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.
