About Us.
HPE Overview
Higher Power Enterprises Micro Credit Division Limited (HPE) is a for-profit lending institution based in Moshi, Tanzania. HPE operates as a Sole Proprietorship owned and led by Madam Teddy Chuwa, Owner and President.
Madam Teddy grew up in extreme poverty in Sambarai Village and currently resides in Moshi with her four daughters. She oversees daily program operations and also serves as the Manager of Stella Maris Lodge.
HPE Goal
To make the world a better place.
Mission Statement
To empower disadvantaged populations, especially women with children, by providing short-term, low-interest loans that enable them to actively and effectively engage in local commerce and improve their lives.
Program Background
HPE funded its first women’s empowerment group in April 2024 in Mbatakero Village. Currently, HPE operates in two villages: Mbatakero and Ngosero.
HPE serves twenty-one women’s groups, each consisting of fifteen members. In addition, HPE manages asset-based loans for twelve three-wheel Guta vehicles and six Boda Boda motorcycles, which support transportation and market access in the villages and surrounding areas.
Lending Philosophy
HPE is not a full-service bank. Our focus is providing small business loans that supply operating capital for women and larger asset-based loans for Guta and Boda Boda purchases to help transport goods to market.
Loan Structure
The first loan term is intentionally smaller and shorter to allow participants time to shift from a survival mindset to a business-focused mindset.
The initial loan is 100,000 TZS at 6% interest for 90 days. At renewal, members must present the full principal and pay interest before advancing to the next loan level of 300,000 TZS with a longer term of 120 days. This process continues with full transparency and accountability.
Community-Based Model
HPE relies on community leaders to organize women’s groups. HPE staff travel directly to villages to meet with participants, explain program terms, and answer questions. Each participant signs a standardized contract clearly outlining loan terms and interest.
All interest collected is reinvested back into the program to fund additional women’s groups, ensuring sustainability.
Governance & Sustainability
HPE operates as a sole proprietorship to ensure that interest earned remains within the community. HPE does not answer to shareholders seeking dividends. Instead, the focus is on maximizing community impact while maintaining modest, responsible operating costs.
As HPE grows, staff receive fair but reasonable compensation. The ultimate goal is for HPE to become self-sustaining through loan repayments and interest, allowing long-term operation with or without external support.
Program Integrity
To date, no participant or driver has ever missed a payment. This accountability-driven model has proven effective in building financial discipline, trust, and lasting economic empowerment.
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