UK trade finance provider Zvilo has launched its South African operations, targeting an initial R2bn in working capital funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with plans to increase deployment to R10bn within three to five years.
Peter Maila, CEO of Zvilo Africa
The company aims to address South Africa’s estimated R350bn SME financing gap by providing working capital through local supply chains. Its initial R2bn target is aligned with anchor buyers listed on the JSE, according to the company.
Working capital helps businesses cover day-to-day expenses, including paying suppliers, buying stock and meeting operating costs while waiting for customers to pay.
Funding SMEs through supply chains
Zvilo plans to combine its capital deployment with a technology platform to improve access to working capital for businesses across South Africa.
Founder and group CEO Admir Imami said limited access to finance continued to constrain SME growth, with many businesses struggling to secure funding through traditional channels.
The company said it had disbursed more than €440m, equivalent to approximately R8.1bn, to SMEs across 41 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Zvilo’s South African expansion will build on that international activity, with the company aiming to inject liquidity into local supply chains and support businesses operating at different stages of the value chain.
Local leadership team appointed
Peter Maila has been appointed CEO of Zvilo Africa. He previously served as co-chief investment officer at Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO, where he led private equity investment activity focused on Africa.
Palesa Mabasa and Shiko Mbambu will lead Zvilo South Africa as managing partners. Mabasa previously headed SME funding business development at a major South African financial institution, while Mbambu worked as a senior coverage banker at a South African corporate and investment bank.
Maila said the company intended to combine its international experience with local financial services expertise to expand access to capital for South African businesses.
Zvilo also sees the South African operation as a potential base for expansion into other African markets.
