Standard Chartered Bank and The British Asian Trust, in conjunction with Shirakat and Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organisation (SAFWCO), have recently celebrated the successful completion of the ‘agripreneurs’ project. This project, now in its second phase, has concentrated on providing support to high-performing entrepreneurs from the previous phase, with the objective of bolstering their businesses and enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
Over 700 participants received additional training in business growth, marketing, quality assurance, and digital literacy, resulting in a notable 25% increase in their revenues. Furthermore, 300 new participants were welcomed into the project and received basic enterprise development training. The project specifically targeted businesses involved in the production of high-demand products such as chillies, vegetable and fruit drying, as well as fodder production in Sindh and Punjab.
During the closing event, Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Pakistan, conveyed his enthusiasm for the successful conclusion of the programme, emphasizing its alignment with the bank’s broader “futuremakers” initiative. Shaikh highlighted the project’s role in providing a sustainable pathway for women and youth out of poverty, as well as its contribution to supporting Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Kamyla Marvi, Pakistan Director of the British Asian Trust, emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving the project’s success, highlighting that collaboration among all stakeholders positively impacted the lives of 1,000 people. This experience, Marvi noted, will enable participants to generate sustainable incomes for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bilquis Tahira, Executive Director of Shirakat, shared the impact of the project, stating, “The project has provided opportunities to rural women for increasing their income. Many participants can now do basic accounting and use digital wallets for savings and business.”
Altaf Hussain Nizamani, Executive Director of SAFWCO, highlighted the transformative power of the project in helping individuals gain valuable skills and change their lives, ultimately inspiring others in the process.
The event was attended by distinguished guests representing food companies, grocery chains, and restaurants, providing a platform for industry leaders and female agripreneurs to establish direct links, gaining valuable insights and feedback to enhance their product quality, marketability, and growth plans.
The ‘agripreneurs’ project is a significant stride towards empowering rural entrepreneurs in Pakistan, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s agricultural sector and the economic upliftment of its people. Through collaborations and strategic initiatives, it is evident that meaningful and impactful change can be achieved, particularly in uplifting the lives of women and youth in rural communities.