Wednesday, April 2, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 151

FDH Bank posts K14.9 billion profit

Dr Ellias Ngalande FDH Bank Managing Director
Charity Mseka Board Chair for FDH Bank

Listed FDH Bank plc has reported an after tax profit of K14.9 billion for the year ending 31 December 2020 from a restated after tax profit of K5.19 billion the previous year.

In a statement signed by the Bank’s Chairperson Charity Mseka, Director Ulemu Katunga, managing Director Ellias Ngalande and Head of Finance Richard Chipezaani, the bank said it achieved the impressive financial results amid a challenging operating environment.

“Net Interest Income went up by 77% on the back of an increase in the loan book and other interest bearing assets. Interest expense went up by 15.8% reflecting the growth of the Bank’s deposits.”

“Non-interest Income in the year was significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital financial services fees were reduced by 40% to encourage people to transact more on digital platforms to reduce the spread of Covid-19. International trade and local business transaction volumes were affected by lock downs in trading partner countries which slowed down the economy,” read the statement in part.

The bank said total non-interest income could have dropped by 34% before the restatement and that as a result of the restatement, a significant portion of this revenue was recognized in 2020 after being restated from 2018 and2019.

“This resulted in non-interest income to grow by 29% from K22.02 billion in 2019 to K28.378 billion in 2020 after restatement,” reads the statement.

Richard Chipezaani FDH Bank Head of Finance

On the operating environment, the Bank said the Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected global and local economic growth in 2020 with the global gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking by an estimated 3.5% in 2020 while Malawi’s GDP grew by around 1.2%. This was, the Bank noted, from an initial pre-pandemic local GDP growth projection of 5.1% according to the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).

“The slowdown in the economy has affected productivity in many sectors with most businesses operating at reduced capacity. This has also increased the expected credit losses as some businesses are expected to struggle to meet their financial obligations,” reads the statement in part.

FDH Bank plc also noted that the Kwacha depreciated against the United States dollar and other major currencies in the second half of 2020 due to the increased negative trade balance as exports slowed down due to logistical challenges resulting from lock downs while imports increased due to importation of Covid-19 related materials. This increased the cost of all foreign-based contracts that the Bank has.

FDH Bank which successfully listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange on 3rd August 2020 with 20% shares being offered to the general public, paid an interim dividend of K3.0 billion in respect of 2020 profits on 26 March 2021 to members appearing in the register of the Company as at close of business on 12 March 2021.

The Bank envisages that the economy is expected to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 but with the new wave of cases the 2021, Growth Domestic Product (GDP) growth prospects are likely going to be subdued.

“Global GDP growth for 2021 is expected to reach 5.54% while the local GDP growth is projected to be 4.5% contingent on the evolution of the pandemic according to the Reserve Bank of Malawi. Inflation is expected to average around 8%. We anticipate the Kwacha/US Dollar exchange rate to continue to depreciate in 2021 due to the high negative trade balance.”

“To continue being competitive and exploit existing and emerging opportunities in the market and deliver value to our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders, we have reviewed and developed a new cycle of strategic objectives to run from 2021 to 2024.”

“Leveraging on our market position, widest distribution network, effective digital platform, brand equity, and strong financial performance, we will focus on growing revenue and market share, reducing operating cost for sustainable performance and profitability, creating highly engaged employees and contributing significantly to the creation of an inclusive, diverse and sustainable society,” reads the statement in part.

Dr Ulemu Katunga Chairman of Finance and Audit Committee of FDH Financial Holdings Limited

Exposed! Journalist behind ‘MCP Chigoba’, insults SKC

CHAUWA: Exposed

Exposed! We can reveal that journalist Alfred Chauwa is behind a pseudo (Chigoba) Mchiragule Mwanza who has been insulting people critising the Malawi Congress Party style of leadership including State Vice president Saulos Chilima.

Chauwa, who also writes for an online publication, Nyasa Times is said to be behind the ‘Chigoba’ Mchiragule Mwanza and spitting venom on MCP critics.

“Mbuzi Chilima kuzimva sugar! Wachedwetsa assessment report! Pachakuti pako! Cabinet yachedwa bcoz of SKC!” wrote Chauwa in one of his posts of Facebook.

