By Jones Gadama
Old Mutual Unit Trust has introduced a new investment vehicle aimed at widening share ownership among Malawians, rolling out the Old Mutual Equity Fund this week.
The launch, held on Wednesday, marks the company’s third unit trust offering. It joins the existing Interest Bearing Assets Fund and Balanced Fund, which have been available since 2009.
The new fund will focus exclusively on stocks traded on the Malawi Stock Exchange.
Board Chairperson Alfred Majamanda said the product was designed to lower barriers for everyday citizens looking to participate in the country’s capital markets.
The fund will be supported by digital tools that let investors open accounts and track portfolios online, a move Old Mutual says will make investing more convenient and inclusive.
“The Equity Fund is about giving Malawians direct access to business growth,” Majamanda said.
“It provides a structured way for people to invest, benefit from company performance, and build wealth over time.”
Guest of honour Khumbo Mtalika, Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, described the timing as crucial as the economy works to rebound.
She noted that collective small investments can pool into significant capital for businesses, supporting expansion and job creation.
Mtalika also stressed the importance of transparency and risk management.
She warned fund managers against misleading promotions, saying public trust depends on clear information.
She encouraged Old Mutual to strengthen safeguards around liquidity, valuation, and custody as the RBM shifts to risk-based supervision.
Old Mutual says the Equity Fund targets long-term investors who want exposure to local companies while contributing to national economic development.
