Despite the economic downturn which has resulted in fuel and forex scarcity in the country, Finca Malawi has registered a MK4.1 billion profit after tax in 2025, up from MK1.2 billion in 2024 representing 226 percent profit.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Anderson Bello revealed this in Blantyre during a media briefing where he said that the company has also registered a deposit book growth of MK17.8 billion representing 76 percent growth.

Bello attributed the growth to a move by the company to reduce the interest rate and the confidence that the customers have toward the company.

“Yes there are problems within the market which has also impacted our customers. There is acute shortage of forex which is a driver for our customers to do business especially for those who do cross-border business but what we have seen is that we did reduce our interest rate to cushion our customers and this has resulted in the number of our customers growing.

“Overall, it’s more of the confidence that customers have on finca, we are flexible and if customers are in distress we are able to talk to them and restructure their loans,” said Bello.

He further explained that the company has also created products that resonates well with the customers hence the growth.

In 2025, the company also registered a loan book expansion to MK39.3 billion representing 61 percent growth and Interest income jumped to MK24.1 billion representing 49 percent growth.

The company’s asset grew to MK48 billion representing 42 percent growth.

FINCA Malawi has since promised to come up with more affordable products to customers across the country.

One of the leading micro-finance companies in the country, FINCA has honored six Malawian spellers following a successful trip to Harare Zimbabwe where they took part in this year’s Africa Spelling Bee Competition.

The Malawi National Spelling Bee team especially the senior team came third during the three day competition thanks to Nicole Manguluti, a student from Sir Harry Johnson.

As a token of appreciation, FINCA Malawi presented certificates to the six spellers and donated some hampers at a ceremony held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Speaking in an interview with the press FINCA Malawi Marketing Officer Chileso Wandale Nyangulu said the company is very happy with Malawi National Spelling Bee team’s performance in Zimbabwe hence the gesture.

“As FINCA Malawi we are very happy as to how the Malawi team fared at the competition and we promise we will continue supporting the Malawi Spelling Bee,” said Nyangulu.

On his part Malawi Spelling Bee Chief Executive Officer Lewis Mbaula hailed the Malawi team for the gallant fight.

“The competition was very tough, but our learners performed well and we were able to compete at a high level against other countries. Finishing third in Africa is a significant achievement,” he said.

He then revealed that the team has been invited to the 2026 World Spelling Bee competition set for July in China.

The competition brought together 72 spellers from 12 African countries, making it one of the toughest contests on the continent.

FINCA Malawi sponsored the Zimbabwe trip with money amounting to MK7.8 million.

One of the leading micro-finance companies in the country FINCA Malawi has urged six spellers travelling to Harare, Zimbabwe for this year’s Africa Spelling Bee Competition to fight teeth and nail.

FINCA Malawi Marketing officer Chileso Wandale Nyangulu said this during the sendoff ceremony for the six spellers at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre ahead of the trip on Wednesday.

“We are your sponsors, yes, but today, we are also your biggest fans. so go there with high confidence and spell your way into the African Spelling Bee history books.

“Go to Harare. Spell your hearts out. Make us proud not just by winning, but by showing the grace, intelligence, and spirit of our nation and we hope you will bring the trophy home,” said Nyangulu.

On her part one of the spellers Melville Kajasiche said she is proud to represent Malawi in Zimbabwe.

Malawi National Spelling Bee Director of Operations Andrew Chikho described the competition as one of Africa’s most important educational platforms, bringing together learners from about 27 countries.

He said the competition incorporates African languages such as Chichewa and Shona, helping to preserve and celebrate the continent’s linguistic diversity.

FINCA Malawi has pumped in MK7.8 million into the competition.

Old Mutual Malawi has donated Mk10 million to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) in support of this year’s Power Institute of East and Southern Africa (PIESA) conference.

The conference which is slated to take place from February 22 to 24 in Lilongwe under the theme; ‘Transforming Electricity Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future with Focus on Africa’.

Speaking in an interview with the press in Blantyre Old Mutual Investment Group Managing Director Mphatso Kasalika said the company recognizes the importance of the PIESA Conference hence the donation.

