In January 2017 we launched a 'Woman in business' mentoring scheme as part of a three-year Scottish government funded programme to promote the economic empowerment of women.  The programme addresses the key constraints faced by many small business owners in Malawi -  a lack of access to financial services, entrepreneurship training and businesses growth. The mentoring scheme will focus on encouraging female entrepreneurs as they plan to grow their businesses from small-scale to large - taking on employees and developing supply chains.

The mentoring scheme will match women with successful and experienced business owners to share good business management practice and skills.  Regular training workshops will also give the mentees and mentors training and insight from professional business experts. 

 Meet Richard:  “We are so thankful to the Scottish Government for enabling us to run this mentorship scheme.  It is the first time we’ve been able to offer our female clients a female business mentor who can walk with them in overcoming the challenges of continuing to grow and adapt a business as a woman.  I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact the programme will have on our clients and their families.” (Richard Chongo, Mentorship Coordinator, Opportunity Bank Malawi).

Meet Modestar:

 “I am excited to be part of the Mentorship Programme.  I am looking forward to learning from my mentor, particularly in areas of customer care and general business management.  I’m hopeful that it will help me grow my business and increase my confidence.” (Modestar Kachule has three children and lives on the outskirts of Lilongwe.  She owns a small doughnut business, which she started with an Opportunity International Loan)