The Atlas Malawi

Author: Contributor

  • NBM spends K120 million so far in ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative

    NBM spends K120 million so far in ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K120 million worth of food and non-food items to health, education and social welfare institutions across the country in the first half of its annual ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative.

    The donations are part of the Bank’s broader K250 million festive season package, which is running from December 5 to 22.

    Under the initiative, each of the 12 participating service centres is making a K20 million donation every day, with a final K30 million package scheduled at the close of the campaign.

    During half of this donation period, St Martin’s Health Centre in Mwanza received medical equipment and supplies to strengthen maternal and general health services from Mwanza Service Centre, while Wells of Joy Orphan Care in Blantyre benefited from food and livelihood-support items, including sewing machines and basic commodities courtesy of Chichiri Mall Service Centre.

    In the education sector, schools in Chazunda and Mpemba in Blantyre, Mpapa and Dwangwa Primary in Kasungu, and Liwonde Secondary in Machinga benefited from desks, textbooks, teaching and learning materials, as well as sports equipment, aimed at improving learning environments and promoting holistic education through Top Mandala, Kasungu, and Liwonde Service Centres respectively.

    Learners with visual impairments at Makande Primary School in Ngabu, Chikwawa, also received learning and nutritional support, including Perkins brailles and food items from Nchalo Service Centre.

    NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the initiative reflects the Bank’s appreciation for the communities that continue to support its growth.

    “Every year, this initiative reminds us of the true meaning of the festive season, reaching out, sharing, and standing with those who need a helping hand.”

     “We are deliberate in ensuring that our support responds to real needs on the ground and brings dignity and encouragement to the communities we serve,” said Hiwa.

    Liwonde Secondary School learners’ representative, Faith Pasulani commended NBM plc saying the donation of desks had significantly improved learning conditions at the school.

    “Previously, some learners were missing classes, especially during examinations, because they had to sit on the floor. This support has restored our dignity as learners,” said Pasulani.

    Makande Primary School Head teacher, Francis Thomas said the donation had addressed a long-standing challenge at the school’s resource centre for visually impaired learners.

    “We previously had only two working braillers for 24 learners. The additional brailles and food support will greatly improve both learning and welfare,” said Thomas.

    NBM plc says the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative remains one of its flagship CSR programmes, supporting national development through targeted investments in education, health and community wellbeing.

  • Old Mutual and Mthuzi Funeral Services recognized as best Life Insurance and Funeral Service providers by Institute of Marketing 

    Old Mutual and Mthuzi Funeral Services recognized as best Life Insurance and Funeral Service providers by Institute of Marketing 

    Two of Old Mutual Malawi’s subsidiaries emerged overall winners at the inaugural Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Super Brand Awards held on 12 December at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

    Old Mutual Life Assurance Company was recognised as the Best Life Insurance Company, while Mthunzi Funeral Services received top honours in the Funeral Services category.

    Reacting to the recognition, Old Mutual’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Patience Chatsika, said the awards reflect the Group’s long-standing commitment to delivering dignity, care and financial wellness to Malawians.

    Chatsika

    “For over 70 years, our business has been centred on serving people, helping them thrive and achieve both their short- and long-term financial goals,” said Chatsika. “We are honoured to receive this recognition for consistently being available to our customers at life’s most critical moments.”

    She added that the awards reflect  the trust and confidence customers have placed in the Old Mutual and Mthunzi Funeral Services brands.

    Chatsika further emphasised that customer centricity remains at the heart of the Group’s operations, “We will continue to serve and champion the customer in all that we do. The customer is the lifeblood of our business; therefore, putting them first will always remain our driving goal.”

    Old Mutual Malawi is a leading financial services company with interests in life insurance, pensions, investment, asset management, and the provision of end-to-end funeral services.