“The upcoming PIESA conference represents a unique opportunity for the power sector professionals, experts, and key stakeholders to gather, discuss, and address the sector’s pressing challenges. It is a forum that encourages dialogue, fosters partnerships, and inspires collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable future.

“Through our sponsorship, we aim to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of this event. We understand that organizing such gathering requires thorough planning, effort, and resources including finances. It is our pride to stand alongside our partners, ESCOM, in making the event possible,” said Kasalika.

Kasalika also revealed that the company exploring opportunities to invest in the energy sector in order to contribute to Malawi’s development.

On her part ESCOM Director of Optic Fibre Communications, Stella Senti hailed the donation, saying it has come at the right time and will help ensure the smooth hosting of the conference.

Senti said the PIESA conference will be a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation hoping to move electricity issues from state of uncertainty to state of stability.

CDH Investment Bank has promised to continue supporting development projects being carried out by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

This was revealed on Friday at Bunda Campus during the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding where the Bank committed to release MK208.8 million ($120,000) in the next three years.

According to CDH Chief Business Development Officer Jamal Kamoto, annually the bank will be releasing about MK69.6 million ($40,000).

“We are proud to enter into a new agreement with LUANAR today which will see us support four initiatives which are of strategic significance to LUANAR for the next three years.

MOU signing ceremony at Bunda Campus

“CDH Investment Bank will support USD120, 000.00 in the next three years with approximately USD40,000.00 (about MK69,6 million) being spent each year towards three strategic initiatives. Firstly, our partnership will enable us to support LUANAR’s eco-forestry and tourism development through the tree-planting initiative with the growing of trees, and management of the same in communities around LUANAR University campuses,” said Kamoto.

He added: “We will also support the development and management of eco-forestry and touristic spaces within LUANAR campuses and the Bunda Mountain area, valued at USD27,000 (about MK46.98 million) over three (3) years. We supported the tree planting activity in the previous MOU, in collaboration with the Forestry Department at LUANAR, and are committed to continue supporting as Malawi observes a National Tree planting season.”

Kamoto further said that $30,000 (K52.2 million) chunk is meant for solar energy infrastructure, $18,000 (K31.32 million) for innovation scholarships, $15,000 (K26.1 million) for general scholarships and $30,000 (K52.2 million) for an endowment fund.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda hailed CDH Investment Bank for the partnership.

Kamoto captured after planting his tree

After the ceremony, officials from the two institutions with the help of the community around the school planted 2,500 tree seedlings at Mlewa Traditional Authority.

Second Vice President Enoch Chihana launched the 2025/2026 tree planting season on January 16, 2026, at Mpata Primary School in Phalombe District.

This year the exercise is being carried out Under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience,” the campaign aims to plant over 41 million trees nationwide to combat deforestation and enhance environmental sustainability.

CTS Courier, a company which is owned by a widow by the name of Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi has been recognized as the Best Local Courier Company by Business In-Detail Magazine (BIM).

The recognition comes barely weeks after the company launched a promotion dubbed “Ma Plot Apite Competition”, which will see each customer walking away with a plot in each city across the country.

During the event which happened at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, CTS Courier Managing Director and Founder was also honoured with the Woman of Excellence in Business Award.

On her remarks Bokosi said the recognition reflects the growing confidence Malawians have in using CTS Courier to send and receive parcels.

“We will continue to serve Malawians with honesty, professionalism,” said Bokosi.

Bokosi also described the Woman of Excellence in Business award as a significant milestone in her career, noting that she remains committed to empowering other women in the country to become economically independent.

BIM Lead Coordinator, Comfort Jarden Mkandandire, encouraged business operators to remain resilient, describing resilience as key to sustaining businesses in a challenging economic environment.

CTS Courier has received five awards, a clear indication of the trust Malawians place in the company and the high quality of its services.

As one way of fostering innovation and student development initiatives, CDH Investment Bank has donated MK27.8 million to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

The event follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CDH Investment Bank and LUANAR in 2023, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts to foster innovation and talent development in Malawi’s agricultural sector.

