Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) a consortium of four oil marketing companies in the country on Thursday donated a solar water pump worth K7.8 million to Malomo Health Centre in Ntchisi to help ease water problems at the health facility.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the health centre, PIL General Manager Martin Msimuko noted that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental human right hence their assistance.

“Water is life and hospitals cannot do well without clean and safe water. The installation of this solar water pump represents more than just a technological advancement, it symbolizes progress, sustainability, and a commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services in our rural communities.”

“By harnessing the power of the sun, this pump will provide a consistent supply of clean water, ensuring that the hospital can maintain high standards of hygiene and care without interruption. This, in turn, will improve patient outcomes and contribute to the overall health of the community within the health center catchment area,” said Msimuko.

He asked the people to take good care of the solar water pump.

“As we hand over this solar water pump today, let us remember that this is just one step towards a brighter, healthier future for our community. It is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. I am confident that this project will inspire further initiatives to improve the lives of those in our rural areas,” said Msimuko.

Facility In charge of Malomo Health Centre Zuze Khonde thanked PIL for the donation saying they had problems of accessing safe water especially during electricity blackouts.

“We will make sure that we will take care of this pump so that we offer good care to patients because clean and portable water is essential for us to operate properly,” said Khonde.

He said Malomo Health Centre has a catchment of 70,000 people with some coming from Bua in Kasungu.

The four oil marketing companies that make up PIL include, Puma Energy, TotalEnergies, Vivo Energy and Petroda

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and Press Trust have partnered to invest K280 million for electrification and drilling of solar powered boreholes in rural schools and health facilities in the country. 

NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya and Press Trust trustee Symon Msefula signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday in Lilongwe witnessed by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mangani Katundu, and his colleague responsible for Administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera. 

In his remarks, Jiya said the money will be used to procure and install solar electricity in schools and health facilities in the targeted rural areas to enhance the quality of education and healthcare services in rural communities through sustainable solutions.

“We aim to empower rural schools by providing solar-powered electricity and access to clean water, creating an environment conducive to quality education and enhance healthcare delivery by equipping health facilities with reliable energy and water systems, ensuring patients receive care in dignified and functional environments.”

“We also aim to advance the adoption of renewable energy solutions in alignment with Malawi’s sustainability goals under the Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan,” he said.

Jiya further said apart from the infrastructure development, the initiative will enable teachers to teach effectively, healthcare professionals to deliver quality care, and children and families to thrive in healthier, safer environments.

On his part, Msefula said the expected outcomes of the initiative include increased enrolment, improvement of sanitation in schools and quality healthcare.

“These schools and health centres will receive tailored interventions, ranging from solar energy systems to piped potable water. This is not merely a stopgap measure—it is a foundational change that will improve service delivery and open up new opportunities for education and healthcare,” he said. 

Headteacher for Matundu Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dedza, Enerst Chitere, who represented all beneficiary schools at the event commended the two institutions for the initiative. 

“Using solar powered energy means schools and hospitals will be able to save money that was used to purchase torches and pay bills at the facilities. This money will be used to cater for other equally important things at the facilities. We thank NBM plc and Press Trust for this gesture,” he said. 

The initiative is expected to benefit over 100,000 people in 7 districts including Mzimba, Dedza, Mchinji, Balaka, Mangochi, Chikwawa, and Mulanje. 

Some of the earmarked Institutions in these districts are Kabuwa CDSS in Mzimba, Nankumba Health Centre in Mangochi, and Njerenje CDSS in Balaka. 

Castel Malawi Limited is set to fly an enterprising Lilongwe-based young couple of Paul Cullisto Matumbi (25) and Deborah Kaunda (24) to Dubai after emerging winners in the Pomme Breeze #YourSider Competition.

The competition ran from August 16 to September 27, 2024 and invited participants to post creative photos featuring their “Sider” a friend, family member, or partner – alongside a Pomme Breeze beer and then win the all-expenses-paid three-day Dubai trip as grand prize if they get more likes. 

The two got about 1,000 likes from their original entry, posted on Paul’s personal page.

During the winner unveiling ceremony at the couple’s residence in Bunda on Thursday, Castel Malawi’s Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Lavern Chitakata highlighted the significance of the competition saying it is one way of celebrating the success of the newly-launched product while giving back to the community for their unwavering support.

“It also reflects our commitment to uplifting lives and promoting talent, particularly among young entrepreneurs like Paul and Deborah. We’re excited to see them represent Malawi in Dubai.”

“The two emerged winners from many participants. We selected a top 10 based on the likes from non-private posts. Each top 10 entry was posted on our page, with the rule that the picture with the most likes would win. The leading post had 2,859 likes but was disqualified after our vetting process revealed around 900 bots (fake accounts),” she said. 

Chitakata further said the second entry, with 2,600 likes, was also disqualified due to the use of at least 20 bots. 

“Both entries were removed under Clause #6 of the competition’s Terms and Conditions, which stated ‘Castel Malawi will vet the number of likes to ensure no bots were used’. Ultimately, the third entry, with 697 authentic likes, was declared the winner.”

