Home / Tools / Susu Tracker

Susu / Esusu / Chama Tracker

Plan and track rotating savings group contributions and payouts. Works for Susu (Ghana), Esusu/Ajo (Nigeria), Chama (Kenya), Stokvel (South Africa), and Tontine (Francophone Africa).

All Group TypesPayout ScheduleOffline Ready
Group Setup
Names Across Africa

Susu — Ghana, Liberia

Esusu / Ajo — Nigeria (Yoruba / Hausa)

Chama / Merry-Go-Round — Kenya, Tanzania

Stokvel — South Africa

Tontine — Senegal, Cameroon, Francophone Africa

Ekub — Ethiopia

Chilemba — Malawi, Zambia

Same concept, different names: members contribute regularly, and each takes turns receiving the pool.

Best Practices

  • Keep group size at 10-15 for manageability
  • Set clear rules on late/missed payments
  • Decide payout order upfront (random draw or agreed)
  • Use mobile money for transparent payments
  • Keep written records (this tool helps!)
  • Consider a penalty for late payment (5-10%)

Why Susu Groups Work

Over 50% of African adults participate in informal savings groups. They succeed because of social accountability, zero paperwork, no interest charges, and the discipline of regular saving. Many groups have operated for decades.

Understanding Rotating Savings Groups in Africa

Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) are one of Africa's oldest and most successful financial innovations. Known by various names — Susu in Ghana, Esusu or Ajo in Nigeria, Chama in Kenya, Stokvel in South Africa, and Tontine in Francophone Africa — these groups operate on a simple principle: members make regular, equal contributions to a common pool, and each member takes turns receiving the entire pool. With over 50% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa participating in some form of informal savings group, ROSCAs are arguably the continent's most important financial institution.

The mechanics are straightforward. If 10 members each contribute $100 monthly, the pot is $1,000 each month. One member receives the full $1,000, and over 10 months, each member will have received the pot once. Early recipients effectively receive an interest-free loan, while later recipients are effectively saving. The order of payout can be determined by lottery, auction, or mutual agreement. Some groups allow members with urgent needs to request early payout positions.

In Nigeria alone, the Esusu and Ajo system moves an estimated ₦4 trillion annually — rivaling formal banking for everyday Nigerians. Kenya's Chama groups collectively manage over KSh 300 billion, with some evolving into formal investment groups registered with SACCO regulators. South African Stokvels hold an estimated R50 billion, with burial stokvels and grocery stokvels being particularly popular. Ghana's Susu system is so important that the Bank of Ghana has incorporated Susu collectors into its financial inclusion strategy.

Modern technology is transforming these age-old systems. Apps like ChamaPesa (Kenya), Esusu (Nigeria/USA), and various fintech platforms now offer digital tracking, mobile money integration, and even credit scoring based on group participation. However, the core trust-based, community-driven model remains unchanged — and this simple tool helps groups stay organized with clear payout schedules and records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide the payout order in a Susu group?↓
Common methods include random draw at the start (fairest), needs-based where members with upcoming expenses go first, auction where members bid for early positions, or rotation from the previous cycle. Whatever method you choose, agree and document it before starting.
What if a member defaults after receiving their payout?↓
This is the biggest risk with rotating savings groups. Mitigate it by only including trusted members, requiring a guarantor, holding a security deposit, using social pressure, and having a clear penalty system. Some groups require post-dated cheques or authorize mobile money deductions.
Are Susu and savings groups regulated in Africa?↓
Generally, informal ROSCAs are unregulated. In Kenya, Chama groups can register as investment groups or SACCOs for legal protection. In South Africa, the National Stokvel Association provides a framework. Registration gives legal recourse if disputes arise.
What is the difference between Susu, Esusu, Chama, and Stokvel?↓
They are all names for the same concept -- rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs). Susu is used in Ghana, Esusu and Ajo in Nigeria, Chama in Kenya, Stokvel in South Africa, Tontine in Francophone Africa, and Ekub in Ethiopia. Members contribute regularly and take turns receiving the pool.