Malawi: Empowering women, realizing dreams

The article highlights the experiences of women entrepreneurs in Malawi who have built and rebuilt businesses despite personal, economic and environmental challenges. Set against the backdrop of International Women’s Month, the story focuses on women supported through National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s ‘Amai Angathe’ financing product, which targets women-led enterprises across different sectors. 
 
It profiles several women, including Layka Thakwalakwa, an agri-business owner from Nchalo whose livestock business was devastated by Cyclone Freddy, and who later accessed bank loans to rebuild and expand into honey and rice processing. The article also features Grace Mlanga, who transitioned from online clothing sales to agricultural supply schools, and Grace Kalidozo, who diversified from electronics into maize trading after accessing successive loans. 
 
The story underscores how access to tailored financial support has enabled women to stabilize incomes, create employment and contribute to local economies. It illustrates the broader importance of inclusive financial products in supporting women’s economic resilience, recovery, and long-term business growth. 

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY:

https://atlasmalawi.com/empowering-women-realizing-dreams/

Written by Chancy Namadzunda. This article, first published by Atlas Media, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building Programme and republished as part of the programme series.