  • FCB hikes 2026 Katswiri Under 20 Youth Football League to K100 million

    FCB hikes 2026 Katswiri Under 20 Youth Football League to K100 million

    Listed First Capital Bank (FCB) has hiked the 2026 FCB plc Katswiri U20 Youth Football League sponsorship package to K100 million from K52 million last season.

    According to FCB plc Head of Marketing, Twikale Chirwa, the Bank has also expanded the league’s coverage to 16 districts, including Mzimba and Machinga, from the current 14.

    Speaking after unveiling the sponsorship in Blantyre on Tuesday, Chirwa said FCB plc doubled the package to widen efforts in identifying and scouting talent.

    “We have launched this K100 million league together with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the National Youth Football Association (NYFA) in response to the need to grow football at grassroots level. A lot of football talent in Malawi is discovered in rural areas, and these players eventually feed into the national teams and the elite league,” said Chirwa.

    NYFA Chairperson Tiyenkhu Chavura, commended FCB plc for doubling the sponsorship which he says will benefit the players more, and directly through increased prize money.

    “This support will allow us to improve prize money, provide uniforms for winners, and cover officiating costs. All this aligns directly with FAM’s Transforming the Game agenda.”

    “Teams will first compete at district level, after which the best players will progress to division level. The top performers from each division will then advance to the national division. In addition, players from the winning teams will receive individual awards, which will further motivate young talent,” said Chavura.

    The league is expected to kick-off in April next year, according to the FAM calendar, and will start at district level before moving to the regional level then national level.

  • Top banker Alfred Nhlema heads ESCOM Board

    Top banker Alfred Nhlema heads ESCOM Board

    NBS Bank Plc Chief Wholesale Banking Officer, Alfred Nhlema has been appointed Board Chairperson for the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited.

    Nhlema is a seasoned banker with extensive experience in structured corporate banking solutions.

    He is a graduate of the highly prestigious Harvard Business School – Advanced Management Program (2024) and further holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics obtained from the University of Malawi.

    Mr. Nhlema also completed his Executive Development Program with Stellenbosch Business School in 2016. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ESCOM.

    The appointment of the Board of Directors marks an exciting chapter for the corporation as it reinforces its commitment to providing stable, efficient, and innovative power supply across Malawi.

    Mr. Nhlema said he was looking forward to playing a part in leading a critical institution trusted with transmitting, distributing and supplying electricity for sustainable development.

    “I look forward to contributing to the transformation of the power sector and ensuring that ESCOM continues to fulfil its mandate in a transparent, accountable, and forward-looking manner,” said Nhlema.

    The new ESCOM Board Chair said he was honoured by the trust placed in him to lead the power utility.

    “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for the confidence he has placed in me to serve in this important role. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation,” he said.

    The Board Chair further said he was committed to working closely with the Board, management, government, and all stakeholders to strengthen the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of electricity supply.

    “My focus will be on promoting operational excellence, enhancing governance, and supporting investments that expand access to affordable and clean energy for all Malawians,” he said.

  • NBM Development Bank bags Industrialisation Catalyst Award

    NBM Development Bank bags Industrialisation Catalyst Award

    NBM Development Bank Limited (NBMDBL) has been named the Top Industrialisation Catalyst Award winner at the 2025 Impact Integration and Investment Forum held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe over the weekend.

    The forum, themed ‘Mobilising Private Capital Towards Malawi 2063’, formed part of the Midterm Review of the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP-1) organised by Stratedge Limited.

    This year’s awards spotlighted institutions driving inclusive growth, sustainability, and measurable socio-economic transformation in line with national development aspirations.

    According to Stratedge Limited, Managing Partner, Kisunge Kabwere, NBMDBL excelled in financing programmes that are accelerating industrialisation and boosting agricultural productivity and commercialisation, apart from effectively leveraging key enablers such as human capital development, economic infrastructure, good governance, and private sector dynamism.

