Inside the Transformation: Premier Credit’s Bold Rebrand to eShandi

Techtrends: What was the driving force behind the decision to rebrand PremierCredit to eShandi, and how does the new name reflect the company’s vision and mission?

Chilufya: The decision to rebrand PremierCredit to eShandi was driven by our ambition to better align our identity with our vision of creating an inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem. The name eShandi, derived from shandi meaning “mine,” emphasizes our focus on personalized financial solutions designed for our customers. It reflects our commitment to leveraging technology and community engagement, ensuring our services are accessible, relatable, and user-friendly.

Techtrends:  How do you expect the rebrand to impact customer perception, investor confidence, and the overall business strategy going forward?

Chilufya: We anticipate that the rebrand will positively influence customer perception by portraying eShandi as a forward-thinking, customer-centric company. This should enhance investor confidence as we showcase our commitment to innovation and market expansion. Overall, the rebrand is designed to enhance our strategic focus, allowing us to differentiate ourselves in a competitive landscape and attract new clientele.

Techtrends: Can you share any upcoming expansion plans for eShandi? Are there new markets or regions you are targeting?

Chilufya: eShandi has ambitious expansion plans, with a keen eye on entering new markets in Southern and East Africa. We were operating in Zambia and Zimbabwe, up until 2024 when we made entry into Kenya, and South Africa. We intend to leverage our technological capabilities and meet the growing demand for accessible financial services in these regions.

Techtrends: What new products or services can we expect from eShandi, and how will they differentiate you from competitors in the fintech space?

Chilufya: Our focus on product innovation sets us apart in the competitive fintech space. Customers can look forward to a suite of cutting-edge financial solutions, including earned wage access, digital wallets, logbook loans, and micro-insurance products—all tailored to meet their specific needs. What truly differentiates us from our competitors is our ability to offer integrated, all-in-one financial solutions through a single platform. This means users can manage everything from loan applications to bill payments, wallet-to-wallet transfers, and insurance coverage with ease, without the hassle of using multiple apps or services. By embedding AI-driven credit scoring and machine learning, we offer personalized financial products that match individual customer profiles. This allows us to extend financial services to those previously underserved by traditional financial institutions.

Techtrends: How is eShandi leveraging technology and digital innovation to drive financial inclusion and improve customer experiences?

Chilufya: We are leveraging technology through advanced AI and machine learning to drive financial inclusion and improve customer experiences. Our digital platforms are designed to provide seamless interactions, from loan applications to payment processing, ensuring that our customers enjoy a smooth and efficient experience at every touchpoint.

Techtrends: Are there any strategic partnerships or collaborations on the horizon that will further accelerate eShandi’s growth and market reach?

Chilufya: We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with banks, telecom operators, and technology providers to enhance our service offerings and accelerate growth. Collaborations with these entities will allow us to tap into their networks, expanding our market reach and enhancing our product suite.

Techtrends:  What are the biggest challenges eShandi faces in scaling its operations, and what opportunities do you see in the current fintech landscape?

Chilufya: One of the biggest challenges we face in scaling operations is navigating regulatory landscapes across different countries. However, this also presents an opportunity to innovate our compliance processes and develop products that cater to specific market needs. The growing demand for fintech solutions amid increasing smartphone penetration provides the perfect landscape for eShandi to thrive.

Techtrends:  How does eShandi plan to maintain a customer-first approach, especially in terms of product development and customer service?

Chilufya: eShandi is committed to a customer-first approach by engaging with our users to understand their needs better. Our product development process involves extensive customer feedback loops, ensuring our offerings are tailored to actual market demands. Additionally, our customer service is designed to be responsive and supportive, fostering trust and loyalty among our users.

Techtrends:  Can you speak about eShandi’s approach to sustainable finance? How does the company intend to contribute to long-term socioeconomic development in the communities you serve?

Chilufya: Our approach to sustainable finance is integral to our mission. We intend to implement initiatives that promote responsible lending and financial literacy, empowering communities to improve their economic standing. By providing products that support renewable energy projects and small businesses, eShandi aims to contribute positively to the socioeconomic development of the communities we serve.

Techtrends: As the Chief Visionary Officer, what is your long-term vision for eShandi, and where do you see the company in the next five to ten years?

Chilufya: My long-term vision for eShandi is to become a leading fintech provider across Africa, recognized for our innovative solutions and commitment to financial inclusion. In the next five to ten years, I envision eShandi not just as a financial service provider but as a key player in driving economic empowerment and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and businesses throughout the continent.