The Atlas Malawi

Author: Contributor

  • Tanzania business community banks on Chakwera conciliation efforts

    Tanzania business community banks on Chakwera conciliation efforts

    Former President Lazarus Chakwera has completed his four-day assignment in Tanzania as the country’s business community grapples to rebuild following massive destruction occasioned by the October 29 General elections.

    Chakwera, who was appointed as Special Envoy to the United Republic of Tanzania on Monday, November 17, was tasked with initiating an inclusive discussion with stakeholders to address issues surrounding the elections and to support the start of national dialogue on reconciliation and development.

    He was appointed by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey, to also engage national and international stakeholders as Tanzania seeks to rebuild its image abroad to help secure development funds.

    “As an African from a neighbouring country who has followed the situation in Tanzania closely, I am deeply honoured by this invitation to serve as special envoy,” Chakwera said upon his appointment.

    The reconciliation efforts, backed by the Tanzanian government, will also help with its international relations efforts which are key to sustaining their relationships with development partners.

    As the G20 leaders prepare to meet a stone’s throw away in South Africa this weekend, Tanzania, whose President Samia Suluhu Hassan made history in last year’s summit, is looking to rebuild its image within the international community following the election violence witnessed last month.

    Suluhu said the political turbulence had tainted its image abroad, thereby risking their chances of getting funding support from international partners.

    During the G20 Summit 2024, Suluhu became the first female African leader to participate in the annual gathering of leaders from 19 of the world’s largest economies that represent 85% of the world’s GDP.

    Suluhu will not attend the Johannesburg meeting this year, but there are hopes from the business community that the G20 summit being held in Africa for the first time will shine a spotlight on their woes to support the government in restoration efforts.

    “As you know, most times we depend on outside support and loans from international institutions and banks,” she said during the swearing in of her cabinet on Tuesday, November 18.

    “But what happened in our country has stained us a bit which may hurt our reputation when it comes to getting loans easily as we did in the first term,” Suluhu noted.

    The need to rebuild is dire as hundreds of businesses were affected and thousands of jobs lost or in jeopardy. Tanzania’s business community comprising famous musicians, oil marketing companies and high-end restaurants among others are still counting losses following the election violence.

    “So far we have resumed our business in some of the affected stations and we are also looking for government support on how we are going to repair our damaged fuel infrastructure and fully resume business,” said Stephen Mtemi, Lake Oil Group’s Corporate Affairs and Legal Director.

    The energy conglomerate group said 38 of its fuel stations were vandalised and destroyed during the violence affecting 300 of its employees. Besides Tanzania, Lake Oil Group has operations in East and Central Africa spanning Kenya, Zambia, DRC, Burundi, Ethiopia and Rwanda.

    Other affected businesses include Vita-Foam mattress factories, Super Banco in Buhongwa, Mwanza, a youth-training centre in the same area which had its equipment stolen and the premises torched, long-distance transport businesses Shabiby and Esther Coach and public buses managed by the Dar Rapid Transit Agency just to name a few.

    Local musician Juma Jux, who opened an apparel factory in Dar es Salaam employing hundreds of people, was also affected. Juma Jux’s boutique (African Boy) and high-end entertainment hub and restaurant, the Voice, were looted extensively and some of the property destroyed.

    Suluhu has called on her cabinet to look within for development funding as the country tries to stabilise.

    And as the G20 nations plan to meet a stone-throw away in South Africa this weekend, the first time on African soil, Tanzania can only hope to draw on gains made last year when their president’s attendance at the time was on the back of rising global influence.

    South Africa is the only African country in the G20. Others are: China, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Turkey, France, USA, Germany, Canada, Russia, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, India, the UK, the European Union and since 2023, the African Union.

    They will be meeting from 22nd November in Johannesburg under the theme solidarity, equality and sustainability.

     

  • NBM commits K11.2 million to Senior Golfers Tourney, AGM

    NBM commits K11.2 million to Senior Golfers Tourney, AGM

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has committed K11.2 million to the Senior Golfers Society of Malawi to support its 2025 Golf Tournament and Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for this weekend.

    From the total amount, K5.2 million is cash, while K6 million has been spent on golf shirts for members to wear during the tournament.

    Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Friday, NBM plc Pension Administration Limited (PAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), William Mabulekesi, stressed the Bank’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior golfers to Malawi’s development.

