Guides
The world’s savings circles, explained.
The same idea under a hundred names: a group of people who trust each other, a fixed contribution, and a record. These guides explain each tradition on its own terms — Tyknit gets a short note at the end, no more.
What is a chama? Kenya’s savings groups explained
A chama is a Kenyan savings and investment group. How chamas work, the rotating vs. investing models, the treasurer’s job, and why they fail.
Updated 2026-08-27
What is a stokvel? South Africa’s savings clubs explained
A stokvel is a South African savings club. The main types (rotating, grocery, burial, investment), how they are run, and what keeps them honest.
Updated 2026-08-27
What is a susu? West African and Caribbean savings explained
A susu (or sou-sou, esusu, ajo) is a rotating savings club from West Africa and the Caribbean. How the rotation works, the collector model, and the risks.
Updated 2026-08-27
What is a tanda? Latin America’s rotating savings explained
A tanda (cundina, pandero, san) is a Latin American rotating savings circle. How tandas work, who runs them, and how to keep one honest.
Updated 2026-08-27
What is a ROSCA? Rotating savings and credit associations explained
A ROSCA is a rotating savings and credit association — the umbrella term for chamas, stokvels, susus, tandas and hui. How they work and why they endure.
Updated 2026-08-27
How to run a chama treasury: ledger, reconciliation, reporting
A practical guide for chama and stokvel treasurers: setting up the ledger, choosing payment rails, monthly reconciliation, reporting to members, and preventing fraud.
Updated 2026-08-27