Mchiragule Mwanza, well, Alfred Chauwa was reacting to State House attempts to convince Malawians that new cabinet appointments would delay because Vice President Chilima sent the review assessments to Chakwera very late. Well for the record, the constitution empowers the PRESIDENT to hire and fire ministers without even stating the reasons of doing so.

Our investigations have seen that Chauwa has been posting on Facebook personal insults on Chilima and also social media influencer Onjezani Kenani.

Insiders revealed to us the name of Chauwa after interrogating one of the MCP media team members who spent hours on social media commenting about current affairs.

“Well the group is being coordinated by one Ezikiel Ching’oma and is it well funded and this Mchiragule Mwanza, we have just discovered that is Alfred Chauwa and many members are not happy with him, but it is him and we all know including Ching’oma,” said our source.

An MBC journalist Henry Haukeya lost his job when he broadcast a personal insulting message on Chilima when he was Vice President during the DPP regime.

Disgraced Haukeya was booted out after change of government on June 23, 2020 court sanctioned fresh presidential elections which saw President Chakwera win the elections with Chilima as his Vice President.

Chauwa (left) captured with MCP propagandists Brian Banda and George Kasakula

TNM unveils first K1 million winner in Tikolore promotion

By Mc Donald Chapalapata, a Contributor

The first K1 million winner in the Tikolore promotion Francis Mtukanika

Malawi’s pioneer mobile and ICT services provider TNM plc unveiled the first K1 million winner in the Tikolore promotion, a day after launching the three month long promotion in Lilongwe.

Estate Agent Francis Mtukanika, who was just passing Area 23 in Lilongwe after knocking off from work and bumped into the TNM team, became the first K1 million winner after buying airtime worth K200.

“I am happy that I have won this money. I did not believe it when I got the call but with just K200 which recharged my phone, I have won K1 million. I will use this money to set up a proper office for my business,” said Mtukanika.

Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama who launched the promotion the previous night drew the winner in Area 23 which is also his constituency as a Member of Parliament.

He appealed to people to support the promotion saying it is a celebration of the harvest season as the country is expected to have a bumper yield this year.

TNP plc Chief Marketing Officer Frank Magombo said Mtukanika is the first of the 30 millionaires that the Tikolore promotion will produce by 1st July 2021 when the promotion ends.

“You have seen that it is simple to make your first K1 million with just K200 of airtime. Our first winner Francis Mtukanika has just shown us that NdiZotheka (it is possible) to win. So I am appealing to all of you to buy airtime worth K200 or more and stand a chance to win,” said Magombo.

He said apart from creating the 30 millionaires, a total of 250 lucky customers win K10,000 every week for 12 weeks, making a total of 3,000 winners and 50 lucky customers will win K100,000 every month, making a total of 150 winners within three months.

Magombo said everyone is a winner in the promotion explaining that even if someone recharges with K100 airtime, they will instantly be rewarded with free minutes, data and SMSs.

“This promotion is an appreciation to our customers for choosing TNM as their communications and digital services provider hence the mega harvest promotion. Our purpose is connecting society, creating possibilities, and changing lives and that is why we are happy to make everyone a winner in this Tikolore promotion and people’s lives shall definitely be changed,” said Magombo.

The promotion runs from 1st April to 1st July 2021.

CDEDI gives Tonse govt 7 days to scrape off punitive taxes on essential goods and services or face nationwide protests

Namiwa:Average Malawians are finding it hard to afford locally produced cooking oil following the skyrocketing of prices.

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has given the Tonse Alliance-led government seven days to remove “punitive taxes” on essential goods and services or face nationwide protests.

Addressing journalists in Lilongwe today, CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa said they were concerned with neglect of duty by the Tonse Alliance to protect and promote the well-being of Malawians, including the underprivileged communities.

Namiwa said introduction of punitive tax regimes that have ended up punishing the poor people through loss of jobs, increase of prices for basic goods and services are a clear indication that the incumbent government does not care about the welfare of its citizens.

“A recent example is the introduction of 16.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on cooking oil, a development that has pushed up the cost of living, and has turned most poor people into scavengers,” said Namiwa.

He said average Malawians are finding it hard to afford locally produced cooking oil following the skyrocketing of prices.

Prices of cooking oils have risen by an average of 100 percent since Tonse took over power from the erstwhile Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Namiwa said it is for this reason that CDEDI is challenging all Malawians of good will to join a crusade to force the Tonse Alliance Government, under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to start championing pro-poor policies in order to protect the marginalized from hazardous smuggled edible oils that have flooded the local market.