    “NBM Development Bank Limited has financed 78 SMEs across agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, education, health, tourism, ICT, water and sanitation, and structured mining, strengthening supply chains and enabling value addition. A total of K17.03 billion has been disbursed through blended financing, including concessional rates under the FInES project, providing patient capital for scaling operations, and this is something that deserves recognition,” said Kabwere.

    It was also observed during the awards ceremony that the Bank’s initiatives have also contributed to significant job creation, with over 1,800 direct and indirect jobs generated.

    “These interventions have fostered skills development, supported industrial operations, promoted export expansion and import substitution, and advanced inclusive development,” added Kabwere.

    Reacting to the recognition, NBMDBL General Manager Bernard Masi, said the award reaffirms the institution’s mandate of driving development financing in Malawi.

    “We are deeply rooted in development funding, and this award serves as a strong encouragement for us to continue pushing boundaries,” said Masi.

    He dedicated the award to the Bank’s customers and staff, acknowledging their pivotal role in the institution’s achievements.

    “This award belongs to our customers and our dedicated team. Their trust and hard work are what make recognitions like this possible,” he added.

    Looking ahead, Masi underscored the Bank’s commitment to expanding its support for Malawi’s private sector.

    “We are committed to finding even better and more innovative ways to support businesses across Malawi. Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs and enterprises continue to thrive,” he said.

    In 2024, NBMDBL was awarded by the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) in the Best Financial Services category at the 34th Malawi International Trade Fair.

  • Walkers’ fun walk targets to raise K50 million for QECH Children’s Cancer Ward

    Walkers’ fun walk targets to raise K50 million for QECH Children’s Cancer Ward

    The Walkers Social Club held a fundraising fun walk in Blantyre aimed raising K50 million for resources for the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) Children’s Cancer Ward.

    The initiative, which attracted walkers from across the city, sought to raise funds to support the treatment and care of children battling cancer at Malawi’s largest referral hospital.

    The walk started from QECH through Masauko Chipembere Highway up to Chichiri roundabout and back to QECH.

    FDH Bank pumped in K10 million in the walk while Family Health Services donated K1 million and CCAM Consultancy donated K100,000 to the cause and several individuals pledged and donated various amounts.

    Speaking after the event, Walkers Coordinator Chiwawa Msimuko-Madise said the fun walk demonstrated the power of community action in supporting vulnerable children.

    “This initiative is a reminder that when communities unite, we can make a meaningful difference. The Children’s Cancer Ward faces immense pressure and requires consistent support. We are encouraged by the turnout and the generosity shown today,” she said.

    Msimuko-Madise added that the Walkers will continue using their platform to champion health-related causes, noting that childhood cancer remains a silent crisis that demands more public attention and sustained funding.

    Paediatric Oncologist at QECH, Dr Beatrice Chikaphonya Phiri, applauded the effort, saying the funds raised will go a long way in improving the quality of care for young cancer patients.

    “The support from groups like the Walkers Social Club is invaluable. Childhood cancers are treatable, but we often struggle with shortages of essential medicines, diagnostic supplies, and supportive care resources.”

    “This contribution will directly strengthen the services we provide and bring hope to many families facing the toughest moments of their lives,” said Dr. Chikaphonya Phiri.

    She further appealed for continued partnerships, noting that early diagnosis and consistent treatment greatly improve survival outcomes for children with cancer.

    One of the Walkers who took part in the fundraising fun walk Edward Kabango said he was happy that he took part in raising funds for the children suffering from cancer.

    “It is humbling when you are part of this great initiative to make a difference in the lives of others who are suffering especially the children. So, this morning, was well spent and will continue to help where I can to make sure the Children at the Cancer Ward are well taken care of,” said Kabango.

    The Walkers Social Club has over the years championed various social causes, and the 2025 fundraising walk reinforces its commitment to complementing government efforts in health service delivery. Organisers said a detailed financial report and impact updates will be shared with stakeholders in the coming weeks.

    The event concluded with a call for more individuals, corporate partners, and community groups to take part in future campaigns to support paediatric cancer care in Malawi.

