As the 2025 presidential race is heating up, influential donors such as European Union ( EU) have stepped to the plate by pumping and pledging substantial financial and technical support to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and his MCP government, signalling confidence in his leadership.

Securing a major direct budgetary support after 10years drought is a major boost for Malawi’s economic growth and aspirations, governance analysts have said.

“The signing of 55 million Euros which translates to K107 billion of which 50 Euros will go direct to budget marks milestone regarding economic development of the country. This agreement represents a renewed commitment to shared vision of sustainable development and prosperity. We are very much sincere to the EU for trust Chakwera’s leadership with this staggering amount of money.

“This financial facility is poised to catalyze transformative projects across multiple sectors, propelling the country’s development ambitions to new heights. With this money, will embark on transformative projects to redefine our nation’s infrastructure landscape, education, health delivery services among others,,” said the Simplex Chithyola Banda Minister of Finance after signing the agreement.

He has further said government top priorities are expand access to quality education, digital literacy programs as education plays a pivotal role in driving societal advancement, that the funds will help the economy to rebound and drive growth while tanking inflation, enhancing health sector describing it as bedrock of development among others.

In his remarks, EU Ambassador, Rune Skinnebach described the budget support as sign of confidence in Chakwera and his government.

Commenting on the same. MCP’s legal advisor, George Jivason Kadzipatike and governance expert Undule Mwakasungula have both hailed the resumption of the support describing it as “turning point” under Chakwera’s leadership.

Malawi has been grappling with inflation and lack of forex and the money is expected to stabilize the market forces.

Castel Malawi Limited has stressed the importance of a conducive working environment and industrial peace, noting that these factors contribute to the success of organizations.

The company’s Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba made the remarks during the Castel Malawi Workers Union (Camawu) Annual General Assembly in Salima over the weekend.

“As Castel Malawi, we believe that if there is industrial peace within the company, it contributes to the success of the company,” she indicated.

During the Assembly, Castel Malawi Managing Director, Thomas Reynaud painted a bright outlook for the years ahead after the turbulent business environment in the third quarter of this year due to among other things, increased road accidents for its trucks, high exchange rates and others.

“Despite all these challenges, as a company, we have had some positive outcomes. We have kept on driving hard and pushing our sales. Although we had some months of poor sales, we have had a lot of exciting months with very good sales volumes, which have been reflected in the Employee Incentive Bonus which we have been giving out every month to our employees.”

“We also managed to get the 20% excise tax from the government, for beer from the locally produced grain, like sorghum and maize clear beer. Even though, we are yet to benefit from this because we have not yet purchased any sorghum grain. Lastly, we have had a very good working relationship between management and our employees. It is my wish that this must continue for the good of Castel Malawi,” said Reynaud.

Camawu president, Reuben Kapito commended the company for prioritizing workers’ welfare, through supporting activities of the Union.

During the meeting, Zimba also implored the government through the Ministry of Finance to ensure it is impartial and transparent in implementing the newly introduced tax stamps policy on various businesses in the country.

Zimba said Castel Malawi is ready to implement the policy because it is a positive step forward, but its effectiveness hinges on equitable enforcement, as it aims to eliminate illicit products from the market.

“If this tax stamp is applied fairly to everyone, Malawi will benefit from compliant taxes and safer products in the market,” she stated.

Malawi Congress of Trade Union’s (MCTU) Educator, Marie Kambeja echoed Zimba’s views, stating the significance for regulators to ensure that the law is applied equally.

“We believe the government has introduced this policy for valid reasons, but it must be enforced impartially, not selectively,” she emphasized.

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has recently started enforcing use of tax stamps on various goods in the country to eliminate cases of smuggling.

NBS Bank plc on Wednesday celebrated this year’s Mother’s Day by giving out gift shopping vouchers worth K20,000 to customers in its branches across the country.

Acting Head of Strategy, Products and Marketing Inqxhuiniso Dzoole-Mwale expressed that the bank’s initiative is aimed at honouring and appreciating the indispensable role mothers play in families, communities, and the country as a whole.

“At NBS Bank plc, we value the strength and resilience of Malawian mothers. They are our society’s backbone, and we must acknowledge and celebrate their efforts. This small gesture is a way for us to thank them and let them know they are appreciated,” said Dzoole-Mwale.

He added that through initiatives like this, the Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves, touching lives and making a meaningful impact in unique and memorable ways.

