Standard Bank has pumped $450,000 (about K340 million) towards a smart agriculture initiative aimed at empowering women farmers in the country. The initiative, will see its beneficiaries will get acquainted to modern groundnuts farming technologies.

Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, William Le Roux said the bank is working in corroboration with United Nations (UN) Women in supporting women realise their goals through modern agriculture. “Women form between 60 and 80% of the agricultural labour force. This contribution is even greater in agriculture, the single biggest employer in Malawi. In effect, no farming activity in this country can be successfully undertaken without our women,” Le Roux said.

In celebration of the Day of the Girl Child recently, Standard Bank took the lead in the banking sector to mentor about 400 girls in selected branches nationwide. Inviting the young ladies to experience the bank’s functions.