Built for Zambian Families

NEXT
GRADE
CAPITAL

Financing Education, Empowering Futures.

We help families pay for education in a way that fits how they earn through school fees, books, uniforms, and learning materials, paid directly to schools and suppliers, with affordable repayments over time.

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5M+
School going children in Zambia
100%
Direct payments to schools
Next Grade Capital

Financing Calculator

Estimate your monthly payments, total interest, and service charge in seconds.

48% p.a. (4% per month) 10% Service Charge
Financing Amount (ZMW)
ZMW
Repayment Term
Monthly Payment ZMW 890
Total Interest ZMW 340
Service Charge ZMW 500
Total Payable ZMW 5,840
How it works: 48% per annum equals 4% simple interest per month on the original financing amount. A 10% service charge is added once. Payments are fixed monthly instalments.
A Zambian family supporting their child's education
About Us

Education demands upfront payments. Families earn over time.

Next Grade Capital bridges that gap. Through our digital platform, we pay school fees and other education costs like books, uniforms, and learning materials directly to schools and suppliers. Parents then repay in smaller, affordable amounts through salary deductions or mobile money.

By removing the burden of large upfront school costs, we give parents financial flexibility and peace of mind, help children stay in school without interruption, improve payment reliability for schools, and build a scalable education financing ecosystem for Zambia and across Africa.

Learn More About Us
A parent weighing the cost of school fees
The Problem

A problem rooted in lived experience.

Every school term, parents across Zambia stand at home holding a list of school fees, uniforms, books, and exam fees knowing the money isn't available all at once. An estimated 70% of parents and guardians earn a monthly salary that barely stretches, while others run small businesses earning a little each day. They don't lack income. They lack a structured way to pay for education over time.

  • "Let the child go next week, when I have more money."
  • "Let them go without a uniform or books for now."
  • "Maybe the school will understand."
5M+
School going children in Zambia
70%
Parents with stretched monthly income
Read More About the Problem
Our Solution

A different beginning to every school term.

A parent opens a simple digital platform built around how they actually live and earn. They apply in a few easy steps. Once approved, school fees are paid directly to the school, and uniforms, books, and supplies are paid directly to trusted shops. No cash changes hands, no risk of misuse. The child walks in on day one, fully ready to learn.

The parent repays slowly, in smaller amounts that match how they earn through payroll deductions if employed, or mobile money if they run a business. No pressure, no large upfront burden. Just a system that fits real life.

Explore Our Solution
A child starting school fully equipped to learn

For Schools

Reliable payments, fuller classrooms, and less time spent following up on unpaid fees.

For Employers

A meaningful, low-cost benefit that eases staff financial stress and supports retention.

For Mobile Money Partners

Higher transaction volumes and deeper everyday engagement with families like yours.

Our Services

Simple, practical ways to manage education costs.

We provide affordable financing at fair interest rates, so families never have to pay everything at once.

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Students with their books and school supplies
School Icon

School Fees Payment

We pay school fees directly to schools on behalf of parents, helping children start on time and stay in class without interruption.

Backpack Icon

School Supplies Payment

Uniforms, books, stationery, exam fees, and other learning materials, paid directly to trusted suppliers so every child is ready from day one.

Graduation Cap Icon

Parent Community & Chat

A free in-app space where parents connect, share advice on schools and costs, and support one another through their children's education journey.

Got Questions?

Everything you need to know about our services

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our team.

What is Next Grade Capital? +
Next Grade Capital is an AI-powered financial technology platform that helps parents and guardians finance school fees and essential school supplies through flexible, affordable payment plans, making quality education more accessible.
What can I finance through Next Grade Capital? +
You can finance school fees, uniforms, textbooks, stationery, school shoes, backpacks, and other approved educational supplies from our partner suppliers.
Who can apply? +
Parents, guardians, sponsors, and anyone responsible for a learner's educational expenses can apply, subject to our eligibility requirements.
How does the application process work? +
Complete a simple application on the Next Grade Capital digital platform in few minutes. Our AI-assisted assessment reviews the information you provide alongside our eligibility criteria to help us make faster and more consistent financing decisions. Once approved, we pay your child's school and approved supplier directly.
Why are payments made directly to schools and suppliers instead of to parents? +
Our priority is ensuring that every financed kwacha is used for your child's education. By paying schools and approved suppliers directly, we ensure school fees are paid on time and school supplies are secured without delays. This protects families from unexpected financial pressures that can arise between approval and payment, prevents misuse of education funds, and helps children begin learning fully prepared. It also allows us to offer responsible financing while keeping costs lower and the service sustainable for more families.
Which schools and suppliers do you work with? +
We work with any formally registered school. We also partner with reliable, vetted education suppliers across Zambia to provide quality school supplies. Our network of trusted suppliers continues to grow as we expand our reach and serve more families nationwide.
Can I finance both school fees and school supplies at the same time? +
Yes. Depending on your approved financing limit, you can finance school fees, school supplies, or both under one repayment plan.
Do I need collateral to qualify? +
No. You don't need traditional collateral. Our AI-assisted assessment focuses on your ability to repay rather than requiring assets as security. Eligibility is determined based on factors such as your employment status, source of income, repayment history, and overall affordability. Whether you are formally employed, self-employed, or an entrepreneur, you are welcome to apply.
How long does approval take? +
Our AI-assisted review process helps us assess applications quickly. Approval times may vary depending on the information provided and any verification required.
How do I repay my financing? +
Repayments are made directly through the Next Grade Capital platform using mobile money, Visa or Mastercard, salary deductions where applicable, USSD and other approved digital payment channels.
What happens if I miss a repayment? +
If you anticipate difficulty making a repayment, contact us as soon as possible. Our team will work with you to explore available options. Missed repayments without communication may result in additional charges as outlined in your agreement.
Are there any hidden charges? +
No. We are committed to transparency. All applicable fees and financing costs are clearly explained before you accept your financing offer.
Is my personal information secure? +
Yes. We use secure technology, encryption, AI-powered fraud detection, and industry-standard security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Your privacy and data security are among our highest priorities.
Why does Next Grade Capital use AI? +
Our AI assistants helps speed up application reviews, improve accuracy, reduce paperwork, detect potential fraud, and make financing decisions more consistent. Every application is still subject to our policies and oversight to ensure fairness and responsible lending.

Support

Got Questions? We can help. Everything you need to know about our services. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our team.

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