Kalidozo’s business took off, and in the same year she upgraded to K5 million loan. By 2024, she was granted another K7 million, which enabled her to scale up her maize production and distribution.
“With the additional loans, I was able to expand my stock and reach a larger customer base. I am now able to serve the entire Nchalo market, and I have a steady income. It feels like my business is finally on the right path,” Kalidozo explains, beaming with pride.
The bank’s commitment goes beyond supporting women in agri-business, it also empowers female entrepreneurs across diverse industries.
In Blantyre’s Chilobwe township, you will meet Gloria Unyolo, a prime example of this expanded vision.
Unyolo, who began her journey in the second-hand clothing business, is now the founder and director of Gracious Private Academy.
Like many ambitious entrepreneurs, she has always dreamed big and aspired to own a private school.
After her business began to grow, she started to face challenges in her operations for the academy, including the need for better infrastructure, more staff members, and additional learning materials to accommodate the increasing number of students.
These growing demands prompted her to seek further financial support, which she found through the ‘Amai Angathe’ loan, allowing her to expand and enhance the academy’s facilities.
“I initially received a loan of K5 million, which I was able to repay quickly. This success enabled me to apply for a second loan of K7 million.”
“With the loan I have managed to add classroom blocks. Before, I used to borrow money from friends, which l was supposed to pay back within 30 days, but now I can get a loan and pay little by little while my projects are progressing,” she explains.
NBM Plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager for NBM Plc, Akossa Hiwa, highlights the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in business through such products.
“We believe that empowering women is the key to fostering sustainable growth and development. The ‘Amai Angathe’ loan product offering was created to provide women with the financial support they need to realize their full potential. This is perfectly aligned to this year’s International Women’s Day theme of ‘Accelerating-Action’.”
“Our focus is on creating opportunities for women to succeed in business, and we are happy with the impact that this service has had on the lives of entrepreneurs. These women are not just building businesses; they are also creating jobs and driving economic growth,” she explains.
“We believe that empowering women is the key to fostering sustainable growth and development.”
Akossa Hiwa
NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager for NBM
