By Rahim Abdul
Standard Bank Malawi has expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Labour following a courtesy call made on the Minister of Labour, Hon. Joel Chigona, MP, this morning.
Led by Public Sector Manager Mwayi Kamwendo, the bank’s delegation discussed potential partnerships aimed at enhancing skills development and supporting young people entering the world of work.
The talks centred on how the financial institution can complement government efforts in empowering TEVET graduates and strengthening technical training institutions across the country.
During the meeting, Hon. Chigona urged Standard Bank to consider establishing start-up loan facilities tailored for TEVET graduates. He emphasised that many skilled young people struggle to progress in their trades due to lack of capital.
“Our job market cannot absorb everyone. Loan facilities would enable our graduates to grow and excel in their respective trades,” he said.
The Minister further appealed to the bank to support technical colleges that are fully constructed but not yet operational, suggesting that the provision of essential training equipment through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives would help unlock their potential.
In response, Standard Bank assured the Ministry that it will assess the proposed collaboration areas. The bank expressed willingness to explore support programmes in entrepreneurship development, graduate internships, and the rollout of its Financial Fitness Academy a programme designed to enhance financial literacy and foster a culture of savings and investment among youth.
The meeting marked a promising step toward strengthening public private partnerships aimed at empowering Malawi’s future workforce.