Enterprise Empowerment Program
For women in Sub-Saharan Africa with a plan, a space and the drive, but not the capital. We fund the business fully, then agree a recovery plan so the fund can help the next woman.
About us
Ending poverty with business, not handouts
Zakatek turns Zakah and Sadaqah into livelihoods that last. With trusted local charities, we fund practical, self-sustaining businesses for families in need. Each business is repaid interest-free as it grows, and every repayment funds the next family.
The problem
Handouts run out
A one-off gift is spent, and the need comes back. The family's situation doesn't change, and giving becomes a cycle of dependence rather than a way out of poverty.
Our answer
Charity that works
We fund practical, self-sustaining businesses with genuine potential. The family owns and runs the business; the funds are tracked and repaid interest-free as it grows, then go to the next family. Help that keeps working long after the first donation.
Our belief
Poverty is solved by the whole community
We believe the answer to poverty is mobilization of the entire community. Neighbours and concerned relatives refer beneficiaries, partners implement projects, beneficiaries and other actors mentor them, and beneficiaries willingly help fund the next person.
- 1
Refer
Neighbours and concerned relatives refer families who are ready to build something of their own.
- 2
Implement
Partner charities on the ground deliver the project and stand by the family.
- 3
Mentor
Past beneficiaries and other experienced people mentor new business owners.
- 4
Pay it forward
Beneficiaries willingly repay, funding the next person in the chain.
How we work
From referral to reinvestment
Every project follows the same loop, from the first referral to the next family it helps.
1. Referral & vetting
Our charity partners and mosques, who know their communities, put forward families and projects. We vet every proposal.
2. Fundraising
The project goes live on Zakatek and donors give their Zakah or Sadaqah. Donors pay no platform fee.
3. Launch
We fund the business fully, and the partner charity supports the family as it opens its doors.
4. Recovery
As the business grows it repays, interest-free. 60% or more of what's recovered goes to the next beneficiary, up to 20% to the partner charity and up to 20% to Zakatek's operations.
5. Reinvest
Recovered funds open the next business, so one donation keeps multiplying.
1. Referral & vetting
Our charity partners and mosques, who know their communities, put forward families and projects. We vet every proposal.
2. Fundraising
The project goes live on Zakatek and donors give their Zakah or Sadaqah. Donors pay no platform fee.
3. Launch
We fund the business fully, and the partner charity supports the family as it opens its doors.
4. Recovery
As the business grows it repays, interest-free. 60% or more of what's recovered goes to the next beneficiary, up to 20% to the partner charity and up to 20% to Zakatek's operations.
5. Reinvest
Recovered funds open the next business, so one donation keeps multiplying.
Flagship programmes
Where the model is at work
Masjid Hydroponics Project
Helping a masjid run an income-generating hydroponic farm that covers its running costs: sustainability applied to the institutions communities rely on.
See the projectWhat we look for
The principles behind every project
Sustainable
Will it keep going after the funding? We back businesses with genuine potential to stand on their own.
Dignity, not dependence
Families own and run their businesses. Our support is a starting point, not a lifeline.
Sharia-guided
A dedicated Sharia advisor helps keep collection, distribution and financing aligned with Islamic principles.
Transparent
Funds and projects are vetted, tracked and reported, so donors can see where their money goes.
Locally rooted
Grassroots charities and mosques with real local knowledge deliver every project.
Reinvested
Recovered funds go straight into the next community project: a self-sustaining loop.
Be part of the chain
Give to a project that will keep giving, or bring your organisation's projects to Zakatek.
Working together
Our charity partners
