At a launch event held recently for the third phase of the “Fit for Life” programme, the Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Managing Director, Mr Sam Matsekete handed over $70,000 to the Zimbabwe Farmers Union at Nyamashato Primary School in Murehwa. The programme, which aims to contribute to financial inclusion and food security, will up-skill, educate and impact young farmers from across the country.

The bank has been able to reach more than 30,000 young farmers through a strategic partnership with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union that commenced in February 2015 with an investment of about $500,000. The additional funding that Barclays is providing to the ‘Fit for Life’ programme seeks to assist an additional 4,000 young farmers around the country to develop financial capability and make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources; improve the understanding and application of farming business concepts; develop linkages with large enterprises and provide the youth with start-up grants to assist the trained young farmers to set up their businesses.

The guest of honour, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Principal Director Jacob Gonese said that he was particularly impressed with the partnership of Zimbabwe Farmers Union and Barclays Bank because it has given birth to projects that have improved the capacity of youths in agriculture. He added that the project continues to change the lives of many youths who did not manage to continue with their formal education, and also requires persistence and determination from the beneficiaries for it to be successful.

Speaking at the official launch, Barclays Managing Director, Mr Sam Matsekete said “When we initially partnered with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union in 2015, we were clear that we wanted to make a difference in the lives of what we believe is the most important element of our country – our youth. Together with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union our aim with the “Fit for life programme” has been to assist young farmers to overcome some of the challenges they are facing, challenges that might have inhibited them from accessing basic financial and business skills for sustainable growth in their projects”.

Mr Sam Matsekete added that Barclays has been in Zimbabwe for over 106 years and has contributed tremendously to the agriculture industry. The “Fit for Life” programme is the key to supporting the youth at a grassroots level so that they may start contributing to socio-economic solutions.

“We seek to play our part to ensure that tomorrow is better than today and this includes the future of the communities that we operate in. We remain a part of the community and we are passionate about leaving things better than we found them” said Mr Sam Matsekete.

Barclays Bank Zimbabwe will continue to engage in sustainable community projects that will have a long term impact on the youth and our wider community.

About Barclays

Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US.

With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 85,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.home.barclays

About FMB Group

In October 2017, Barclays sold its majority shareholding in Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited to FMBcapital Holdings PLC (FMBCH), a Mauritius registered holding company. After the transaction, FMBC now holds 43%, Barclays Bank PLC 10%, an employee share ownership trust 15% and the balance of widely held by institutional and individual investors on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange on which Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited remains listed.

FMBCH has banking operations in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and now Zimbabwe. The Group offers a comprehensive range of financial services to all sectors of the markets in which it operates.

While the group has a conservative banking philosophy, with safeguarding of depositor funds being at its core, it has also achieved significant growth in other sectors of banking in recent years; most recently the acquisition of Opportunity International Group’s banking business in Malawi. With its regional footprint FMB Group delivers innovative, professional financial solutions designed to help its customers realise their potential.