“CDEDI has been forced to take this route, after we’ve realized that government has shut the door on the poor people, if the admission by the Director of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Kenneth Matupa is anything to go by. During a virtual meeting that was held recently between CDEDI and the ministry, Mr. Matupa made it very clear that the ministry was aware that the introduction of VAT on cooking oil has pushed up the prices of cooking oil on the local market, and that this has in turn opened up a market for smuggled oil products, whose safety nobody can guarantee,” he said.

Namiwa disclosed that Matupa admitted that there have been lapses in containing smuggling in general, not only on cooking oil, but on various products because the malpractice is being perpetuated, in most cases, by the influx of foreign nationals that are living in Malawi illegally and are doing their illegal businesses in undesignated premises.

A recent study by the Mangochi District Health Office on food fortification revealed that most people are consuming foods that do not contain the required mineral and vitamins, by indicating that out of the eight cooking oil samples which were scrutinized, only one contained the required Vitamin A.

Namiwa said after analyzing the outcome of the meeting, CDEDI feels there is either general neglect of duties by some officers in the law enforcement agencies responsible for containing the influx of both illegal goods and immigrants into the country or the Tonse Alliance administration is deliberately introducing the punitive tax regimes in order to suffocate the local industry in an attempt to bring in their own preferred business interests,” said Namiwa.

“The latter can be true, looking at the recent closure of private companies such as the Kanengo Tobacco Processors Limited in Lilongwe, and the announcement by Bakhresa Group of Companies that they are closing their soap making plant in Mzuzu. It appears the plan by the Tonse administration is working out perfectly well, since no government official, not even the responsible ministers for Trade and Industry, has come out to make a statement on this very sad development about the closure of companies in the country,” he said.

Namiwa assured that as an advocacy institution on human rights, CDEDI remains committed to stand for the voiceless and that their call for the immediate removal of VAT on cooking oil is aimed at protecting the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized communities.

He reiterated that the introduction of tax on cooking oil has made the poor people even more miserable, and has posed a great threat to the survival of the local industry, which besides creating jobs, is also bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange through the sale of the soya cake, a byproduct of cooking oil from soya beans.

“For the records, from such exports, the country realizes a minimum of US$60 million annually, and the industry is providing permanent employment to 1, 600 people and 800 casual labourers. If the Tonse Alliance administration is really serious about uplifting the livelihood of poor Malawians, then let them start implementing policies that really resonate well with the local people, such as scrapping off the 16.5% VAT on cooking oil; a product that is commonly and mostly used by the local people in the villages for small scale businesses such as making mandasi, locally made cakes, kanyenya (kebabs),” said Namiwa.

“CDEDI is, therefore, giving the Tonse Alliance Government seven (7) days to scrap off VAT on cooking oil, and find other means of generating revenue from the local manufacturers; commence a review of its tax regime in order to revise all the taxes that are chocking the local industry and hitting hard on the ordinary Malawians, 80 percent of whom are living in rural areas and depend on subsistence farming. Should this demand land on deaf ears, which is mostly the case with the current Tonse Alliance administration, then CDEDI will be left with no choice but to mobilize all Malawians of good will to hold nationwide demonstrations, until such demands are adhered to,” he warned.

NBS Bank declares K7billion profit

Vizenge Kumwenda- Chairman for NBS Bank

NBS Bank plc has reported a strong financial performance in the year 2020 with profit after tax rising by 58% to K7 billion from K4.46 billion reported in 2019.

A statement signed by the Bank’s Chairman Vizenge Kumwenda, Director Matthews Mtumbuka, Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya and Chief Finance Officer Vera Zulu said faced with the significant impact of Covid-19 on economic activity, the Bank focused on continuity of service excellence and maximizing efficiencies.

The bank said acceleration of digital transformation has enhanced customer experience and streamlined internal processes.

“Our balance sheet remains robust with our capital and liquidity positions improving in 2020; net loans and money market investments rose by  53% and 27% to MK59 billion and MK105 billion respectively whilst customer deposits increased by 27% year on year to K154 billion. The tremendous growth in the year demonstrates that the Bank has remained resilient during such a challenging year and has emerged stronger,” reads the statement in part.