Lilian Banda, one of the mothers who received the shopping voucher at Ginnery Corner, appreciated and expressed overwhelming gratitude to the ‘Caring Bank’ for the gift.

“I am so grateful to NBS Bank plc for remembering us on Mother’s Day. This gift will help me a lot, and it’s wonderful to feel recognized and appreciated. Thank you NBS Bank plc, for this thoughtful gesture,” said Banda.

Malawi Gaming Board (MAGLA) Team 2 are the champions of this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which took place at Limbe Country Club on Friday and Saturday which attracted about 200 golfers including President Lazarus Chakwera.

MAGLA Team two comprising Doreen Mwenitete and Jean Kasenda secured an impressive 50 points to be crowned the champions of the tournament.

On second place was Team Icon properties comprising of Bashir Sharif and General Clement Kafuwa, while Automotive Products Team 1 of Willet Karonga and Eric Chapola took third place.

Speaking on the significance of the tournament as the diamond sponsor, NBS Bank plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kwanele Ngwenya highlighted the Bank’s dedication to uplifting communities in Malawi.

He then encouraged other companies to join President Chakwera in supporting the cause, noting the impact such initiatives have on improving lives nationwide.

“Holistic development must be inclusive and leave no one behind. This is why as a Bank we firmly support this initiative to pay for needy students and victims of Cyclone Freddy, most of whom are still suffering today.”

“Therefore, NBS Bank considers the annual Presidential Charity Golf Tournament as a critical yearly activity in our calendar. Hence, the commitment and passion we attach to it. That is why we decided to be this year’s diamond sponsor with K155 million for this noble cause,” said Ngwenya.

In his remarks, Chakwera expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s success, pointing out that the funds raised are already helping those in need and congratulated the winners of this year’s Tournament.

“I am grateful to all of you for coming out in such great numbers and with such great enthusiasm today. I am grateful to NBS Bank plc for stepping up to be the diamond sponsor of my charity tournament this year. I am grateful to the other businesses and corporations that have responded to my appeal for support by pouring serious money into this cause,” said Chakwera.

Chairperson of the Presidential Charity Golf initiative, Vizenge Kumwenda, praised President Chakwera for dedicating a full day to lead the tournament, and that this indicates commitment to uplifting the lives of Malawians.

“This year’s tournament was a great success. We thank all the golfers and companies for contributing towards the cause. The funds that have been raised through this initiative will change many lives,” said Kumwenda.

This year’s tournament was held under the theme ‘Swing to Serve’ and aimed at supporting over 500 needy students in public universities and helping survivors of natural disasters.

Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has attributed its growth for the past eight years to the vision and good leadership demonstrated by former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Macfussy Kawawa. 

Kawawa joined the ‘Bank of the Nation’ as an Audit Manager some 26 years ago and retired in June this year after rising to the rank of CEO where he has served for the past eight years. 

Speaking during a farewell cocktail party the Bank organised on Friday in Blantyre, which brought together Kawawa’s friends, his predecessor George Partridge, key stakeholders and customers, current NBM CEO, Harold Jiya, who served as his deputy for the 8 years, described him as a mentor, friend and an inspiration to many in shaping the careers of a lot of people at the Bank 

“National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has reached many new heights under his leadership since 2016. For example, from the time he joined, the Bank’s profit was K16 billion and by the time he left in June, the profit was K73 billion,” Jiya praised him.

Taking his turn, NBM plc Board Chairperson, Jimmy Lipunga described Kawawa as a professional, ethical, and hardworking man who has achieved a lot in sustaining the Bank in a turbulent environment.

“Mac Kawawa has demonstrated astute leadership over the years where he has grown the profitability of the Bank and motivated the Staff in various ways. He was a father figure to everyone in the Bank and led by example as a man of integrity he was,” he explained.

Kawawa described his 26-year NBM journey full of satisfaction to have worked, serve, and grow the Bank, and nation at large.

“My time with the Bank will be remembered as almost a quarter of a century of fun, hard work and connection with NBM plc family at all levels, board, staff and customers.”

“I met challenges but also was satisfied with the results I got upon taking on those challenges,” said Kawawa.

He also highlighted how confident he is with his successor, Jiya.

“I have worked with Jiya and I know I have mentored him enough for this role. I have no doubt under him the Bank will grow to greater heights,” said Kawawa.

