Zvilo launches South African operations with $120m SME funding

By Divya Shah

Why it matters: The launch highlights the growing role of FinTech-led supply chain finance in closing SME funding gaps, improving liquidity access and supporting economic growth through digital financing solutions.

Zvilo, a UK-based trade finance provider, launched its South African operations with plans to deploy an initial $120 million in working capital funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with ambitions to increase funding to approximately $601 million over the next three to five years. 

The expansion is aimed at helping address South Africa’s estimated $21 billion SME financing gap by providing working capital through local supply chains. According to the company, the initial funding commitment is aligned with anchor buyers listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).  

Working capital funding enables businesses to manage day-to-day operating needs, including paying suppliers, purchasing inventory and covering operational expenses while waiting for customer payments.  

Zvilo said it will combine capital deployment with its technology platform to improve SME access to financing and support businesses across South Africa’s supply chain ecosystem.  

Founder and Group CEO Admir Imami said access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges facing SMEs, with many businesses continuing to struggle to secure funding through traditional lending channels. 

The company plans to leverage its experience in international markets to support South African businesses and strengthen liquidity across supply chains. 

By the end of the third quarter of 2026, Zvilo had disbursed more than €440 million (approximately $487 million) to SMEs across 41 markets spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

The South African launch builds on the company’s international growth strategy and reflects increasing demand for alternative financing solutions that can help SMEs improve cash flow and support business expansion.  

Through its supply chain finance model, Zvilo aims to connect funding more directly with commercial activity, enabling businesses to access working capital when it is needed most.