“So, this is the most genuine post that we found and the likes that were there are genuine and verifiable. It may come as a surprise to a lot of people, but yes, we do not condone any form of cheating for anything that we do. Therefore, the winner is authentic, it can be verified, both by us and the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA),” Chitakata explained.

The couple expressed their excitement and gratitude for the win.

“This is a dream come true. It’s our first time travelling abroad, and we’re thrilled beyond words.”

“We are farmers who grow maize, soya, and other crops. We also engage in livestock farming and sell automobiles. This opportunity motivates us to keep pushing our boundaries,” said Paul.

The competition rewarded creativity and community engagement, with entries competing for likes on the Pomme Breeze Facebook page.

Just a week after Sparc Systems Limited Managing Director Dr. Wisely Phiri was awarded Africa’s Most Impactful and Innovative Business leader at a ceremony held in Tanzania, his company has also earned recognition in Zambia.

During awards gala dinner organised by the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) Friday night in Lusaka – Sparc Systems Zambia was awarded as the Best ICT Service Provider.

Both Phiri, the Sparc Systems Managing Director, and Sparc Zambia Country Manager Anne-Marie Morin attended the ceremony.

Accepting the award, Phiri said Sparc Systems will continue to aspire for greatness as it implements its vision to be the best skilled based IT Service Provider in Africa.

“We aim to offer the best IT solutions that focuse on addressing core challenges in our clients environments but also offer the best local support with even faster response times and continue to foster a skill-focused growth culture among our employees,” said Phiri.

He further said: “Being voted by customers in Zambia as the best IT Service Provider of year under ICTAZ Awards is a great milestone. It means we are doing great works and our customers are appreciating.”

On her part, Morin who heads Sparc Systems Zambians said receiving the ICTAZ best Service Provider of the Year Award 2024 is both an achievement and a seal of approval for Sparc Systems Limited as an IT firm of choice.

“It is a confirmation that the service we offer the IT industry in Zambia is being recognized and supported by our clients,” she said adding;

“We would like to thank all who voted who saw the value in the services we offer. This has always been a team effort and is a Team Win.”

The ICTAZ awards recognize outstanding achievements in the ICT sector in Zambia
The awards aim to promote excellence, innovation, and professionalism in the ICT sector.

High level guests from government to business captains attended the gala award including Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati.

NBS Bank plc has rolled out an exciting digital activation campaign as part of its festive season initiatives aimed at promoting cashless transactions and encouraging the use of swipe machines and digital payment platforms.

The campaign was officially launched on Friday at Chipiku Plus in Lilongwe led by the Bank’s Marketing Manager, James Chikaonda.

Speaking at the event, Chikaonda highlighted that the month-long promotion is open to all customers and seeks to educate the public on the benefits of digital payments.

“To participate, customers must make purchases of at least K50,000, which will qualify them for a draw where they stand a chance to win various prizes, including K1 million in Trolley Cash.”

 “As a digitally focused bank, NBS Bank is dedicated to fostering a cashless culture by promoting swipe machines and digital payments. This approach is not only safer but also more convenient,” said Chikaonda.

Chikaonda emphasized the Bank’s commitment to encouraging digital payment adoption while rewarding customers who embrace these methods.

“The Bank has planned additional initiatives and activities for rural communities, providing even more opportunities for customers to win,” revealed Chikaonda.

The inaugural draw of the campaign saw Akbar Patel winning K1 million in Trolley Cash promotion.

Patel, who was overwhelmed with excitement, expressed gratitude and promised to participate in upcoming activities.

“I am excited to emerge as today’s winner, and I will participate in the upcoming activities again,” said Patel.

The competition will run until the end of December, giving participants multiple chances to engage and win.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has re-launched the NBM Scholarships and Best Performing Students Awards for tertiary students, pumping in K270 million.

The program, which was launched at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) on Friday, builds on the Bank’s longstanding commitment to education in Malawi, which spans over three decades.

Speaking during the launch, NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and addressing students’ financial challenges by introducing two core components the NBM Scholarships Program and the Best Excellence Student Awards.

The program is a continuation of the former NBM plc Best Student Awards.

“Each intake, NBM plc will support 35 scholarship recipients, five from each institution, covering tuition fees, accommodation, upkeep, stationery, medical allowances, and laptops. Additionally, five students on the Dean’s List from each institution will be awarded annually.”

“The program also includes coaching and mentorship opportunities for scholarship beneficiaries, as well as internship placements for those who consistently perform well academically. With these enhancements, the NBM Scholarships and Best Performing Students Awards is valued at K270 million,” said Jiya.

In her remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Agnes Mwangwela speaking on behalf of the seven universities that will benefit from the program, expressed gratitude towards the NBM plc gesture saying the program gives hope to students who are having financial challenges to pursue their education in higher learning institutions.

“What has been shown is that, these students, once identified are going to be supported for up to 4 years, which is very good because they no longer have to worry about finances. They can concentrate on their studies and do well. In addition to that, we are also very thankful because the National Bank plc is going to help us recognize excellence,” said Mwangwela.

Unima Student Union Speaker Joel Chigalu also expressed deepest appreciation to NBM plc for their unwavering commitment to empowering education in Malawi.

