Standard Bank Backs Literary Growth with K55 Million Support

#Times360Malawi Standard Bank Plc, through its Joy of the Arts initiative, has committed K55 million to support the country’s literary sector, strengthening access to books and promoting a reading culture.

The bank has partnered with the National Library Service and the Lilongwe Book Festival. Of the total investment, K50 million has been allocated to the National Library Service to enhance library resources, while K5 million has gone toward supporting Lilongwe Book Festival 2025.

The festival, themed Promoting and Reading Culture in Malawi, began on Monday and concludes today at Khichini Events in Lilongwe. Speaking at the festival, Standard Bank Chief Risk Officer Kondwani Mlilima says books play a vital role in shaping minds and preserving stories. Mlilima also says K10 million from the investment has been set aside to purchase books authored by Malawians. Acting National Librarian Bonney Sangole says the initiative would improve access to relevant reading materials in libraries nationwide. Reported by Jimmy Chazama Source Times 360