Thursday, January 16, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 13

BPI Malawi appoints new Country Manager

Malawi Observer
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BPI Malawi appoints new Country Manager
Mtembezeka-At the helm

Business Partners International (BPI) Malawi, a fund manager that provides business finance and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has appointed experienced economist and financial expert Bond Mtembezeka as its new Country Manager to lead its operations in Malawi.

Mtembezeka brings extensive experience in Asset Management, Banking, Investments, and Corporate Finance, with over eight years of leadership in challenging environments, according to statement from BPI Malawi.

According to BPI, Mtembezeka has been tasked to strengthen its position as the leading financier for SMEs in the country while enhancing its marketing efforts and pay a special focus on client satisfaction as part of BPI’s strategy to provide finance and support to more business owners in the country.

Mtembezeka said in an interview that he is well-prepared to take on the responsibility of driving BPI’s vision forward.

“My passion for investments and my commitment to the SME sector are what attracted me to this role and it is incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of our efforts on the growth and success of SMEs in Malawi,” said Mtembezeka.

He shared his vision to contribute to BPI becoming the most preferred SME financier in the country, underpinned by offering tailored financial solutions and providing technical assistance to SMEs.

“We want to ensure that BPI Malawi becomes the go-to partner for SMEs seeking growth and sustainability in Malawi. Furthermore, we will not just be deploying capital; we will be dedicated to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and enhancing the broader economic and social ecosystem,” explained Mtembezeka.

Mtembezeka emphasized that the focus will be on addressing the primary challenges faced by SMEs, such as securing funding and dealing with macroeconomic instability while also focusing on differentiated customer-centric solutions, and offering personalized financial packages that go beyond traditional funding.

“The BPI technical assistance programme is unparalleled in the industry, ensuring that our clients not only get financing but also the expertise they need to succeed. By also fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, and SMEs, we will further strengthen BPI’s role in the Malawian economy,” he emphasized.

BPI supports the Malawian SME sector through business financing ranging from K100 million to K1 billion, technical assistance and advisory services and aims to expand its reach across the country, helping SMEs navigate the challenging economic environment.

“I want to encourage business owners to approach us for their financing needs, we look forward to welcoming them to the BPI Malawi family and supporting them to grow and sustain their businesses,” Mtembezeka concluded.

Wellness Centre in Backpain and Arthritis awareness week

Malawi Observer
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Wellness Centre in Backpain and Arthritis awareness week
Beatitude Wellness and Naturopathy Centre at Manase in Blantyre

Beatitude Naturopathy and Wellness Centre has organized week-long Backpain and Arthritis awareness and alignment sessions where patients will be treated using naturopathic methods.

The Centre’s Director Francis Malunga said in an interview yesterday that the awareness week will run from 23 September to 27 September 2024 from 7.30am to noon at their centre at Manase in Blantyre.

“So far, we have conducted two Backpain awareness campaigns in the past where people with acute backpain were treated using naturopathic methods. This time we thought of adding those with arthritis problem so that we should help them and give them information about these ailments,” said Malunga.

He said the Wellness Centre will offer free lectures to people who have backpain and arthritis issues apart from treating them.

“They will only need to pay a registration fee of K20,000 otherwise we will not be charging for the actual treatment of the backpain and arthritis,” said Malunga.

Malunga distinguished naturopathy and wellness from hospital care citing the former provides respect for the healing processes of nature while empowering the individual to take responsibility for their own health process.

Malunga- We can save a lot of forex

“We are aware that some people have gone outside the country to have backpain surgeries and arthritis care which have not been fully healed, we recommend that these people should patronize the backpain and arthritis awareness week, we can be saving a lot of forex if we do these procedures here in Malawi using naturopathic methods,” said Malunga.

One of the people who attended last year’s awareness week Peter Kachepa said it was worthwhile as he had his back problem sorted within a day.

“The tips and lecture that they gave us were also helpful because one knows what to do when he or she notice the signs and symptoms. I would encourage those with backpain issues to attend the awareness week,” said Kachepa.

According the World Health Organization (WHO) about 620 million people suffered low back pain in 2020 and it is estimated that the number will increase to 843 million by 2050 adding that low back pain is the single leading cause for disability worldwide and it is a condition which many will require rehabilitation.

Beatitude Naturopathy and Wellness Centre recently relocated from Balaka to Manase, Blantyre to serve more people who were looking for naturopathic treatment.

