Since its inception, the project has successfully established and supported 127 VSL groups across Malawi, with an average membership of 20 individuals per group. These groups, predominantly composed of women and youth, serve as local platforms for saving, borrowing, and investing—providing members with access to capital for small businesses, school fees, medical needs, and household improvements. Through collective savings and internal lending, members are cultivating financial resilience and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

To ensure sustainability and knowledge transfer, the project trained 23 Community-Based Trainers (CBTs)—local champions equipped with robust skills in financial literacy, business management, group dynamics, the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model, loan management, and more. These CBTs provide ongoing training and mentorship to the VSL groups, empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances effectively and independently.

A key innovation in the project has been the integration of digital technology through the DreamSave app, a user-friendly, secure platform that modernizes traditional savings groups by offering digital record-keeping, goal tracking, and financial insights. So far, 80 VSL groups have been trained and are actively using the DreamSave app, marking a significant step toward digital financial inclusion in underserved rural areas.

Through this initiative, Opulence Malawi is not just building savings groups—it is nurturing hope, dignity, and economic agency. Members are not only improving their financial security but also unlocking the confidence to dream bigger, plan better, and shape their own futures. The VSL project stands as a powerful testament to what communities can achieve when equipped with the right support, skills, and opportunities.