“As we mark the halfway point of CARE’s VSLA Scaling Strategy, I’m proud to share the 2025 Village Savings & Loan Associations Annual Report—a testament to the power of savings groups and the women who lead them. This year, we celebrate a major milestone: 30 million VSLA members across 67 countries, with $11.5 billion in cumulative savings.
What stands out most is how women are shifting from saving money to multiplying it—becoming entrepreneurs, community leaders, and market shapers. The report highlights:
- Record growth: VSLA membership jumped from 21 million to 30 million, driven by direct programming, government advocacy, and the ripple effect of women-led replication.
- Economic impact: In the past year alone, VSLA members saved $1.8 billion and accessed $105 million in micro-loans, fueling small businesses and local economies.
- Women’s collective action: Stories from Tanzania, Uganda, Côte D’Ivoire, Ecuador, and Syria show women launching joint businesses, diversifying income, and leading change in their communities.
- Digital innovation: Our partnerships with fintechs and local companies are connecting VSLA members to digital finance and formal banking, unlocking new opportunities for growth.
- Resilience in crisis: VSLA models adapted for emergencies have helped nearly 1,500 groups recover from shocks, save millions, and build businesses even in displacement and crisis settings.
- Policy influence: Governments in 15 countries now formally recognize savings groups, with CARE advising on policies that expand access and protect members.
This report is more than a collection of numbers, it’s a celebration of women’s ambition, resilience, and leadership. I invite you to explore the data, stories, and lessons within, and to join us in scaling the impact of savings groups for communities worldwide.
Read the full report and discover how VSLAs are shaping markets, building resilience, and empowering women to lead change.”
Vidhya Sriram
Sr. Director, Global VSLA Team at CARE
