Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni has called on financial institutions to prioritise expanding services reach to rural areas in contributing to the national financial inclusion agenda.
Tchereni was speaking during the official opening of a new branch of Centenary Bank in Chikwawa on Saturday.
“Banks must intensify their services by reaching out to the rural areas and the masses that are unbanked. Only by doing so can we ensure that economic opportunities are accessible to every Malawian, no matter where they live,” he said.
He underscored the essential role banks play in economic empowerment, noting that broadening banking services to rural regions is crucial for equitable growth.
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He noted that Malawi’s rural communities are often underserved by traditional banking structures, leaving many without access to basic financial services such as savings accounts, loans and digital transactions.
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He pointed out that this lack of access hinders economic participation and resilience among rural households, making them vulnerable to financial shocks.
Highlighting Centenary Bank’s efforts, Tcheleni commended the institution for taking proactive steps to serve people in remote areas, aligning with the government’s agenda for financial inclusion.
Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said opening of the branch marks a milestone in the bank’s mission to provide financial inclusion to underserved communities.
“We are committed to expanding our footprint to ensure that every Malawian can access the tools they need to build a secure financial future, bridging the gap in rural financial access,” he said.
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He added that opening a branch in the Shire Valley is part of a broader strategy to support inclusive banking, with a focus on rural transformation.
Byekwaso said the bank plans to offer tailored products and services that address the unique needs of rural clients, including smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Malawi’s economy.
This year, Centenary Bank opened two branches, one in Mchinji and another in Chikwawa, to ensure that the bank reaches the entire country.
