The Phuka Incubator Program-Women in Agric

Standard Bank of Malawi

Oct 2024

Dec 2025

Description

The Phuka Incubator Program is a training program that aims to strengthen the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential, to make them more competitive and sustainable in the long term. Standard Bank of Malawi in collaboration with GIZ and Winrock International, implemented an innovative, hybrid 6-week initiative tailored to drive the growth of women-led Agricultural SMEs operating within critical value chains such as soy, groundnuts, bananas, chili, honey, rice, and aquaculture.  

The third cohort of the program started on 4th October 2024 with a kickoff meeting held at Chatonda Lodge in Mzuzu. An intense schedule covering 6 weeks followed the kickoff and culminated in a graduation ceremony held on the 5th of December 2024 at the Bingu International Conference Center in Lilongwe.

Objectives

Output

Facilitated the development of strong, sustainable business models for the participating women- led SMEs

Delivered expert content and customized business development strategies tailored to the specific needs of the incubates

Enhanced the incubates value propositions, market discovery, and soft skills thereby increasing their market readiness and competitiveness

Provided personalized coaching and support for strategic business decision making and business growth

Facilitated networking, investor pitching and overall business development for the incubates

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