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FDH Bank plc, Ekhaya renew pact with Sunday Soirée

By Linda Kwanjana


FDH Bank plc and Ekhaya Group have renewed their partnership with lifestyle and networking platform Sunday Soirée, a move aimed at strengthening engagement with clients while supporting the growth of young entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The renewed collaboration will see the partners host six main events throughout the year, alongside several pop-up experiences organized by the Sunday Soirée team.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on Friday, FDH Bank plc, Marketing Manager Tiyese Kaimila said the extension of the partnership follows the success recorded during last year’s events.



“We saw the value of the collaboration last year and felt it was important to continue building on that momentum.”

“Sunday Soirée is one of the elements where we entertain our clients, but at the same time we elevate many of our SMEs and entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs who are among our main customers,” said Kaimila.

He added that partnering with both Ekhaya Group and Sunday Soirée will once again create a strong platform for meaningful experiences this year.

Commenting on the partnership, Senior Operations Manager for Ekhaya Group of Companies, Mphatso Mpinganjira said last year’s collaboration highlighted the importance of creating platforms that empower emerging businesses.

“Our experience last year showed how valuable such initiatives are in supporting young entrepreneurs and giving them opportunities to showcase their products and services,” said Mpinganjira.

Sunday Soirée Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Ntilosanje welcomed the renewed partnership, saying it will enable the team to deliver high-value events.

“On behalf of my colleagues and co-founders of Sunday Soirée, last year was amazing working with both Ekhaya and FDH. The partnership went very well on both ends. And seeing that our partners have decided to renew the partnership gives us the commitment to deliver as we did last year. As they grow, we grow too,” said Ntilosanje.

The 2026 calendar will feature six major events, with the first event, Les Trois, scheduled to take place on March 29 in Lilongwe.

NBM commits K20 million for SKC Foundation Golf fundraiser

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By Sphiwe Dorias, Contributor

The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given out K20 million towards the upcoming SKC Foundation fundraising charity golf tournament scheduled for 28 March, 2026 in Lilongwe.

The SKC Foundation, established in honour of late Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, has organised the tournament to raise funds for the purchase of dialysis machines and patient monitors, particularly in strategic hospitals as guided by the Ministry of Health.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Lilongwe Service Centre Manager, Maureen Gwembere, said the Bank’s support is driven by its commitment to improving healthcare access for Malawians.

Sean Chilima receiving the donation


“The sole purpose of this initiative is to procure medical equipment for communities, which aligns with the Bank’s commitment to supporting the well-being of Malawians,” said Gwembere.

She added that the tournament will also serve as a tribute to the legacy of the late Vice President.
“This golf tournament will celebrate the life and legacy of Saulos Klaus Chilima, while also providing an opportunity for the bank to engage with its stakeholders,” she said.

In his remarks, SKC Foundation Trustee and son of the late Vice President, Sean Chilima expressed gratitude for the support, noting that it will have a significant impact on saving lives.

“The impact of this donation is substantial. What we aim to achieve requires considerable resources, and we appreciate the support from NBM plc. Health facilities are overwhelmed by the number of patients battling kidney failure, and our goal is to make these machines accessible closer to where people live,” said Chilima.

The Foundation has so far collected more than K160 million for the golf tournament.

NBM plc repositions ‘NBM Smart Cover’ to ease upfront insurance costs

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By Linda Kwanjana


National Bank of Malawi plc (NBM plc) has repositioned and rebranded its insurance premium financing solution, NBM Smart Cover, enabling customers to secure insurance cover without paying the full premium upfront.

Speaking at the press briefing, Business Development Manager for Retail Banking, Chifundo Kamwinda, explained that the facility allows the Bank to pay insurance premiums directly to insurers while customers repay in flexible instalments.

“As National Bank of Malawi, we are providing an affordable financing solution that allows the Bank to pay insurance companies upfront, while customers repay the facility in flexible instalments,” he said.

