UK Fintech Zvilo Targets R10 Billion in SME Funding After South African Launch
UK Fintech Zvilo Targets R10 Billion in SME Funding After South African Launch. UK trade finance provider Zvilo has launched its South African operations, targeting R2 billion in working capital funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initially, with plans to increase its deployment to R10 billion within three to five years.
The company said its South African strategy is aimed at addressing what it estimates to be a R350 billion financing gap facing SMEs by providing working capital through local supply chains.
According to Zvilo, the initial R2 billion target is aligned with anchor buyers listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Working capital enables businesses to meet day-to-day financial requirements, including paying suppliers, purchasing stock and covering operating expenses while awaiting customer payments.
Zvilo plans to combine capital deployment with a technology platform designed to improve access to working capital for businesses operating across South African supply chains.
Founder and Group CEO Admir Imami said limited access to finance remained a constraint for SME growth, with businesses facing challenges in securing funding through traditional channels.
The company said it had disbursed more than €440 million, equivalent to approximately R8.1 billion, to SMEs across 41 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Zvilo’s South African expansion will build on that activity, with the company seeking to provide liquidity to local supply chains and businesses at different stages of the value chain.
The company has also appointed a local leadership team. Peter Maila has been named CEO of Zvilo Africa, while Palesa Mabasa and Shiko Mbambu will serve as managing partners of Zvilo South Africa.
Maila previously served as co-chief investment officer at Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO, while Mabasa previously headed SME funding business development at a major South African financial institution. Mbambu previously worked as a senior coverage banker at a South African corporate and investment bank.
Zvilo said it intends to combine its international experience with local financial services expertise as it expands its South African operations.
The company also views South Africa as a potential base for expansion into other African markets.