    “These senior golfers have given so much to our country through their leadership, expertise, and mentorship. Many have guided individuals who now hold prominent positions in both the public and private sectors. Others were captains of industry and continue to mentor even in retirement. It is only fitting that we honour their legacy by supporting their activities.”

    “We believe that giving back to the community also means supporting activities that promote wellness and engagement. Sports are an essential part of life. They allow individuals to relax, recharge, and maintain their health. We are proud to support golf as we already support women’s football, including the Scorchers team,” said Mabulekesi.

    Senior Golfers Society Chairperson Eric Chinkanda expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support, noting the impact on both the association and its members.

    “This year, NBM plc has stepped in, allowing us to host what we now proudly call the National Bank Senior Golfers Closed AGM Tournament. Their support ensures that our members can come together, celebrate achievements, share experiences, and plan for the year ahead. We hope this partnership will continue for many years,” said Chinkanda.

    According to Chinkanda, the Society, which has membership from across the country, aims to foster networking, mentorship, and healthy engagement among retirees while exploring partnerships within the SADC region to exchange knowledge and best practices.

    This year’s support from NBM plc marks the first corporate sponsorship the Society has received in three years.

     

  • Dissecting the 2025 Old Mutual Pension Trustees Conference

    Dissecting the 2025 Old Mutual Pension Trustees Conference

    On 7 November 2025, Old Mutual Pension Services Company hosted its inaugural Pension Trustees Conference at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from across Malawi’s pension industry.

    Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Pensions: Resilience, Sustainability, and Innovation,” the conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue on the evolving pension landscape.

    It attracted key industry figures, including Emily Makuta, a respected legal practitioner and governance professional, Kaluso Chihana, Director of Pension and Insurance Supervision at the Reserve Bank of Malawi; Dr. Wisely Phiri, Founder and CEO of Sparc Systems Limited; Pempho Likongwe, Managing Partner at Likongwe and Company; Mphatso Kasalika, Managing Director of Old Mutual Investment Group; Busani Ngwenya, a seasoned insurance executive and John C. Maxwell Certified Coach.

    Setting the tone was Emily Makuta who zeroed in on the importance of pension being the backbone of financial security.

    According to Makuta Pension must withstand shocks and remain reliable.

    She said, “There is a need for Pension administrators to diversify investments, strengthening governance and risk management strategies”.

    In his presentation, “Landscaping for Future Reforms,” Kaluso Chihana emphasised the need for proactive regulatory alignment to strengthen fund performance and sustainability.

    He traced the sector’s journey from the 2010 reforms focused on operationalisation and supervision to the current stage of enhancing functionality, voluntary schemes, and economic impact.

    Part of the participants

    Chihana highlighted five reform pillars: efficiency, sustainability, coverage, security, and adequacy. Drawing on National Statistical Office data, he noted that of Malawi’s 950,000 elderly citizens, only 60,000 are pensioners, and of 960,000 salaried employees, just 645,000 belong to pension schemes against an active population of 6.6 million.

    “These figures,” he said, “reveal the gap and the amount of work that still needs to be done.”

    He added that the new Pensions Law was designed to be more inclusive, acknowledging that Malawi lacks a broad-based social security system.

    “Currently, only about 4% of Malawians are covered by the National Pension Scheme,” he said.

    Offering a technological perspective, Dr. Wisely Phiri discussed trends and innovations in pension fund governance, stressing the role of technology and data-driven systems in improving administration and oversight.

    He identified five global trends shaping modern governance: going beyond compliance, integrating ESG principles, member-centric models, professionalism, and digital innovation.

    “True innovation,” he noted, “is not about systems or code; it’s about people and ensuring that every kwacha contributed in faith is managed with integrity and returned with fairness.”

    From an investment standpoint, Mphatso Kasalika’s presentation on “Sustainable and Impactful Investing” underlined the need to align financial returns with positive environmental and social outcomes.

    He showcased Old Mutual’s responsible investment strategy, integrating ESG factors into financial analysis to achieve sustainable long-term returns through investments in housing, roads, communication infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture.

    Addressing risk and resilience, Busani Ngwenya shared lessons from Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation era, urging trustees to prepare funds for shocks and volatility through risk monitoring, diversified portfolios, liquidity reserves, sound governance, and effective member communication.

