By Chisomo Phiri
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) on Wednesday unveiled a one-year K1.58 billion sports sponsorship initiative aimed at promoting women’s football, nurturing youth talent, and fostering grassroots football growth in the country.
Speaking during the sponsorship unveiling ceremony at NBM headquarters in Blantyre, NBM Chief Executive Officer(CEO ) Harold Jiya said the initiative, will support key areas, including the Scorchers, the National Women’s Football League, and the Mo626 Division One Football League.
Jiya highlighted the bank’s commitment to inclusivity and development.
“This sponsorship is a strategic alignment with our vision to be a bank for all Malawians, breaking the perception that we cater only for the elite,” he said.
The NBM CEO said the initiative will allocate K430 million to the women’s national league and the Scorchers, K450 million to Mo626 college sports (basketball, football, and netball), and K500 million to the Mo626 Division One Football League.
He added that K138 million will be used for branding and activation.
“This event goes beyond the announcement of this huge sponsorship.
“It reflects our steadfast commitment to the people of Malawi, to inclusivity, and to the transformative power of sports, which touches the lives of millions of Malawians.” said Jiya.
On his part, Football Association of Malawi ( FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya who attended the unveiling ceremony,hailed NBM for the sponsorship.
“Thank you NBM, for believing in the power of football to transform lives. You are indeed the bank of the nation,” said Haiya.