NBS Bank plc said its Net interest income grew impressively by 34% because of the growth of the loan book and increased investment in money market investments.

“Non-interest income which is made up of transaction fees and forex trading income increased by 17% from prior year. The uptake of the Bank’s products on digital platforms improved as investments were made to increase network availability and reliability. The Bank also upgraded its internet banking platform and Mobile App offering to ensure improved service offering.”

“Net impairment charges on loans and advances were K1.9 billion during the year and K0.8 billion in 2019, reflecting the related growth in the loan book. Operating expenditure was up by 11% compared to the prior year. In part this was due to capacity upgrade of the infrastructure supporting the core banking system enabling it to handle the continued investment in digital channels, COVID 19 preventative safety measures and other investments in staff capacity building,” said the bank.

Kwanele Ngwenya Chief Executive Officer for NBS Bank plc

Commenting on the operating environment, NBS Bank plc said the year 2020 saw the Covid-19 pandemic affect the local and global landscape in unprecedented ways.

“Malawi is under a state of National Disaster as declared by the State President. The Bank contributed towards the fight against Covid-19, both in its own capacity and through the Nico Group of Companies with donations of personal protective equipment and hospital equipment. The focus and commitment of our employees has been at the core of the Bank’s response to the significant challenges in 2020. In difficult circumstances, our teams ensured continuity of service during peak pandemic times,” reads the statement.

The Bank also said it continues to invest in its transformation and some initiatives include the introduction of biometrics as part of the identity verification process.

“The Bank has enhanced its partnership with the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety Services through the introduction of road traffic payments on its EazyMobile 322 platform. The Bank also introduced international money remittance services across its branch network by collaborating with Hello Paisa and World Remit.  To reinforce its drive towards financial inclusion, the Bank through its agency banking arm Bank Pafupi, and its ongoing partnership with Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprises (FARMSE) prioritised a plan to increase visibility of the channel and educate local communities about the value of banking formally,” reads the statement in part.

NBS also touted its achievements during the year after receiving awards for two consecutive years as the Best Bank in Malawi at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Bank of the Year by The Banker.

“These awards serve to reaffirm the confidence that customers and shareholders have in their Bank and will aid to further motivate the NBS Bank plc Red Brigade to work even harder to bring better results, solutions, and all-round service to its customers,” reads the statement in part.

Vera Zulu NBS Bank Chief Finance Officer

The Bank said it is on track in the implementation of its five-year strategic plan to turn the organization around saying it has diligently and innovatively sought to provide a best-on-the market digital banking experience to its clients via its multiple outstanding channels and delivery of personalized customer experience by its agile members of staff.

NBS Bank plc sees a positive economic outlook with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2021 estimated to rebound to 6.1 percent from the 1.5 percent growth reported in 2020 based on Reserve Bank of Malawi annual report.

“This is owing to the improving prospects following the administering of the Covid-19 vaccines which should enable the economy to transition back to pre-pandemic growth rates in the medium term,” said the Bank.

NBM Bank plc projects the headline inflation to average 7.8 percent in 2021 being even lower than it was recorded in 2020 owing to subdued pressures on food prices because of the favourable rainfall and government interventions in agriculture adding that the Malawi kwacha has recently depreciated against all major trading currencies and this situation is likely to persist in 2021.

“The weakening of the kwacha is largely attributed to the dwindling supply of the foreign exchange on the market,” reads the statement in part.

The Board of Directors of the Bank has recommended payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020 of K 2.04 billion representing 70 tambala per share (2019: K1.019 billion representing 35 tambala per share). Interim dividend paid for 2020 was K1.310 billion representing 45 tambala per share (2019: nil). Total dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020 will therefore be K 3.35 billion representing 115 tambala per share (2019: K1.019 billion representing 35 tambala per share).

NBM plc posts K22.4 billion profit after tax

NBM plc Board Chairman Dr George Partridge

Listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has registered a group profit after tax of K22.45billion from K17.16 billion in 2019 representing an increase of 31% for the period ending 31 December 2020.

In a statement signed by the Bank’s Board Chairman Dr George Partridge, Board member Dorothy Ngwira, Chief Executive Officer Macfussy Kawawa and Chief Finance Officer Masauko Katsala, NBM plc says there was a significant growth in non-interest income of 17% while net interest and investment income grew by 9%.

