Mrs Matilda Oduro is an informal trader in Techiman, a major commercial town in Ghana and home to one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. She sells African wax prints and Kente, the traditional wear that plays a central role in Ghanaian ceremonies such as festivals, weddings and funerals.

After three decades as a petty trader – she learned from her grandmother – Matilda’s business took flight when she entered into a relationship with Bayport in 2013.

She used her first loan to buy inventory and two subsequent loans to further expand her business. Not only does she now lease the building next door to her original shop, Matilda has also completed the house she started building several years ago and she can afford to send her oldest son to university.

In addition to credit, Bayport supplies Matilda with a high-earning savings account that puts her business income to work. Unlike conventional commercial bank savings accounts, Bayport offers field cash collection on these accounts at no cost to customers.

It is not surprising that Matilda sees Bayport as a valuable business partner. “None of the other banks could ever give me the critical services I wanted, particularly field cash collection and loans to support my business,” she says. “I get more than what I want from Bayport. The staff are friendly and I feel at home. I feel part of Bayport and am here to stay.”