Using data from 315 beneficiaries of the Small Scale Enterprise Loan Guarantee Scheme, this study assesses the impact of the Small Scale Loan Guarantee Scheme. The study assessed both the financial and economic additionality of the scheme. The study used a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews to elicit data from beneficiaries whereas key informant interviews were used to elicit data from participating banks. The study also assessed visibility of the scheme as well as its efficiency in terms of loan approval period and claim processes. From the sampled beneficiaries, 174 SMEs would not have accessed credit if the scheme was non-existent. Collectively, these SMEs received E42, 918,616.00. On the other hand, 72 of the 174 started new businesses and at the time of the interview, they collectively employ 681 people. The study found that the default rate is high at 44.3 %. The approval period of loan application varies widely, with some respondents reporting a period of less than a month while others reported a period of up to four years. The study concludes that the scheme has made a positive impact in both financial and economic additionality. However, two factors (inefficiency in scheme’s operation and high default rate) threaten the scheme’s existence. It is therefore recommended that scheme managers should put measures to curb the default rate and improve the efficiency and visibility of the scheme.