“Overall net revenue grew by 12%. The Bank continued to control expenses within inflation. Operating expenses increased by 7% while impairment losses reduced by 45%.Customer deposits increased by 27% year on year while the Bank’s loan book grew by 6% largely on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Excess funds were invested in Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes which grew by 35%,” reads the statement in part.

The Bank said the expected economic growth for year 2020 was revised downwards to 0.9% from an earlier estimate of 5.0% and that economic activity for the year remained subdued largely on account of both the political uncertainty in the run up to the Fresh Presidential Election and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and the Bankers Association of Malawi implemented some measures to help businesses mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These included the reduction of the domestic Liquidity Reserve Requirement from 5% to 3.75% by RBM with a view to releasing some liquidity into the economy, 40% reduction of service fees for digital banking products, and restructuring of loans which included the granting of at least 3 months loan repayment moratoria to businesses that would be affected by the pandemic,” reads part of the statement.    

The Bank said Inflation averaged 8.6% in the year down from 9.6% recorded the previous year, anchored by non-food inflation which averaged about 3.8% in the year.

 “During the year, the Malawi Kwacha gradually depreciated against all major trading currencies.   The weakening of the Kwacha reflected the scarcity of foreign exchange supply amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and a weak exports performance,” reads the statement.

NBM CEO Macfussy Kawawa

NBM plc also announced that it has entered into negotiations to further acquire 24% stake in Akiba Commercial Bank (ACB) in Tanzania after completing the acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in the foreign bank towards the end of the year 2020.

NBM plc said the directors of the bank have recommended to pay a final dividend of K8 billion, up from K4.3 billion paid last year, making a total dividend of K13 billion in respect of 2020 profits representing K27.84 per ordinary share, up from K17.78 per share in 2019.

“The Bank paid an interim dividend of K2.5b in September 2020 (2019: K2.5b) and a second interim dividend amounting to K2.5b on 31 March 2021 (2019: K1.5b). The final dividend will be payable after approval by the Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 2021,” reads the statement in part.

Commenting on the economic outlook, NBM plc says the economy is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2021 driven by an improved macro-economic environment following availability of Covid-19 vaccines.

“Looking ahead the Board envisages a continuing stable macroeconomic environment. This, however, is dependent on how quickly the Covid- 19 situation is brought under control and economic activity returns to normality.  In addition, the acquisition of controlling stake in ACB has opened the door for the Group to realize its regional diversification strategy,” reads the statement in part.

TNM plc celebrates harvest season with Tikolore promotion

By Mc Donald Chapalapata, a Contributor

…30 millionaires will be made in 3 months

Hon Ulemu Msungama receives a gift from TNMs Phyllis Manguluti Chief Channels Officer

Malawi’s pioneer mobile and ICT services provider TNM plc has launched a new promotion dubbed ‘Tikolore promotion’ which is a celebration for the harvest season.

Launching the Tikolore Promotion in Lilongwe on Wednesday evening, TNM plc Chief Executive Officer Arnold Mbwana said the promotion is an appreciation to their customers for choosing TNM as their communications and digital services provider hence the Mega harvest promotion.

“Our purpose is connecting society, creating possibilities, and changing lives and that is why we are happy to make everyone a winner in this Tikolore promotion and people’s lives shall definitely be changed. Every recharge, every bundle and mtolo that customers buy will qualify them for an instant bonus or become one of the 30 millionaires that we want to make this season!” said Mbwana.

He said entry to the promotion which runs for three months from 1st April 2021 to 1st July 2021 is as simple as ‘you recharge and you win’.

Mbwana-Everyone will win in Tikolore promotion

“For example customers who recharge with a minimum of K100 will instantly win free minutes, data and SMS. TNM will also splash cash prizes to customers who recharge with a minimum of MK200.”

“Customers who will take a step further to recharge with at least MK200 will enter into weekly, monthly and grand draws throughout the promotion period and stand a chance to win cash. All recharge channels are applicable to qualify for the draws, including scratch cards, Mpamba, Pompopompo and Banks,” said Mbwana.

He said a total of 250 lucky customers win K10,000 every week for 12 weeks, making a total of 3,000 winners, 50 lucky customers will win K100,000 every month, making a total of 150 winners within three months. And by the end of the promotion, there will be 30 millionaires that Tikolore Promotion will create.

