Shared Interest Information

Shared Interest works as a catalyst for social and economic change in Southern Africa. Since our inception in 1994, we have used loan guarantees to bridge the gap between South African banks and marginalized people, previously considered “unbankable” during apartheid. As a 501(c)3 non-profit social investment fund, we raise capital in the U.S. from individuals, foundations and financial institutions to support micro-lending, agricultural cooperatives and small businesses in South Africa. Along with our South African partner, Thembani International Guarantee Fund, we have helped make the promise of economic human rights a reality for over one million South Africans