    Finally, Counsel Pempho Likongwe underscored the importance of succession planning and governance frameworks within pension structures.

    In summary, the conference highlighted that strong governance, innovation, sustainable investing, and collaboration are central to securing the future of pensions in Malawi.

     

  • Malawi Law Society sounds alarm over controversial Pension Fund Hotel purchase

    Malawi Law Society sounds alarm over controversial Pension Fund Hotel purchase

    The Malawi Law Society has raised serious concerns about a proposed hotel acquisition by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund, calling for an immediate suspension of the transaction and an independent investigation into allegations of financial impropriety.

    In a press statement issued today, the Society outlined multiple irregularities surrounding the deal, including dramatic price inflation, potential conflicts of interest, and suspicious timing of personnel changes at the Fund.

    According to the Law Society, the Fund’s Board initially rejected the hotel purchase in January 2024 at a proposed price of MK47 billion, following expert advice that the transaction was not viable.

    However, the decision was reportedly reversed after the seller’s finance advisor contacted another Fund Manager, who subsequently recommended the purchase.

    The price has since ballooned to between MK115 billion and MK145 billion—representing an increase of up to 208% from the original valuation.

    The Society’s statement, signed by Chairman Davis Mthakati Njobvu and Honorary Secretary Francis Ekari M’mame, alleges that critical safeguards were ignored during the due diligence process.

    Most notably, the organization claims that the entity which produced a second, favorable “Viability Business Analysis Report” may have ownership links to the hotel itself.

    “The information further alleges that critical safeguards were ignored, including an absence of independent due diligence by a hotel expert and no identified strategic partner,” the statement reads.

    The timing of recent events has also drawn scrutiny. The Law Society notes that the Fund’s Principal Officer was suspended on October 27, 2025, pending an investigation. An Acting Principal Officer was appointed the following day, and a signed resolution authorizing the acquisition was produced shortly thereafter.

    Additionally, a new Board of Trustees was reconstituted in September 2025 and allegedly has not been given adequate time to properly assess the deal’s contentious history before being pressured to approve it.

    The Malawi Law Society is calling on several oversight authorities to intervene:The Anticorruption Bureau, The Minister of Finance and The Attorney General.

    “Based on the foregoing allegations, there are serious concerns that this transaction is being concluded under suspicious circumstances, which could pose a significant threat to the financial security of the Fund’s contributors,” the statement warns.

    The Public Service Pension Trust Fund was established to safeguard retirement benefits for Malawi’s public service employees. The Malawi Law Society, which has a statutory mandate under the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act to protect matters of public interest, emphasized that it will continue monitoring the situation to ensure public servants’ pensions are not compromised.

    The Society’s statement concludes with a commitment to taking “all necessary steps within our mandate to ensure that the pensions of Malawian public servants are not sacrificed for a questionable and potentially detrimental investment.”

    As of press time, neither the Public Service Pension Trust Fund nor government authorities have issued a response to the allegations.

  • UGI donates K3 million food supplies to visually impaired learners

    UGI donates K3 million food supplies to visually impaired learners

    United General Insurance (UGI) has donated food supplies valued at K3 million to St Maria Goretti Resource Centre for visually impaired children in Nkhata Bay, to help the institution sustain its feeding programme.

    The donation, made in partnership with Sprodeta on Monday, is intended to benefit the learners since they do not pay school fees.

    The items include maize, beans, cereals, cooking oil, sugar and soap.

    UGI Chief Operating Officer (COO), McDonald Chibwe said the company aims to reduce the challenges faced by vulnerable learners so they can remain in school.

    “Ensuring that these children have the basic necessities needed for learning is important to us. This support is meant to ease the pressure on the institution and allow learners to focus on their education,” said Chibwe.

    St Maria Goretti Director, Father Andrew Kamanga said the centre depends entirely on donations to operate, making food one of its most frequent shortages.

    “This donation will sustain us through the rest of this term and assist us as we begin the next. We are very grateful to UGI and Sprodeta for this support,” said Kamanga.

    The centre cares for children with albinism, total blindness and low vision, and continues to face challenges such as limited accommodation, high utility costs and inadequate bedding.

    UGI says it will continue supporting interventions that promote access to education and basic welfare for vulnerable groups.