“The best part of it is that, for the first time in Malawi, the first millionaire will win on the first day of the Tikolore promotion, which is 1st April 2021,” said Mbwana.

Launching the promotion, Minister of Youth and Sports, Ulemu Msungama hailed the promotion as a life changer, which could not come at a better time.

“Just yesterday, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Malawi Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera led the nation in celebrating the success of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). We are going to have a bumper harvest this year, so this ‘Tikolore promotion is very timely,” said Msungama.

April heralds the harvest season, a season when the country’s highly agricultural populace starts to reap fruits of their labour and TNM plc being the truest son of the soil, Mbwana said, wants to join in the celebration because it is ‘ Always With You’ in every season.

TNM plc unveils 7 young artists as TNM Youth Stars of Malawi

By Mc Donald Chapalapata, a Contributor

TNM Youth Stars of Malawi (in white) with Joseph Nkasa

Malawi’s pioneer mobile and ICT services provider TNM plc Wednesday evening unveiled seven young artists as its Brand Ambassadors dubbed the ‘TNM Youth Stars of Malawi’.

The young Brand Ambassadors are all below the age of 22 years selected and are some of the most promising young talents in their field of expertise.

TNM plc unveiled Alex Gomba, a Violinist, Amaka, a Reggae/dancehall musician, Eli Njuchi, a Singer and songwriter, Hadji Wali, a Malawi Under 20 Men’s football team captain, Mphalitso Kachigwanda, a Model, Tamanda Kanjaye, a Poet and 16 year old Vincent Kamlanje  of Vinnie Visuals, a Cinematographer as Brand Ambassadors.

Speaking in Lilongwe during the launch of TNM Youth Stars of Malawi, TNM plc Chief Executive Officer Arnold Mbwana said the seven are rising stars in music, the display arts, cinematography and sports and will work as a bridge between TNM and the Malawian youths.

“Being young people who are living the reality of current Malawian lifestyle, the chosen seven will both promote TNM plc products and interact with the youth and also act as role models and an inspiration that it is indeed possible to achieve high levels of excellence within Malawi. NdiZotheka!” said Mbwana.

He said as a local company, TNM plc realizes the importance of promoting young local talent hence the motivation to sign the seven young talented individuals.

“Each has a unique talent that they are bringing and TNM plc will provide a platform for each to showcase and grow their talents. TNM plc envisions a future where big brands are able to partner with young people who exhibit high potential to promote Malawian culture and talent in a way that will encourage other people to aspire for more.”

“The youth brand ambassadors are young individuals who can positively influence their peers. Malawi can look up to and appreciate the talents that they have, as a company, TNM plc will invest in their talents and develop a strong synergy for the benefit of our young stars, our wider customers and the telecom company. This should create new possibilities as TNM connects people and this collaboration changes lives,” explained Mbwana.

Launching the initiative, Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama thanked TNM plc for signing the young talents saying the youthful brand ambassadors will act as role models and also as an inspiration that it is indeed possible to achieve so much within Malawi. 

“The engagement of these youth stars will promote Malawian culture and talent in a way that will inspire others, not only youths but even older people to aspire for more. We can use these brand ambassadors to help us send out very important messages to the people out there,” said Msungama.

NBM online chess tourney attracts 166 players

By Mc Donald Chapalapata, a Contributor

Closing Ceremony of the Chess Online tourney

The inaugural National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc sponsored online chess tournament took place at the weekend and lured an unprecedented 166 participants.

Played online on lichess platform as part of the MK3.6 million sponsorship by NBM plc, the tournament was split into four categories namely: First Timers, Juniors, College students and Open section for males and females.

In the First Timers category, newcomer Precious Thebe from Mzuzu reigned supreme on 8.5 points, followed by Melisa Kwakwala from Mzuzu International Academy who scored 8 points followed by Joshua Bulaula with 7.5 points, Lumbani Mwalwanda with 7.5 points and Owen Chimberenga scored 6 points. Faith Kamanga was the best performing girl in the First Timers category.

Thebe received an Itel tablet as a top prize while the rest of the winners got book vouchers and data bundles for their exploits to emphasize CHESS as a tool for education. Other prizes generally included Cash and chess sets to the winners.

In the Juniors Category, ladies junior National champion Priyasha Shriyan of Bishop Mackenzie Primary School was the best followed by Rafik Waliyala and Praise Kalambo on second and third positions respectively. All the three scooped 8 points apiece but were separated using a bucholz tie-breaking system.

