully incorporating the businesses, securing microfinance licences, setting up operations, and hiring executive teams—all within a few months. My role spanned strategic leadership, talent development, business growth, and stakeholder engagement across the group.
2010-2016
SME Finance and Customer Offerings Head
FINCA INTERNATIONAL/FINCA IMPACT FINANCE
As Head of Customer offerings, i was responsible for the company’s asset and liability products, delivery and use, manage entire retail business for FINCA Zambia. Also worked as interim COO, managing different business units from projects, retail banking, credit to customer experience and marketing driving the performance of the institution.
Also worked on other projects in Malawi, developing/delivering new products. I am a certified trainer/facilitator and trained staff in different countries in Eastern and Southern Africa within the FINCA Africa region.
EDUCATION
2024
Stanford Seed
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Participated in the Stanford Seed Transformation program, by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, USA.
2011-2015
Post Graduate Diploma and other Certifications
FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT
I obtained 2 Certifications namely;
Certified Expert in Risk Management, and
Certified Expert in SME Finance
CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY
I obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management.
2004-2009
Bachelor's Degree
THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management.
PAST EMPLOYERS, COMPANIES FOUNDED AND INVESTORS
.png)
.png)
PROFICIENCY
Strategic Leadership & Vision Setting
Digital Financial Services & Embedded Finance
Cross-Border Market Expansion
Fundraising & Investor Relations
Regulatory Licensing & Stakeholder Engagement
Inclusive Fintech Product Design
EXPERTISE
I'M A RISK MANAGEMENT & SME FINANCE EXPERT
I’m a Risk Management and SME Finance expert with deep experience in credit risk analysis, cash flow-based lending, and strategic risk-taking for financial institutions serving small businesses. I understand the unique challenges SMEs face and how to structure profitable, responsible lending through sound customer relationship management and decision-making tools. My expertise spans credit, market, liquidity, and operational risk, along with practical strategies to measure and mitigate these risks—giving institutions a competitive edge in delivering inclusive financial services in dynamic environments.
I'M A CONSULTANT
I’m a management consultant specializing in business development, financial performance, and operational efficiency. I support businesses in identifying new opportunities, improving profit margins, optimizing cash flow, and aligning KPIs with strategic goals. My services include market research, sales strategy, workflow optimization, project management, and performance-based staff systems. I also advise on budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial analysis to help businesses operate more efficiently and achieve sustainable growth.
I'M AN EXPERT IN FINTECH DEVELOPMENT/MFI STARTUPs
I’m an expert in fintech development and microfinance institution (MFI) startups, with deep experience building scalable, regulation-compliant business models in Southern Africa. With a strong background in financial services and a practical understanding of evolving regulatory landscapes, I help fintech ventures navigate licensing, launch operations, and align with investor expectations. As mobile and digital finance continue to shape the future, I bring a hands-on approach to designing inclusive, tech-driven financial solutions tailored for underserved markets.