Local Languages and Access to Microcredit for Entrepreneurs in Kasai Province: An Empirical Study in the City of Tshikapa

Abstract

This study aims to empirically assess the role of local languages in accessing financial services offered by MFIs, specifically microloans. It seeks to determine the extent to which local languages help reduce poverty by facilitating access to financial services provided by MFIs. It also examines the conditions for accessing microloans for entrepreneurs in the city of Tshikapa. After analyzing the data using statistical methods, we found that language plays a very important role in accessing microloans. The results show that a very large majority of respondents recognize its importance. Indeed, 69 respondents (82.1%) agree, and 10 respondents (11.9%) strongly agree with the statement that language is a key factor in obtaining microloans and in the growth of SMEs. On the other hand, 4 respondents (4.8%) took a neutral position, while 1 respondent (1.2%) completely disagreed. These results highlight a consensus that proficiency in the language makes it easier to access microloans and promotes the development, improvement of production capacities, and growth of SME activities in the city of Tshikapa. In addition, the results show that 63.1% of entrepreneurs believe that local languages help eliminate barriers to accessing funding, 21% think that local languages provide a certain level of recognition, and 15.5% mention the simplification of loan acquisition procedures.

Key words: local languages and microcredit 

Received Date: September 17, 2026

Accepted Date: October 09, 2026

Published Date: November 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/1055