He also thanked the Banks’ Board for believing in him to take up the senior role.

As an appreciation for his role, the Bank spoiled him with three gifts which include a trip to Egypt, an artwork, and other materials gearing him up for his retirement works.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given K10 million to this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Initiative.

The Presidential charity initiative seeks to raise funds to aid tropical cyclone victims and support university students facing financial hardships.

Presenting the cheque in Blantyre on Wednesday, NBM plc Head of Corporate Banking, William Chatsala described the initiative as a platform that brings together various stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.

“This is a continuation of our commitment to this cause, which we have supported for many years. We are certain that our contribution will help the initiative move an inch closer to the targeted amount of K600 million that it intends to raise this year.”

“At NBM plc, corporate social responsibility is not just a business obligation, it is an integral part of who we are. Beyond participating in this year’s Presidential Charity Golf, we consistently support initiatives that uplift and transform communities across Malawi,” said Chatsala.

Presidential Charity Golf Initiative Trustee, Sophie Mlumbe thanked NBM plc for the support.

“We are very grateful to National Bank plc for the thoughtful gesture of wanting to contribute to the funds we are looking to raise. So far, we have received overwhelming support from organizations and institutions, we are close to meeting the target but still appealing to those who can contribute to come,” said Mlumbe.

The Presidential Golf Championship will tee off on Friday at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre.

National Bank of Malawi plc has scooped the 2024 Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) Excellence in Corporate Communication award.

The award aims to recognize a private sector institution that has demonstrated exceptional PR strategy campaign and plan execution, significantly impacting business outcomes, enhancing brand reputation, and effectively managing corporate communications.

Announcing the winner at the PRSM Annual Conference in Mangochi on Saturday, Judge Joseph Josiah described NBM plc as one of the leading financial service providers in Malawi, who has taken baby steps over the years to consistently leverage corporate communication building strong relationships with stakeholders and reinforce its brand presence to drive its corporate goals.

“The winner has rolled out several innovative and impactful communication strategies including digital media to strengthen customer engagement, enhance its corporate reputation, and showcase its commitment to community development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” said Josiah.

NBM Plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa thanked PRSM for this acknowledgment of the hard work put in by the NBM plc team to attain and sustain Corporate Communication Excellence.

“We are committed to meaningful work and brand excellence. It is therefore heartwarming to note that these efforts do not go unnoticed, particularly in a dynamic landscape where so many other brands are equally outstanding,” said Hiwa.

This year, the ‘Bank of the Nation’ also scooped the Best Digital Banking Award at the ICTAM expo Corporate Awards and the Green Energy Finance award at the Green Finance Conference this year.

Ethanol Company Limited (EthCo) has contributed k5 million to this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Initiative set for this weekend at the Limbe Golf Club in Blantyre.

Speaking after presenting the cheque at Lilongwe Golf Club on Sunday, EthCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lusubilo Chakaniza expressed the company’s commitment to supporting education through the Presidential Charity Initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Chakaniza said for the past few years, EthCo has been actively participating in the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative to help ensure access to quality education for underprivileged students who struggle due to a lack of financial support.

“Our corporate responsibility extends to ensuring that students receive quality Education and to those underprivileged students who are failing to make it because of lack of support into education and receive the assistance they need to succeed.”

“We understand the challenges many young people face in accessing education, especially young women, and we believe our contribution can make a real difference. Being a predominantly male-oriented company, we aim to focus on supporting female students through this initiative,” said Chakaniza.

She then commended the Presidential Charity Initiative for supporting university needy students through the funds.

“We are proud to have been part of this effort for over three years now. The funds have consistently been put to good use, supporting universities and fostering the future of our nation. We look forward to continuing our support for this noble cause,” added Chakaniza.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative, Chairperson of the organizing committee, Boyd Luwe expressed gratitude to EthCo for the generous donation and support they have been making since 2022 and noted the substantial progress made towards their fundraising goal.

“The K5 million donation from EthCo is a major step forward for the Initiative. It brings us closer to our K600 million target. This contribution has made us reach us to reach the K500 million mark. The funds will support tertiary students and provide aid to survivors of natural disasters. We are incredibly grateful for EthCo’s support and believe it will make a significant impact,” said Luwe.

The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place on October 12 with President Lazarus Chakwera playing in the tournament.