Barclays committed to growth of agric sector – Melu
By Staff Reporter
BARCLAYS Bank Zambia managing director Mizinga Melu says the bank has continued to supplement government’s efforts in ensuring that the agricultural sector diversifies and grows through better banking facilities and systems.
According to a press statement issued by Barclays Bank Zambia Plc head of communications Banji Lufungulo yesterday, Barclays Bank Zambia plc has “successfully” concluded the 2018/2019 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Lufungulo stated that as one of the six participating banks on the FISP, Barclays Bank Zambia achieved a 94 per cent success rate in deposits from targeted farmers in all the locations assigned to the bank for the 2018/2019 season, “placing the bank among the top players supporting government in driving agricultural growth.”
And commenting on the successful conclusion, Melu said Barclays Bank Zambia was delighted to have worked on the FISP programme again, further outlining the financial institution’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
“We have continued to supplement government’s efforts in ensuring that the sector diversifies and grows through our enhanced banking facilities and systems,” Melu noted, adding that as Barclays Bank Zambia made the “critical” transition to Absa, it would continue to align itself as the number one supporter of the entire agricultural value chain.
“… in order to improve efficiency in the distribution and access of farming inputs, particularly to small-scale farmers across the country. Barclays remains fully committed in supporting the Farmer Input Support Programme going forward building on the success from the previous farming seasons.”
She pledged that as Barclays Bank Zambia transitioned to Absa, it would remain committed to providing “exceptional banking solutions and providing meaningful support” to key economic sectors that fuel growth, aligned to Zambia’ Seventh National Development Plan.
