Rent To Own Africa

Rent to Own is an impact-focused for-profit venture based in Zambia. RTO distributes and sells farm and small-business assets in rural areas with a package of financing and services that enables small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs to purchase and profit from income-generating equipment. RTO offers a range of products including irrigation pumps, agricultural processing equipment, and retail refrigeration units. In 2014 RTO doubled sales, and is on track to double volume again in 2015. RTO's clients suffer from a market gap. Farmers & rural entrepreneurs have poor access to productive assets. They face an absence of commercial distribution networks; lack of knowledge to choose & maintain products; and limited income, options for saving, and access to credit. Small-scale farmers and rural business owners seek these assets in order to increase their income. But banks, MFIs, and equipment vendors do not address these gaps and do not supply this market. RTO offers a solution. RTO’s package of services addresses these obstacles to serve the rural market for productive assets. RTO offers its products together with delivery to clients’ farms or businesses; selection of appropriate, durable equipment; any needed accessories; training on operation and maintenance; and a tailored payment schedule. Assets are delivered ready for same-day use. These services enable farmers and rural entrepreneurs to successfully use the assets to grow their income and complete their payments to RTO.