NBM plc secures landmark US$100 million from Afreximbank for trade finance

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NBM plc secures landmark US$100 million from Afreximbank for trade finance

In a move set to significantly boost trade financing in Malawi, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a landmark US$100-million Trade Finance Facilitation Facility (AFTRAF) agreement with National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc, the country’s largest bank by assets.

Representing the largest AFTRAF facility ever to be extended by Afreximbank in Malawi, the US$100-million AFTRAF agreement will enhance and maximize the capacity of NBM Plc to finance trade transactions of its clients in the manufacturing, energy and agriculture sectors.

Additionally, it will allow NBM Plc to issue letters of credit confirmed by Afreximbank, addressing the difficulty posed by a shortage of confirming banks lines. It will also support the importation of critical goods required by Malawi, including intermediate products for the manufacturing sector, fuel, pharmaceuticals and fertiliser.

The signing ceremony was held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo on Tuesday September 24, 2024. Haytham ElMaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank Africa at Afreximbank and Harold Jiya, Chief Executive Officer, NBM Plc inked the deal on behalf of their respective organisations.

Speaking after signing the agreement, ElMaayergi said: “Our support to National Bank of Malawi through the Afreximbank Trade Facilitation ‘AFTRAF’ programme will have a significant impact on Malawi’s strategic sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and energy, by empowering them to import inputs and components to generate value-added exports.”

“This partnership seeks to sustain supply chains of these sectors to enhance the foreign exchange earning capacity of the country,” he added.

ElMaayergi added that the collaboration is expected to boost intra- and extra-African trade across NBM’s expanding geographical footprint in the southern African region by supporting corporates with financing products as well as capacity building.

On his part, Jiya said the credit line is a huge step forward for the Bank and, more importantly, for the people of Malawi.

“This partnership will allow us to provide more financing solutions, especially for businesses engaged in international trade. As a Bank, we are committed to making international trade easier and more affordable for our customers. The Afreximbank credit line will help reduce the risks and costs associated with cross-border transactions, giving businesses of all sizes—from large corporations to small enterprises—access to the tools they need to thrive,” explained Jiya.

NBM plc is an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, which allows it to collaborate with Afreximbank on transactions. It is currently in the process of reprofiling itself into a regional bank.

Dr Nankhumwa to Preside Over PDP’s National Governing Council Meetingin Salima

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Dr Nankhumwa to Preside Over PDP’s National Governing Council Meetingin Salima

Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, President of the People’s Development Party (PDP), is set to preside over the party’s National Governing Council (NGC) meeting in Salima, Malawi, starting Thursday and concluding on Saturday.

The highly anticipated event follows closely on the heels of PDP’s successful elective conference in Blantyre.

As Nankhumwa prepares to open the meeting on Friday, he emphasized its significance, stating, “It’s about networking of the new NGC members, orientation, and discussing party policies from now and beyond.”

This gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for the party, focusing on building connections among new members, aligning them with the party’s vision and charting a course for the future.

Preparations for the NGC meeting have been underway, with the central committee convening in Lilongwe last Saturday to lay the groundwork.

This ensures a productive and impactful conference.

The NGC meeting comes at a critical juncture for PDP, offering an opportunity to reflect on its recent successes and strategize for forthcoming challenges.

As the party navigates this significant period, Nankhumwa’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory.

FDH Bank plc gives ECAMA K6 million for lake conference

Malawi Observer
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FDH Bank plc gives ECAMA K6 million for lake conference
Chikhula (left) presents the dummy cheque to Bangara-Chikadza

Listed FDH Bank plc has contributed K6 million to the Economic Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Lake Conference set for November this year.

The conference, according to ECAMA, aims to tackle the country’s pressing economic challenges, including inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment.

Speaking after presenting the cheque in Blantyre on Tuesday, FDH Bank plc Public Relations Manager, Lorraine Chikhula, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to Malawi’s economic development.

“One of our pillars under the sustainability program is our economy, where we make the commitments to improve social conditions by focusing on health, education, sports, and the environment among others.”

“Our support for ECAMA’s conference underscores our dedication to promoting economic growth and stability,” said Chikhula.

ECAMA’s acting president, Bertha Bangara-Chikadza, expressed gratitude to FDH Bank plc for their generous contribution and also highlighted the need for collective efforts to drive economic growth in Malawi.

“The current economic landscape presents numerous challenges, and it is crucial we work together to find solutions,” said Chikadza.

This year’s ECAMA Lakeshore conference is themed ‘Economic priorities for a vulnerable economy’.