  • NBM commits K20.5 million to LCC activities

    NBM commits K20.5 million to LCC activities

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has committed K20.5 million to the Lilongwe City Council (LCC) to support the on-going sanitation efforts, and the orientation of newly elected councillors.

    From the donation, K15 million is for sanitation and maintenance of the tools, while K5.5 million goes to the councillors’ orientation programme scheduled for Thursday.

    The Bank’s Account Relationship Manager for Corporate Banking, Frank Kunje led the donation exercise on Tuesday, saying NBM plc responded to the council’s request because sanitation remains one of Lilongwe’s most pressing challenges.

    “This initiative fits well within our corporate social responsibility focus on environmental management. When the council approached us, we found it important to assist,” he said.

    He added that the donation is part of a national initiative, noting that the Bank has set aside K200 million to support councils across the country.

    Lilongwe City Mayor, Peter Alex Banda applauded the gesture, saying the equipment will help improve the city’s deteriorating hygiene.

    “We will use these tools on our roads, in health facilities and in other critical areas. The city has not looked like a proper city for some time, and this support will help us change that,” said Banda .

    Among other items, the Bank has donated bins, wheelbarrows, and traffic cones.

  • Gazette Media donates K0.5 million to Football Journalists

    Gazette Media donates K0.5 million to Football Journalists

    Gazette Media, a Media and Communication Consultancy firm has donated K500,000 to the Football Journalists Association of Malawi (FJA) to support its Elective Annual General Meeting (EAGM) scheduled to take place in Salima from November 29-30, 2025.

    Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Friday, Gazette Media Lead Consultant McDonald Chapalapata said they extended the support, noting that many of its clients are deeply involved in the growth of the sport in Malawi.

    “When we received the request, we did not think twice. Supporting football journalism is supporting football itself. The discussions and capacity-building at the AGM ultimately improve the quality of coverage and the messages shared with the public. In turn, this benefits our clients, some of whom are into sports sponsorship especially football, and this strengthens the game overall,” said Chapalapata.

    FJA President Deitrich Frederich thanked Gazette Media for the timely gesture, noting that the annual general meeting is crucial, not only for electing new leaders, but also for strengthening the professionalism and visibility of football reporting in the country.

    “This donation marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship with Gazette Media. As journalists, we have a duty to promote football and to ensure that the partners who support the sport see value in their investment. We will continue to collaborate as key stakeholders to grow the game and encourage sponsors to remain committed,” said Frederich.

    The AGM, which will bring together 80 football journalists froY m across the country, requires a total budget of K10 million for logistics, accommodation, and election-related activities.

     

  • Old Mutual Foundation Trust applauds government’s free education policy

    Old Mutual Foundation Trust applauds government’s free education policy

    The Old Mutual (Blantyre) Foundation Trust has commended President Peter Mutharika for his directive to make primary and secondary education free in Malawi, describing the move as timely and transformative for many families across the country.

    President Mutharika reaffirmed the government’s commitment during the official opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament, emphasizing that only boarding students in secondary schools will be required to pay boarding fees. He also announced the abolition of development fees in both primary and secondary schools.

    Reacting to the announcement, Old Mutual (Blantyre) Foundation Trust Chairperson, Tawonga Manda, hailed the decision as a milestone in promoting equitable access to education.

    “This is a timely and progressive directive that will relieve many families who have been struggling to meet school-related costs. It will also ensure that no child is denied an education simply because of financial challenges,” said Manda.

    The Old Mutual (Blantyre) Foundation Trust has been actively supporting education through its bursary programme, which currently benefits 361 secondary school students across Malawi. Over the past four years, the Foundation has invested more than MK500 million in this initiative.

    Despite this significant investment, Manda acknowledged that the demand for support remains high due to the large number of students facing financial barriers.

    “While our bursary initiative has made a difference, we have not been able to reach every deserving student. This government intervention will go a long way in closing that gap, reducing dropout rates, and encouraging more learners to stay in school,” he added.

    Apart from support for the Old Mutual bursary support, the Foundation is also highly involved in the school infrastructure improvement program where it has been constructing classroom blocks in primary schools across the country.

    The Old Mutual (Blantyre) Foundation Trust is the philanthropic arm of Old Mutual Malawi Limited, a leading financial services provider in the country. The Foundation continues to champion initiatives that promote education, financial inclusion, and community development.