“We celebrate hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future. For many of us, pursuing higher education has been a dream filled with challenges—financial, personal, and beyond. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden on our families but also inspires us to focus on what truly matters by excelling in our studies,” said Chigalu.

The revitalized program will benefit students across seven universities which are UNIMA, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), LUANAR, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA).

Malawian ICT business mogul Dr. Wisely Phiri, who owns Sparc Systems Limited, has secured a place on the international corporate stage after being awarded as Africa’s Most Impactful and Innovative Business leader of the year 2024.

Dr. Phiri was awarded on Saturday evening in Darsalam, Tanzania during this year’s Consumer Choice Africa Awards alongside where he beat seven other influential African business captains shortlisted for the award.

CEO for Consumer Choice Africa Awards Diana Laizer said Dr. Phiri and the other winners have demonstrated unique leadership philosophy of innovation while breaking barriers to excel.

“These awards are hosted annually to recognize and celebrate businesses and organizations in Africa that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, and innovation,” said Laizer.

On his part, Phiri said this was unexpected and was humbled to be recognised as Africa’s Most Impactiful and Innovative Corporate Leader.

“There were other equally capable leaders coming from countries with bigger populations than Malawi that were shortlisted on this position and to be selected by the consumers across Africa is not a small feet,” said Phiri.

For Phiri the award comes weeks after he launched a state of the art Sparc building in Lilongwe to offer ICT solutions for businesses in Malawi and internationally.

During the launch, Phiri indicated that Sparc was created as a brand to represent Africa on a global market.

Linking to the award, he therefore said the award:” is not only for me but also for my team that has helped me execute the various strategies I have come up with inorder to make Sparc a household name across the continent.”

Multi-award winning Malawian hip-hop icon Tay Grin has been nominated for the prestigious Best African International Cultural Ambassador award at the 2024 African Achievement Awards.

“We are delighted to inform you that you have been nominated for the prestigious Best African International Cultural Ambassador,” said Davies Chirwa, Board President of the African Achievement Awards.

Tay Grin’s nomination is a testament to his incredible talent, dedication, and contributions to the African music industry for the past two decades.

According to the statement, his “incredible talent, dedication, and contributions to the African Music/Film industry and broader creative endeavors have made a profound impact.”

The award ceremony, themed around promoting tourism and economic empowerment, will feature a glamorous red carpet and a powerful program dedicated to honoring African excellence.

“We are thrilled to celebrate African excellence with a glamorous, celebrity-studded red carpet and a powerful program dedicated to honoring our community’s accomplishments,” said Chirwa.

The African Achievement Awards will take place on December 15, 2024, at the Seattle Airport Marriott in Washington, USA, and will be broadcast live on ROKU TV and across all major social media platforms.

Tay Grin, whose real name is Limbani Kalilani, is a renowned Malawian hip-hop artist, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

With a career spanning over a decade, Tay Grin has become a household name in Malawi and has gained recognition across Africa and beyond.

He has collaborated with several international artists and has won numerous awards for his music.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded 12 Information Communication Technology (ICT) innovators in the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) Innovation Jam competition in Mangochi.

The awards, presented at the ICTAM annual lake conference over the weekend, saw Goodwill Salima of GS Smart Greenhouse shine as he scooped two awards, one in the Agri-Tech category and was also crowned as the best innovator.

“I innovated a solution that automates and monitors what happens in a greenhouse. We plant a sensor that measures the soil moisture and temperature. So, when the soil moisture has dropped the water automatically starts irrigating and likewise automatically stops,” said Salima.

Innovators were competing in six categories namely Agri-Tech, e-Health, Fintech, Emerging Technologies, Open Source, SheCodes, and Overall Open category.

Only the Fintech innovator of the year, M1 Money Mobile App got K2 million, while winners in all categories got K1.5 million each, and runners-up took home K1 million each.

Automated Fertilizer Granulator came second to Salima, while Celsee Smartphone Thermometer won the eHealth award followed by Under-5 Auto-Digital Weighing system. 

Kavel Decodes was crowned winner in the Emerging Technologies category, while Auto-Vigil also known as QuickPlate were runners-up.

In the Open-Source category, School Guide Malawi emerged as the winner followed by Umunthu Digital Corruption Reporting System.

All-in-One Career Advancement Platform for Tech Professionals won the SheCodes category, and Research Connect was the runner-up.

NBM plc Head of Digital Financial Services, William Kaunda said the bank supports the awards to help develop local talents and solutions that can be used.

“Agenda 2063 talks about this country being able to be digital. Now you cannot get there without being in 2024, that is where National Bank comes in because we are preparing a set of skills that will be able to deliver various aspects of the digital plan.”

“When we started sponsoring in 2019, ICTAM was not like it is today. This year we had very stiff competition. We had 82 entries but we had to choose the best 12,” said Kaunda.

In his remarks, ICTAM president Clarence Gama thanked National Bank plc for the partnership to ensure the innovations go through the much-needed incubation process.

“We have received a commitment from National Bank of Malawi of about K115 million every year and part of it goes towards the incubation,” said Gama.