Standard Bank aids MK50m towards Nkhotakota flood relief response

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc has donated MK50 Million for relief efforts to affected communities of Nkhotakota in central Malawi.

This is in response to the aftermath of recent national flood disasters.

Handing over the donation, Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said the donation aims to complement government’s efforts in addressing the immediate needs of the victims.

“Today’s donation of Mk50 million speaks directly to our purpose of Driving Malawi’s Growth. To us, growth is not only measured by financial outcomes or economic indicators.

“True growth is reflected in the strength of our communities and in how we care for one another when life turns difficult,” he said.

According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Nkhotakota has recorded 12 deaths,37 injuries and two missing persons.

The department adds that more than 10,912 households have been affected in the district.

The department adds that the donation by Standard Bank Plc supports a camp in T/A Kanyenda Dwangwa area that is catering for approximately 3,000 displaced people.

Many people are living in camps.

Madinga said the donation reiterates Standard Bank’s long-term commitment to responding to the country’s complex disasters.

Notable disasters include the call for Hunger Relief last year, relief from effects of Cyclones Ana, Idai and Freddy; and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In December, the bank contributed K200 Million in response to President Peter Mutharika’s declaration of disaster on hunger.

“As a bank, we also recognize that these disasters are closely linked to the growing realities of climate change. Standard Bank is a founding signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking, aligning our operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

“These commitments compel us not only to respond to crises, but to actively support efforts that protect our environment and safeguard future generations. We therefore pledge to continue playing our part in collaborative initiatives aimed at building resilience and preventing the recurrence of such tragedies,” said the Chief Executive.

Chief Secretary in the office of President and Cabinet Dr. Justin Saidi thanked Standard Bank for its long history of assisting in times of disaster.

“Today’s donation will greatly assist in meeting the needs of victims living in camps and those outside. It’s pleasing to note that Standard Bank is always moving together with us on this journey. Their generous donation of MWK50 million is a true sign of solidarity,” he said.

Standard Bank has partnered World Vision International and DODMA in the Office of President and Cabinet for the relief response.

“There are families who lost all they had worked for, and their loved ones and are in dire need. We express deep gratitude to Standard Bank for their donation, and responding to the call ,” said Charles Chimombo, WVI Director of Programs.

Through this donation, Standard Bank Plc reaffirms its commitment to standing with communities in times of need and working alongside Government, humanitarian partners and stakeholders to support recovery and long‑term resilience.

The Bank remains dedicated to driving inclusive growth, strengthening community wellbeing and contributing meaningfully to national development, particularly in the face of increasing climate‑related challenges.

The Maravi Post

Fintech, agriculture lead Standard Bank SME awards

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-A fintech company, MoPay and agriculture manufacturing firm Thanthwe Farms emerged top winners of the 2025 Phuka micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) awards sponsored by Standard Bank Plc.

The Phuka awards came amidst calls by Standard Bank Plc and government for small businesses to step up efforts in contributing to much-needed foreign currency by intensifying the export drive.

MoPay and Thanthwe Farms dominated the awards by winning in their respective categories of technology and manufacturing before capping the glittering awards night on Wednesday in Lilongwe as overall winners in the Best SME and Best Woman-led business of year, respectively. Each received a total of K9 million.

Leading calls for export intensification, Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said the MSME sector which accounts for 47 percent of GDP, has the potential to reverse years of foreign currency shortages in Malawi.

He estimated its export value at U$2 billion annually if each of the country’s 1.6 million MSMEs exported a minimum of U$100 worth of goods monthly.

“We can only hope to achieve this if we work collectively to harness the potential of small business. Our decision to partner SMEDI and government for these awards aligns with our track record of supporting MSMEs in economic recovery and growth efforts,” said Madinga.

He said entrepreneurship thrives on responding to challenges and solving complex economic and societal problems.

“Through these prestigious awards Standard Bank Plc would like to recognize and partner those MSMEs rising to the occasion in helping address Malawi’s economic problems through innovative approaches,” he added.

New Principal Secretary in the reconstituted Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Wiskes Nkombezi hailed the partnership by Standard Bank and the Small and Medium Enteprises Development Institute (SMEDI) Corporation to recognise the MSME sector through the Phuka awards.

“SMEs represent the backbone of our economy. They play a crucial role in employment generation, providing jobs and opportunities within our communities which promotes inclusive growth and social cohesion,” said Nkombezi.

For his part SMEDI Acting CEO Otaniele Chezani said the awards represented the power of turning every dream into reality and in the transformation of the country’s economy.

“The power to transform Malawi does not only rest in the ivory tower boardrooms, but in the workshops, farms, and small factories of the every day dreamers who don’t give up,” said Chezani.

Other category winners of the 2025 Phuka awards are Feco Investments (Agribusiness), Adventures by Colby (Tourism), Yami Gemstones (Mining), EnviroSolutions (Green Business), and Milanzi Interiors (Furniture and Joinery).

Category finalists each received K2 million and a certificate of recognition.


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post