     

  • NBM’s Akossa cherishes PRSM award

    NBM’s Akossa cherishes PRSM award

    By Christian Mwase:

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, has described her recognition as Public Relations Practitioner of the Year (Corporate Sector) by the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) as a profound honour and a defining reflection of the Bank’s marketing evolution.

    Hiwa said in an interview that the accolade symbolizes three critical milestones—the demonstration of an excellent brand and communications strategy at the highest levels of NBM plc’s Marketing Function, collaborative and remarkable execution by the marketing and creative teams she leads, and most importantly, the strategic positioning of marketing as a leadership function within the Bank—empowered with the creative room to drive measurable brand impact.

    “This recognition is not just about individual effort; it is about a team that consistently shows up with excellence and passion. It represents a well-thought-out brand and communications strategy, brilliantly executed by an exceptional team, and the deliberate elevation of Marketing as a strategic voice in shaping the Bank’s growth story,” said Hiwa.

    Hiwa—who received the award at the PRSM Annual Awards Gala held in Mzuzu last week—was also recently named PR Personality of the Year at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Excellence Awards in Salima, making this her second national accolade within a fortnight.

    She attributed the win to NBM plc’s culture of trust and empowerment, noting that the executive management’s confidence in the Marketing and Corporate Affairs function enables innovation and bold execution.

    “We are privileged to work in an environment that trusts and challenges us to think creatively, stay accountable, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with the Bank’s values and strategic intent,” said Hiwa.

    Acknowledging the stiff competition this year, Hiwa extended her congratulations to all the winners and applauded all nominees across categories for raising the bar in Malawi’s PR and communications industry.

    “The competition was incredibly strong—so many institutions have delivered remarkable campaigns in 2025. I sincerely congratulate all the winners and salute everyone who was nominated. Each of you has contributed to elevating the standard of professional communications in Malawi,” she said.

    Reflecting on her journey, Hiwa expressed deep gratitude, describing the moment as one of humility, renewal, and purpose.

    “Every recognition is a reminder that our story is still unfolding, guided by grace, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication to build trust and inspire action,” she said.

    Chief Judge of the PRSM Awards Committee, George Mindano, said Hiwa’s selection was based on her demonstration of exceptional commercial PR strategy, creativity, and measurable impact.

    “The winner of this year’s PR Practitioner of the Year – Corporate Sector is someone who has led multiple innovative, high-impact PR campaigns with a clear link to business outcomes. Her ability to integrate strategy, influencer storytelling, and media synergy made her institution a household name—especially through the groundbreaking K1.5 billion sports sponsorship campaign,” said Mindano before announcing Hiwa as the winner.

    Hiwa faced stiff competition from Levie Nkunika and Lorraine Chikhula, both of FDH Bank.

    Her win not only cements her place among Malawi’s leading communications professionals but also reinforces the growing influence of marketing leadership in driving corporate transformation and national brand excellence.

     

  • FCB donates K5 million towards ICTAM AGM

    FCB donates K5 million towards ICTAM AGM

    Listed First Capital Bank (FCB) has donated K5 million to the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) towards the its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference.

    The AGM is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 25 in Mangochi, under the theme ‘AI for Sustainable Development: Advancing the Digital Future.’

    Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony in Blantyre on Wednesday, FCB’s Head of Information Technology, Tiyanjane Nyirenda, said the Bank’s contribution reflects its commitment to promoting innovation and digital transformation in Malawi.

    “The ICTAM annual conference is a platform that brings together technology leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to share ideas. This year’s theme aligns well with our focus on innovation and artificial intelligence, hence our support,” said Nyirenda.

    He further expressed optimism that the AGM will help strengthen integrity and professionalism within Malawi’s ICT sector.

    “We expect that this year’s conference will drive more innovation in the country. With startups showcasing their projects, the platform will help inspire and boost local technological advancements,” he added.

    In his remarks, ICTAM Vice President Moses Dossi Jnr. hailed FCB for the donation, noting that the support will go a long way in helping the association successfully host the event.

    “FCB has been a long-term partner, and we truly appreciate their continued support. This contribution will help us achieve our goal of making this year’s AGM impactful,” said Dossi.

    He added that the theme underscores the importance of embracing artificial intelligence for Malawi’s digital future.

    “If we don’t think about AI now, we risk being left behind. This conference allows us to discuss how best we can position Malawi for a sustainable digital future,” he said.