GHDF is committed to supporting the economic empowerment of disadvantaged and less fortunate individuals in society. In that sense, we have developed capacity building activities targeting the youth and rural communities throughout the country. GHDF’s approach is based on the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodology, bringing groups of individuals together, providing financial training and support in developing micro finance initiatives. Each member is committed to saving an agreed amount of money each week, which is then invested into developing and supporting small-scale initiatives and enterprises.

An element of the savings generated is kept back as a social fund, which acts as an emergency insurance scheme. So far, GHDF has developed and supported 800 VSLAs comprised of 24000 members. 80% of the beneficiaries are women.

The services and support provided to these groups helps them become increasingly self-reliant, and the economic strengthening also contributes to improved health and educational outcomes.

Working along side international / national NGO’s and Community Based Organisations (CBO’s),  GHDF has been an implementing partner for the economic empowerment component of extensive development programs, including USAID’s and Global Communities’ “Higa ubeho”, Canadian International Development Agency and Plan International’s “Promoting African Grassroots Economic Security” project, DFID and Plan’s “Building skills for life”, and UNDP/UNCDF.