Castel Malawi commits K20 million to Employee Volunteering Program

Malawi Observer
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Castel Malawi commits K20 million to Employee Volunteering Program
Castel team takes a photo with the children at Courageous Kids Foundation

Giant alcoholic beverages producer, Castel Malawi Limited, has committed K20 million to an Employee Volunteering charity initiative which aims at contributing to community support and strengthening the relationship between Castel Malawi and the local communities.

Castel Malawi’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, Linda Kolomba said under this initiative, Castel Malawi employees are making enormous efforts to reach out to communities, hear their stories and try to find sustainable solutions with the aim of establishing long-lasting relationships.

Over the weekend, the employees reached out to two centres in Blantyre, Tidzalerana Shelter and Courageous Kids Foundation where they interacted with the beneficiaries and donated various food and non-food items.

“This initiative is under the Castel Malawi’s Employees Volunteering Program where we would want to engage largely with our local communities in different social initiatives. We want our employees to take part in these Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives which the company is doing,” said Kolomba.

Kolomba (3rd standing from right) with other Castel employees at Tidzalerana Shelter

The Castel employees first visited Tidzalerana Shelter in Ndirande township which hosts 12 people with disabilities. The shelter also supports 34 other disabled people who live in the surrounding areas.

According to the Shelter’s Manager, Frank Banda, the facility supports people with various degrees of disabilities. However, they seek support, because they solely depend on donors and well-wishers to sustain the livelihood of the beneficiaries.

“We are thankful to Castel Malawi for this donation. They have given us exactly what we were lacking, and this support will go a long way in ensuring that the people with disabilities who are hosted here, have food and other necessities,” said Banda.

From Ndirande, the Castel Malawi employees proceeded to Mpemba, where Courageous Kids Foundation is situated, hosting 98 orphans. These young people also depend on well-wishers for food and other basic needs. 

Kolomba (middle right) handing over the goods to Musasa (left) while other Castel and Courageous Kids officials look on

The mother and founder of the orphanage, Courageous Musasa, said their main challenge is to find food and school fees, for the kids.

“I am short of words over what Castel Malawi has done for us. We did not expect them to make such a donation. Running this facility has not been an easy task, but through such donations we are able to survive. We have intelligent kids here, some of whom have made it to Secondary Schools and Universities across the country, but paying for their school fees has been our greatest challenge,” said Musasa.

Some of the donated items included beddings, maize flour, beans, bonya, soya pieces, school materials, paint, soap, and other assorted items. Kolomba said this gesture will also be extended to other centres in the Central and Northern regions.

Castel Malawi will continue to find means of sustainable support to such needy community organisations, rather than giving once off donations, according to Kolomba.

The truth behind the ‘sale’ of Likoma Island

Malawi Observer
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The truth behind the ‘sale’ of Likoma Island

After weeks of intensive investigations, The Malawi Observer can reveal how the plan to ‘sell’ Likoma Island was initiated and how a cabinet minister is still pushing to have the island sold to a Chinese-Australian multi-billionaire businesswoman.

In our investigations we have found out that Linda Karim-Creevey who has massive tourism investments in Namibia and Mozambique worth millions of US dollars was approached by Ambassador Mathias Spies, German envoy to Namibia and a German ‘fixer’ Professor Daniel Dank to invest in Malawi since Karim-Creevey was new and did not know anyone in Malawi. Karim-Creevey is the one with money.

The two Germans, Ambassador Spies and Dank convinced Karim-Creevey that they have connections with powerful government people who were going to make the whole process of ‘investing’ on Likoma Island easier.

First, they asked if they could ‘palm oil’ an intermediary who was going to connect them to a ‘powerful’ cabinet minister in order for them to acquire Likoma Island.

So, Karim-Creevey gave the two what they wanted, US$100,000 which they immediately gave to former cabinet minister Simon Vuwa Kaunda’s son, Simon Vuwa Kaunda Jnr for onward transmission to Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule.

Vuwa Kaunda Jnr is said to have given Minister Kamtukule only US$50,000 and kept the other half to himself.

When Dank and Ambassador Spies visited Malawi together with Karim-Creevey in February this year to ‘seal’ the deal with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), things didn’t go as they expected.

Some officials from Ministry of Tourism started questioning some provisions of the MoU which was prepared by Dank and Ambassador Spies, where among other things, people on the Island were supposed to be relocated upstream of the Island and that all government rights, rules and powers like police, banking and even the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) security should be surrendered to the company that was going to ‘buy’ Likoma, Augustus GmbH.

