Lupiya Financial Services commemorated its 10th Anniversary on Friday, 24 July 2026, celebrating a decade of transforming Zambia's financial services landscape through digital innovation, financial inclusion, and technology-driven solutions. Since its establishment, the company has evolved into one of Zambia's leading fintech institutions — providing accessible digital lending, investment, and payment services that have empowered individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses across the country.
The milestone celebration brought together government officials, industry leaders, regulators, development partners, investors, and stakeholders to reflect on Lupiya's achievements while outlining its vision for the future of digital finance in Zambia and across Africa.
Government Recognition: A Decade of Resilience and Innovation
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, Director of Communications and ICT Mr. Kumbuzo Nkunika described the anniversary as a testament to resilience, innovation, and commitment to Zambia's economic transformation.
He commended the company for evolving from a fintech start-up into one of Zambia's leading digital financial service providers — now serving over 1.8 million customers, disbursing more than K4.2 billion in digital loans, and empowering thousands of small and medium enterprises, particularly women-led businesses.
Mr. Nkunika further commended the Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, for creating an enabling environment that has supported the growth of fintech through progressive digital economy reforms, improved regulation, and investment in technology infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Technology and Science's commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting innovation-friendly policies, and fostering public-private partnerships that accelerate Zambia's digital transformation. He encouraged Lupiya to deepen its investment in youth entrepreneurship — particularly in rural communities — by providing innovative financial products and digital opportunities that empower young entrepreneurs.
The Founder's Story: From Personal Savings to a Fintech Leader
Co-Founder at Lupiya Financial Services Mr. Muchu Kaingu reflected on Lupiya's humble beginnings, sharing the inspiring story of how the company was founded around a simple vision: to improve access to finance for underserved communities.
He recalled how the company's first loans were issued using personal savings to support women entrepreneurs — demonstrating the founders' commitment to financial inclusion long before the business became established. The early years were not easy: raising investment, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and overcoming uncertainty all tested the team.
Rather than allowing setbacks to hinder progress, the company embraced innovation by developing a fully digital lending platform that enabled customers to access loans remotely. That resilience ultimately attracted investor confidence — resulting in the successful raising of US$1 million during one of the most challenging periods of the pandemic.
The Role of AI in Lupiya's Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Mr. Kaingu emphasized that Artificial Intelligence will play a central role in the company's future. He stressed that Lupiya views AI as a tool that complements human capabilities rather than replacing people — enabling faster, smarter, and more efficient customer service.
He expressed gratitude to the company's parents, family members, employees, partners, investors, and customers whose unwavering support has contributed to Lupiya's remarkable journey, and encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting the company's vision over the next decade.
CEO's Vision: A Pan-African Future
Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Evelyn Kaingu reflected on Lupiya's journey over the past ten years, describing the anniversary as a celebration of courage, innovation, and shared purpose. She thanked the company's customers, employees, partners, investors, regulators, and stakeholders for believing in Lupiya's mission to expand financial inclusion and create opportunities for underserved communities.
Looking to the future, Mrs. Kaingu outlined the company's ambitious vision to transform Lupiya into a leading Pan-African digital financial services provider, beginning with expansion into East and Southern Africa. She announced plans to significantly increase financing for small businesses, farmers, traders, and women entrepreneurs — emphasizing that access to capital remains essential for enterprise growth, job creation, and economic development.
She concluded by reaffirming Lupiya's commitment to building an inclusive financial ecosystem and demonstrating the potential of Zambian innovation on the African stage.
What This Means for Zambia's Digital Future
The 10th Anniversary celebration underscored Lupiya Financial Services' remarkable contribution to Zambia's digital financial ecosystem over the past decade. The event highlighted the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships, and an enabling policy environment in expanding financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.
As Lupiya embarks on its next chapter, stakeholders expressed confidence that the company will continue leveraging technology to empower communities, strengthen entrepreneurship, and contribute to Zambia's digital transformation agenda while expanding its impact across the African continent.
At Digital Literacy Consultants, we celebrate Lupiya's milestone. It is a powerful example of what Zambian-led innovation looks like when given the right conditions to thrive — and a reminder that the same digital and AI skills we teach in our training rooms are the ones powering the country's most exciting success stories.