Empowering Malawian women in agriculture to seize green growth opportunities - Boosting Women in Agriculture Pitch Night

“We are confident that the pitch night will boost women in agriculture to build ideas that will contribute to job creation while at the same time facilitating Malawi’s green growth. EIB is pleased to spearhead such an important initiative.”

Moa Westman - Gender Specialist at the European Investment Bank

Malawian women play a key role in agriculture and agribusiness, yet they tend to not benefit economically and socially from the opportunities in the sector. Beyond insufficient financing, they also lack access to information, knowledge and networking. To overcome these challenges and to strengthen women in agriculture and agribusiness in Malawi, the EIB Agriculture Finance Facility will organize a “Boosting Women in Agriculture” Pitch Night and Cocktail event on 12th May 2022 at the Bingu International Convention Center from 18:00hrs.

Four exciting new women led agriculture enterprises will pitch their business ideas and future plans on how to contribute to sustainable agriculture sector development in Malawi as well as to employment generation in the sector. The winner will receive the chance to obtain a loan of up to MWK 100 million from a leading financial institution, critical mentorship, and access to leaders in the entrepreneurial community and beyond.

Speaking of the importance of the event Moa Westman - Gender Specialist at the European Investment Bank said: “We are confident that the pitch night will boost women in agriculture to build ideas that will contribute to job creation while at the same time facilitating Malawi’s green growth. EIB is pleased to spearhead such an important initiative.”

Aurelie Valtat – Head of the Political, Press and Information Team at the EU Delegation added: “I have my own farm in France where I grow medicinal herbs so it’s not hard for me to imagine the courage it takes for a Malawian woman to launch her own agribusiness, and to overcome the combined hurdles of limited financial opportunities and gender-based stigma. May this initiative inspire many more Malawian women to believe in their dreams and their capabilities. I’m proud the EU is supporting this initiative and look forward to us continuing to support women entrepreneurs on Malawi’s path to a more sustainable and green future.”

In identifying promising female-led agri-food enterprises the Boosting Women in Agriculture Pitch Night aims to strengthen value chain integration (including smallholder participation) as well as contestant’s soft skillsets and business acumen. The contestants will receive validation of their business case that is foreseen to contribute to increasing their overall confidence. It will provide a comfortable space for women entrepreneurs to gain practical experience and valuable feedback on their pitch and presentation, in front of an industry feedback panel and live audience. All contestants will receive a preparatory training and coaching prior to pitching.

The high-level jury will compose of five highly accomplished women who are representing the private and public sector as well as the donor community. Ahead of the pitch night Mdingase Tewete, Founder of Kombeza, will sharing her narrative of resilience as an emerging entrepreneur in these uncertain times

The pitch night will be free of charge and will provide space for about 200 guests.

For further details, please contact: f.marques@int.fs.de