Augustus GmbH from Haus Alsbach, 51766 Engelskirchen, Governmental District of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany is registered under Commercial Register of the District Court in Cologne: Reg.-Nr. HRB92179 with a VAT-ID: DE314843366 and TAX-Nr.: 212/5707/1926.

The delay by the Ministry of Tourism incensed the three investors until Dank lost his cool in a meeting in Lilongwe and asked angrily while banging a table why they were being given a tough time ‘after we already paid the money?’

This was when it was revealed that Vuwa Kaunda Jnr was given US$100,000 to facilitate the process and they wondered why they were having problems now.

Eventually Vuwa Kaunda Jnr connected the Investors with Minister Kamtukule who by this time was out of the country in Doha but was flying back through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe.

On the day that Minister Kamtukule was flying back from Doha, Vuwa Kaunda Jnr drove the three to KIA where Minister Kamtukule assured them that the country’s Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda was going to sign the MoU before he flew out of the country on the same day that she was landing from Doha.

Minister Kamtukule, soon after landing, took the three investors to meet Chakaka Nyirenda and sign the MoU. But Chakaka Nyirenda refused to sign the document and flew out.

Minister Kamtukule assured Karim-Creevey and her group that she was well connected to President Lazarus Chakwera and she was going to have the MoU signed. She demanded another US$200,000 to facilitate the signing of the MoU.

Minister Kamtukule continued to push for the signing of the MoU even though technocrats from her own ministry raised a few red flags on the MoU.

We have seen the recommendations of the technocrats to Minister Kamtukule which among other things indicate that the MoU is focusing on the Malawi Government surrendering total control of the Islands (Likoma and Chizumulu) through the establishment of a special tourism zone, contradicting the Fair-trading competition laws.

“There are no clear economic benefits for the country; Issues of tax waivers throughout the operation period (99 years), repatriation of profits, concession fees, forex generation and benefits to the locals. There is no mention of any partnership with a local company,” reads part of the report of the technocrats to Minister Kamtukule.

Since the issue was exposed by a local newspaper a few weeks ago, the government is struggling to come out openly and reveal details of the MoU and why it intends to sell Likoma Island to Augustus GmbH with conditions that clearly will not benefit Malawians.

Minister Kamtukule did not respond to our inquiry when we sought her comment while Vuwa Kaunda Jnr threatened a ‘vicious legal suit if you are going to print that nonsense’.

We left several messages on the phone numbers for Ambassador Spies and Dank but were not responded to.

NBM’s Chichiri Service Centre Team triumphs in NBM Invitational Golf

Malawi Observer
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NBM’s Chichiri Service Centre Team triumphs in NBM Invitational Golf
Jiya (middle) poses with the winning team

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Chichiri Service Centre team emerged champions of the NBM Invitational Golf Tournament played on Saturday at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC).

The team, comprising Paul Lawrence, Maria Thandwe, Nyakhoko Nsona Jnr, and Ulemu Luhanga, scored a total of 92 points to secure the top spot. 

The tournament featured 21 teams representing various NBM service centres across Malawi

Mulanje Service Centre team came second with 86 points, earning a trophy and a trolley for each player. 

The Customs Road Service Centre team secured third place with 83 points and were awarded a trophy and a duffle bag.

Speaking at the event, NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya, congratulated the champions for their well-deserved victory and commended all the teams for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship.

He emphasized that the participants made the event a success, and expressed anticipation for continued excellence in future tournaments.

“The tournament marked the beginning of a closer relationship between NBM plc and the golfing community, and we are encouraged by the turnout and will continue to work with the golfing fraternity. And I would like to congratulate those who have emerged winners.”

“We used the occasion to explain to the customers the new developments in the bank in a relaxing atmosphere. As you are aware, most of the time we meet them in the banking hall or our offices and there isn’t enough time to have a relaxing and deep chat,” explained Jiya.

Paul Lawrence, captain of the winning team, expressed excitement and gratitude to NBM plc for sponsoring the event.

“We started quite badly but all we told ourselves is, let’s just continue, let’s play well. We made sure that every hole we got the best points, either me or my partners,” said Lawrence.

For emerging champions, each player in the Chichiri Service Centre team walked away with a grand prize of a trophy and a golf bag.

During the tournament, NBM plc donated K3 million to Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) for the maintenance of the greens.

