Pa Santigie’s Story: Transforming a Family Business with Reseed’s Support

Pa Santigie, a father of four from Lunsar, Sierra Leone, has turned a modest tobacco-selling business into a thriving enterprise, thanks to the support of Reseed Microfinance SL. Before receiving his first loan, Pa Santigie sold locally produced tobacco on a small scale, catering to the Lunsar community.

On November 8, 2022, he received his first loan, which enabled him to expand his operations and begin supplying other retailers in the area. Encouraged by this success, Pa Santigie applied for and received a second loan on May 8, 2023. This time, he took his business to the next level by selling wholesale tobacco during the periodic market days, known locally as "Luma Day," in the nearby village of Foradugu. Foradugu, located six miles from Lunsar, draws retailers from across the region, giving his business access to a wider customer base.

With his third loan, Pa Santigie further expanded his reach, supplying tobacco to most of the market days in the region. While he attends these markets to distribute his goods, his wife, Ramatu, manages sales at home, ensuring that customers in their local community continue to have access to his products.

Pa Santigie’s dedication and reliability have made him a standout beneficiary, consistently repaying his loans on time. Today, Pa Santigie’s efforts have not only improved his family’s livelihood but have also had a positive ripple effect on his community.

His story is a testament to how financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods can transform lives, empower families, and uplift whole communities.