Finance That Heals

After he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, Samson recruited a friend to develop a business together. Their vision? To connect billions of people across emerging markets to the internet.  

The two friends—both from Lagos, Nigeria—were excited to build a future where everyone had an opportunity to thrive. But when his business partner suddenly passed away, Samson struggled to launch the vision alone. 

Amid this time of uncertainty, Samson saw an application for the Brave Redemptive Fellowship. 

BRAVE 

Born of Ennovate Lab—a local Nigerian partner—Brave was created to equip in Africa’s tech ecosystem with the redemptive vision to transform communities and create tech for the glory of God. This 10-month residential tech fellowship in Ogbomoso was kickstarted by a Partners Worldwide Digital Leap grant, matched by the generous gift of a PW volunteer, and led by Ennovate’s CEO, Jesudamilare . 

As he had never been to Ogbomoso, Samson was hesitant to apply. However, he had met JD in a virtual event several years prior. “For the first time ever, I saw a man balance technology with scripture,” Samson recalls. Knowing that JD was the founder gave him the peace of mind to apply and join the pilot program and move nearly 200 miles away from coastal Lagos to Ogbomoso. 

Throughout the fellowship, and alongside a group of his peers, Samson developed software engineering skills, conducted market research, and explored how business could be an engine for transformation. “Almost every day, it was like I was shining and growing into a better version of myself,” Samson reflected.  

 Crucially, the fellowship gave Samson the space he needed to develop his business. Though he originally intended to connect people to the internet, explorations with Brave coaches helped Samson dig deeper to the root of the problem. While conducting market research, Samson discovered that micro-businesses—representing over 80% of African enterprises—lack access to flexible and affordable credit that fits their socio-cultural context.  

And thus, Àlááfíà was born. 

ALAAFIA 

Àlááfíà (Yoruba for “peace”) provides daily repayment microloans to micro-businesses, many of whom have had negative experiences with predatory lenders in the past. “Among them, a loan is not a dignifying thing,” Samson said, “not something they’re really proud to talk about in the public.” But Àlááfíà does things differently. Àlááfíà doesn’t require collateral, a credit score, or complex documentation. It’s all based on community trust. 

Samson has seen the community respond in surprising ways. When one of their customers suddenly lost his brother—only for his brother’s widow to lose one of her newborn twins a few days later—other group members stepped in to share his financial burden.  

“Finance is meant to heal,” Samson said. “Finance should serve to bring peace.”