The honours list in the Juniors Section was completed by Martin Shaba and Dakshesh Dutt on 7.5 and 7 points respectively.

In the College students category, former Confederation of Universities in Central and Southern Africa (CUCSA) 2018 representative, 3rd year student Tumbikani Munthali of College of Medicine, triumphed on 11 points. He was trailed by Mzuzu University student Ronald Chimkute on 8 points. The next three players on 7.5 points were Martin Mbendera, Andrew Kaliba and Thandizo Chunga.

The outstanding girls in the College category were Tamala Kaliwo, Charity Tadeyo, Lakshitta Dutt, Catherine Gumpo, Elizabeth Biziwek and Carol Trapence.

In the open section, the unexpected happened as another former 2014 CUCSA representative, Hubert Nanthambwe an employee at Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI), defied the odds to claim the bragging rights ahead of tourney favourites, Fide Master Joseph Mwale and Previous Kamwendo.

Nanthambwe, using his unfamiliar lichess account named ‘IneNdimaMenya’ which means ‘I beat’, accumulated 10 points, followed by FM Mwale on 9.5 points while Kamwendo got 9 points. Dave Mawango was on 8 points and Emmanuel Kalua scored 7.5 points to complete the prize list in the open category.

The Ladies honors were split to Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Ellen Mpinganjira, Desiderata Nkhoma, Susan Namangale, Tapiwa Banda and Woman Fide Master (WFM) Linda Chaononga, in that order.

The First Timers category attracted 39 participants, juniors had 29, and College students had 43, while 55 players competed in the Open section translating to a grand 166 participants. Mzuzu International Academy and Karibu Academy registered a high number of students Chess players.

Chessam President Susan Namangale has hailed the National Bank support, indicating that it will go a long way in promoting chess in the country, especially using Chess as a tool for education.

“Chess Association of Malawi appreciates the support from National Bank to support us and engage Chess players mainly to develop Chess at the grassroots level. We look forward to continued partnership. We are very grateful to NBM plc for sponsoring this successful online Chess tournament,” said Namangale.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the bank partnered with Chessam to push the Chess agenda in Malawi since the sport is a strategic game that helps players to think critically in making the right moves.

“That is why we have pumped K3.6 million in this tournament because we want to develop Chess and use it as a tool for education. We are impressed with the games so far,” said Hiwa.

First Capital Bank engages youths on financial literacy

Jodie Chikowi (fifth left) and FCB Deputy Marketing Manager (middle) Miranda Dula poses with the students

First Capital Bank (FCB) commemorated this year’s Global Money Week with a digital campaign sensitizing communities, especially young people, on how money affects livelihoods now and across future generations.

The campaign included an interface with students at Bedir International Schools in Blantyre where bank officials imparted money knowledge and responded to random questions on the issue.

 Bedir Trust Executive Thokozani Mbewe expressed gratitude at the banks initiative saying it was insightful and exciting.

“We are grateful as a school for the financial literacy initiative conducted by First Capital Bank.  The seminar was insightful and very exciting, we look forward to hosting the bank again,” said Mbewe.

This year’s Global Money Week was observed from 22-28 March under the theme ‘Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Your Money’.

First Capital Bank Products Executive, Jodie Chikowi said the country can only be assured of inter-generational robust finance systems and sustainable development if deliberate steps are taken today to impart money knowledge to the young ones.  

Jodie Chikowi speaks at the event

“As a financial institution we believe that a good harvest is a result of timely sowing. In this regard, if we want to attain generations of financially literate people then we must impart knowledge about money on the young ones. It is through these efforts that we can build financially literate communities,” she said.

Chikowi added that early financial education also go hand in hand with the spirit of entrepreneurship.

“Children who learn about finances at a tender age grow with relevant knowledge to start and grow successful businesses in future. This is so because money becomes part of their mental and behavioral fabric as such it does not come as a distraction later in their lives,” explained Chikowi.

Global Money Week is a global money awareness initiative that takes place every March. It is coordinated by the Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI) to raise awareness on Economic Citizenship and directly engage children, youth and their communities in financial education and financial inclusion.

Since its inception in 2012, the campaign has reached over 40 million children and youth in 175 countries worldwide.

Bedir students taking part in the quiz