  • NBM plc ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative up to K250 million

    NBM plc ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative up to K250 million

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has increased this year’s ‘12 Days of Christmas initiative’ package to K250 million, from last year’s allocation of K130 million.

    The initiative is aimed at supporting communities across the country during the festive season.

    This marks the fifth consecutive year that the ‘Bank of the Nation’ is running the initiative, which channels donations of food and non-food items to selected beneficiaries identified by its service centres nationwide.

    This year, the initiative is scheduled to run from December 5 to December 22, with each participating service centre making a K20 million-worth donation, and a final donation of a K30 million package at the end of the campaign.

    NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the initiative reflects the Bank’s deep appreciation for the communities that have supported its growth over the years.

    “Every year, this initiative reminds us of the real meaning of the festive season — reaching out, sharing, and standing with those who need a helping hand. We hope that these contributions bring comfort, dignity, and encouragement to the institutions and families we serve,” said Hiwa

    Hiwa added that the initiative also strengthens the relationship between the Bank and the communities in which it operates.

    “We do not take our place in these communities for granted. The ‘12 Days of Christmas’ allows each service centre to connect with people on a more personal level and respond to needs that are truly felt on the ground. It is one of the ways we live out our responsibility to support national development and promote collective wellbeing,” said Hiwa.

    This year’s selected beneficiaries encompass a range of institutions, including educational, health, and community welfare organisations across the country.

    The selected service centres this year include Henderson Street Service Centre, which will donate to Chilomoni Health Centre, Mwanza Service Centre will donate medical equipment to St Martin’s Health Centre, while Chichiri Mall Service Centre will donate to Wells of Joy Orphan Care.

    Nchalo Service Centre and Top Mandala Service Centre will donate to Makande Primary School in Ngabu and Nankumba Catholic Primary School in Chazunda, respectively.

    Lilongwe Gateway and Kanengo Service Centres will donate to the Mngongonda Village community and Area 25 Health Centre, respectively.

    Kasungu Service Centre will donate to Mpapa Community Secondary School, while Mzuzu Service Centre will contribute to Bandawe Girls Secondary School.

    Karonga Service Centre will support Chilumba community projects, Liwonde Service Centre will donate to Liwonde Secondary School, while Zomba Service Centre will donate to Magomero Health Centre.

  • Castel Malawi partners with MBCHealth on World AIDS Day

    Castel Malawi partners with MBCHealth on World AIDS Day

    Castel Malawi Limited has reinforced its dedication to supporting government efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS through a partnership with the Malawi Business Coalition on Health (MBCHealth) during this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration.

    The event, held on Monday (1 December) in Makata, Blantyre, ran under the theme ‘We Remember, We Lead, We Rise to Transform the Response.’

    Castel Malawi Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Linda Kolomba, said the company remains deeply invested in strengthening the country’s HIV/AIDS response through strategic collaborations.

    “As Castel Malawi, we recognise that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires unity and consistent action. This is why we continue to stand side by side with organisations to ensure that communities have access to the support and information they need. Our role is to uplift, empower, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier Malawi,” said Kolomba.

    Kolomba further emphasised that, as a company, Castel Malawi places high importance on health and wellbeing, not only within the communities it supports but also among its own employees.

    “At Castel Malawi, we believe that a thriving workforce starts with a healthy workforce. This is why we prioritise health initiatives internally and extend the same support to the communities we operate in. When our people are healthy, our nation is stronger,” she said.

    In her remarks, MBCHealth Chairperson, Gloria Zimba, thanked Castel Malawi for joining hands with the coalition, adding that the health sector is currently facing significant financial constraints.

    “We have lost partners from abroad, and we are very grateful to Castel Malawi and others for stepping forward to support us. We now depend heavily on such partnerships for financial assistance. Their involvement shows how dedicated they are, and as MBCHealth, we are honoured to have this collaboration,” said Zimba.