The Bank’s CEO also announced that the Invitational Golf Tournament will return next year, promising even more excitement and engagement, aiming to strengthen ties with its customers and the golfing community while continuing to support the sport in Malawi.

FDH Bank plc commits K7 Million towards NPL’s Mother’s Fun Run

Malawi Observer
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FDH Bank plc commits K7 Million towards NPL’s Mother’s Fun Run

Listed FDH Bank has given K7 million to Nation Publications Limited in support of this year’s Mother’s Fun Run initiative which aims to promote safe motherhood in Chikwawa District.

Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre, FDH Bank’s Public Relations Manager, Lorraine Chikhula praised the Fun Run initiative for promoting safe motherhood in Malawi for nearly two decades.

“This is a critical development initiative, as we are all here because of mothers, and every child and mother deserve quality, safe healthcare. Safe motherhood is the foundation of a healthy nation, enabling further development.”

“The initiative also aligns with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility program, FDH Cares, which focuses on four pillars; Our Community, Our Environment, Our People, and Our Economy. Under Our Community, we champion various initiatives, especially in health and education, which are directly aligned with the Mother’s Fun Run initiative,” said Chikhula.

Representing NPL at the event, Weekend Nation Editor, Steven Nhlane, expressed heartfelt appreciation to FDH Bank plc for their generous donation towards the initiative.

He commended the Bank for its continuous commitment to supporting safe motherhood, noting that the contribution would have a significant impact in Chikwawa District.

“We are truly grateful to FDH Bank for this generous donation, which will go a long way in improving maternal and child healthcare in Chikwawa. Your unwavering support for this initiative, now running for close to two decades, is a testament to your dedication in making a difference in the health and well-being of Malawians. Together, we can help ensure that every mother and child have access to the quality care they deserve,” Nhlane remarked.

FDH Bank plc has reaffirmed its strong relationship with the health sector and its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of Malawians. 

Standard Bank in 25% Discount Offer on Gym Membership at Hashtag Fitness

Malawi Observer
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Standard Bank in 25% Discount Offer on Gym Membership at Hashtag Fitness

Standard Bank Plc has launched an exclusive 25% discount offer on membership fees at Hashtag Fitness for its Private and high-net-worth clients.

Hashtag Fitness is a premier health and wellness facility consisting of a gym, in-house smoothie and health café situated in the heart of Blantyre.

Head of Client Coverage (Personal and Private Banking) Ewen Hiwa said ag the launch Friday night the exciting offer follows a partnership with Hashtag as part of Standard Bank’s recently revamped Private Banking Customer Value Proposition (CVP).

Launched in July, the revamped proposition launched under the theme “Only the best will do” is designed to provide unparalleled benefits and services to the bank’s private customers.

“This partnership is one of the many benefits that our Private Banking and high-net-worth clients can look forward to enjoying as we take Standard Bank’s award-winning financial services to the next level,” said Hiwa.

He said Standard Bank places a premium on the wellness of its customers as it believes that good health and wealth are complimentary. “At Standard Bank driving the growth of Malawi is our purpose. We are keen to see our clients building generational wealth and when they live a healthy lifestyle they increase their potential for productive years. With this in mind, we are confident that we will lay a strong foundation for the next generation through supporting their parents and guardians who are our clients.”

For his part, Hashtag Gym’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Jean-Claude de Silva welcomed the partnership with Standard Bank saying it offers immense health benefits to the bank’s private customers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Standard Bank to bring this incredible offer to their private customers. There is a clear synergy in this partnership as both of our firms are clear leaders in providing exclusive services. For Hashtag, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert trainers will help clients to achieve their fitness goals, while our cafe provides healthy and carefully selected beverage and light food options to keep them energized as they push for their fitness goals,” he said.

Some of the services available at Hashtag include dedicated sections for women to ensure privacy when required, expert and personal trainers, personalized fitness programs, complimentary fitness assessments and training plans and access to wellness workshops and seminars.

This offer is exclusive to Standard Bank private customers. To redeem the discount, customers must present their Standard Bank card or account details at Hashtag Gym.

Through the revamping of its Private Banking services, Standard Bank aims to exceed customer expectations and strengthen their financial well-being.

“Standard Bank is the best private bank in Malawi and Africa; therefore, we are committed to continue providing superb financial solutions. At its core we have a full package of financial services, wealth management, insurance, renewable energy solutions, health and wellness offers, family banking and rewards,” added Hiwa.

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