Chifundo Kamwinda


The service is available to individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and corporates, with access requiring a completed application form and a declared source of income.

Customers already financing assets with the Bank can use the insured asset as security, while Premium Gold and Platinum clients enjoy the facility without additional collateral.

The facility offers flexible coverage and repayment periods ranging from three to eleven months, allowing customers to spread the cost of annual insurance premiums over a manageable timeframe.

Kamwinda explained that the repositioning follows the enactment of the 2024 Insurance Act, which requires customers to pay insurance premiums in full before cover begins, creating financial pressure for many.

The Bank says the product will improve access to insurance by removing the burden of upfront payments, particularly in the current economic environment.

“With Smart Cover, customers can secure their assets without the strain of immediate full payment, while accessing a simple and flexible financing solution tailored to their needs,” said Kamwinda.

The product applies to a wide range of assets, including motor vehicles and business property, making it a practical solution for both personal and commercial insurance needs.

Semifinals draw sets mood for NBM Under-23 Championship

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By Linda Kwanjana

The NBM Under-23 Championship has reached its final stages following the draw for the semi-final fixtures involving four regional champions, with matches scheduled for March 20, and the final on March 22, 2026 at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.

According to the draw, QPL Stars will face Mponela United FC, while Karonga Reserves will take on Kababa Academy to produce the finalists.



Speaking after the draw in Blantyre, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Mphepo-Hiwa said the tournament reflects the bank’s commitment to developing football and creating a transition pathway for young players into senior teams.

“The NBM Under-23 championship has successfully bridged the gap between the youth and senior football, nurturing talented players who are ready to progress to adult leagues,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.

She added that the tournament offers attractive prize money, with the champions set to receive K10 million, while the runners-up K4 million and the third-placed team K2 million.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Competitions and Licensing Manager, Clement Kafwafwa commended NBM plc for introducing the Under-23 Championship, saying it has helped close the age gap in football competitions.

“The competition has showcased emerging talent and will strengthen Malawi’s football development pipeline. Many players have progressed through the U-23 level and are gaining opportunities to represent the national team,” said Kafwafwa.

The NBM Under-23 Championship, which began in 2025, has more than 1,700 matches played under a K500 million sponsorship from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc.

Mwanamveka off the hook, not involved in the Amaryllis Hotel  deal

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By Linda Kwanjana

Minister of Finance is not involved in the dubious controversial sale of the five Star Amaryllis Hotel. Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka in his capacity under the Government protocal and setup does not interfere on the payment of the independent organization let alone  controversial Amaryllis Hotel.

This is the same reason that while addressing Parliament,  Minister of Information Shadric  Namalomba urged the public to stop blaming the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government for the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel, saying the process began in 2023 during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.

Mwanamveka



Namalomba made the remarks following a presentation by MCP spokesperson on Finance, Economic Affairs and Decentralisation, Peter Dimba, during his contribution to the national budget debate in Parliament.

According to Namalomba, it is incorrect to hold the DPP government responsible for the hotel purchase, as the process was initiated before the party assumed power.

He further explained that the Minister of Finance has no direct role in managing pension funds, noting that the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) operates as an independent institution.

Namalomba added that the Minister of Finance is therefore not responsible for the payments involved in the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel.

The sale of Amaryllis Hotel has sparked controversy, with allegations of irregularities and overpricing. The hotel was bought by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) for K128.7 billion, nearly triple the initial valuation of K47 billion in 2023. The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has ordered the reversal of the purchase, citing disobedience of directives and breach of financial laws .

The deal has raised questions about transparency and accountability, with some arguing that the price increase was due to factors like inflation and devaluation of the kwacha. The government has asked Parliament to scrutinize the deal, and investigations are ongoing.

The PSPTF boards have defended their actions, saying decisions were based on professional advice and proper procedures. However, critics argue that the purchase was not commercially sound, given the hotel’s losses and reliance on government business.