    Other partners for the commemoration day included National Bank of Malawi plc, MASM, ESCOM, and Blantyre Water Board (BWB).

  • NBM plc, Scorchers donate food items to Mai Mbambande elderly shelter

    NBM plc, Scorchers donate food items to Mai Mbambande elderly shelter

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, in partnership with the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, The Scorchers, have donated assorted food items to Mai Mbambande Shelter Home for the Elderly in Lilongwe as part of the Bank’s corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives.

    The donation, made on Monday, include, bags of maize, rice, beans, sugar and cooking oil, items identified as essential for the daily care of the elderly residents.

    NBM plc, the official sponsors of the tournament and the Scorchers, made the donation alongside the Three Nations Women Football Tournament underway in Lilongwe where the teams also took part.

    Speaking after handing over the items, South End Service Centre Manager, Nguwachi Selemani, said the initiative demonstrates the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community welfare.

    “As a Bank, our partnership with the Scorchers goes beyond football. It is about impact, community, and ensuring progress reaches every Malawian, especially the most vulnerable,” said Selemani.

    She added that the donation addresses the home’s pressing needs and reminds the elderly that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

    Selemani also commended the shelter’s founder, Deborah Mbale, who established the home in 2020 at the age of 25, describing her as a shining example of youth leadership and compassion.

    “The Scorchers represent strength and unity, and their presence here shows that women can inspire change both on and off the pitch,” Selemani added.

    The Scorchers were represented by Jetu, whose song ‘Ona Pangolin’ is NBM plc’s Women’s Championship theme song.

    Receiving the donation, Mbale expressed gratitude to NBM plc and the Scorchers, noting that the support would greatly improve the welfare of the residents.

    “These food items will go a long way in supporting the elderly under our care. We also call on other well-wishers to offer support,” she said.

    Scorchers Captain Tabitha Chawinga also thanked NBM plc for the gesture, highlighting the importance of collaboration in uplifting communities.

    “We thank National Bank for remembering the elderly. As Scorchers, we are proud to stand with partners who uplift our communities,” said Chawinga.

  • NBM plc donates K2.8 million to MBC-Health

    NBM plc donates K2.8 million to MBC-Health

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K2.8 million to Malawi Business Coalition on Health (MBC-Health) in support of this year’s commemoration of World AIDS Day on 1st December.

    Speaking during the cheque presentation on Friday, NBM plc’s Employee Benefits Manager Limbani Chakhoma said the Bank remains a responsible corporate citizen and is committed to being at the forefront of efforts to fight HIV and AIDS.

    Chakhoma highlighted the Bank’s HIV policy, which prioritises the health and well-being of its employees.

    “We have employees who are equally affected either directly or indirectly. We believe that helping institutions or organizations that are fighting HIV and AIDS is also of paramount importance to us. These policies also guide how we should prevent, control and even help our employees to be treated in terms of HIV and AIDS and other non-communicable diseases,” said Chakhoma.

    Chakhoma further disclosed that the Bank has an in-house medical scheme, NABMAS, which enables employees to access ART drugs.

    Chakhoma emphasised the Bank’s commitment to supporting people and government efforts to ensure that the right services reach people living with HIV and AIDS.

    MBC-Health Chief Executive Officer, Treza Mphwatiwa, expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support.

    “We are thankful to NBM plc for supporting this year’s Commemoration of World Aids Day, and making it possible for us to host it,” said Mphwatiwa.

    She said that this year’s observance will focus on men, noting that data shows they are the least likely to go for HIV testing.

    Mphwatiwa encouraged people to attend the commemoration in Makata, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Salima, NkhataBay and Mangochi, where free health services will be offered.

    “Men are usually left behind in terms of HIV and other services. This is because when you ask the men, they say that they do not have time to actually leave their job and go to the health facility to access care,” said Mphwatiwa.

    This year’s celebration is under the theme ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response’.