By Bernadetta Nomboh

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has launched financial literacy campaigns aimed at empowering women and addressing key challenges in the national payment system.

According to RBM Public Relations Officer, Boston Maliketi Banda, the initiative seeks to tackle issues such as the low participation of women in digital payments, limited access points in rural areas, and low activity rates among mobile money users and agents.

“We believe these campaigns will boost women’s confidence in using payment systems,” Banda said.

As part of the effort, merchants in rural communities are also being empowered to accept electronic payments and serve as cash-in/cash-out agents, expanding access to financial services in underserved areas.

These initiatives form part of the central bank’s response to the 2024 National Payment System Report, with the broader goal of enhancing financial inclusion and supporting nationwide economic growth.