MK16.7 million out of the MK27 million is designated for awarding winners of the Falling Walls Lab competition and supporting the university’s efforts in protecting intellectual property rights for innovative projects. This contribution is part of the bank’s second disbursement to LUANAR this year, which also included a successful tree-planting activity aimed at environmental sustainability.

The bank’s Chief Business Development Officer Jamal Kamoto said the bank remains committed to supporting innovation at LUANAR.

“Supporting innovation is vital for fostering resilience and growth across all sectors.

“Our partnership with LUANAR demonstrates our commitment to developing sustainable opportunities and contributing to the nation’s progress,” said Kamoto.

The Bank has also allocated MK10. 8 million to support talented students, emphasizing its dedication to nurturing future leaders and addressing skills gaps in agriculture.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda thanked CDH Investment Bank for the partnership and for supporting innovation at the institution.

Two of Old Mutual Malawi’s subsidiaries emerged overall winners at the inaugural Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Super Brand Awards held on 12 December at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company was recognised as the Best Life Insurance Company, while Mthunzi Funeral Services received top honours in the Funeral Services category.

Reacting to the recognition, Old Mutual’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Patience Chatsika, said the awards reflect the Group’s long-standing commitment to delivering dignity, care and financial wellness to Malawians.

“For over 70 years, our business has been centred on serving people, helping them thrive and achieve both their short- and long-term financial goals,” said Chatsika. “We are honoured to receive this recognition for consistently being available to our customers at life’s most critical moments.”

She added that the awards reflect the trust and confidence customers have placed in the Old Mutual and Mthunzi Funeral Services brands.

Chatsika further emphasised that customer centricity remains at the heart of the Group’s operations, “We will continue to serve and champion the customer in all that we do. The customer is the lifeblood of our business; therefore, putting them first will always remain our driving goal.”

Old Mutual Malawi is a leading financial services company with interests in life insurance, pensions, investment, asset management, and the provision of end-to-end funeral services.

As one way of bringing its products closer to its customers, FINCA Malawi has launched a new national visibility and product awareness campaign dubbed “FINCA Ikuoneka Kumeneko”.

The campaign highlights three products, which are Village Bank Loan, Pamodzi Savings Account and FINCA Mobile.

Through this campaign, FINCA has reduced interest by 4 percent for Village Bank loans and also increased the maximum loan amount to MK4 million.

FINCA Chief Commercial Officer Madalitso Jonazi,

Speaking after the launch FINCA Malawi Chief Commercial Officer, Madalitso Jonazi said the campaign reaffirms the company’s commitment to financial inclusion.

“This theme was chosen deliberately. It speaks directly to our customers and FINCA is visible, FINCA is present, FINCA is active-and FINCA continues to serve Malawians.

“FINCA Ikuoneka Kumeneko is therefore not just a marketing campaign. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to remain close to our customers and relevant to their everyday financial needs. For over three decades. FINCA Malawi has worked alongside individuals, groups, entrepreneurs, farmers, youth, and women across the country,” said Jonazi.

He added: “We have grown with our customers and adapted to their changing needs, while remaining true to our mission of advancing financial inclusion and eradicating poverty.”

The launch comes barely days after FINCA Malawi was recognized at the 2025 Super brands Awards as the Best Microfinance Institution in Malawi.

As one way of giving back to the community, one of the leading courier companies in the country CTS Courier has launched a promotion dubbed ‘Ma Plot Apite Competition’.

Through this competition, customers will walk away with a plot in each city across the country and the competition will run from December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.

CTS Courier Co-founder and Managing Director Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi has confirmed of the development in an interview with faceofmalawi reporter.

According to Bokosi, once a customer receive of send a parcel of any kind through CTS courier stand a chance of winning a plot.

“We have come up with a promotion tagged ma plot apite which will run from 1st December to 31st may 2026 as one way of giving back to our customers. This is a way of thanking our customers for being with CTS Courier through thick and thin.

“Malawians are supposed to send or receive their parcels through CTS Courier. Write their details and put the details in a promotion box,” said Bokosi.

Winners of the said promotion will receive their plots through Citizens Real Estate Company, according to Bokosi.

CTS Courier Services has branches across the country.

Malawi Property Investment Company (MPICO) has transformed the lives of 37 youths from around Soche Township in Blantyre following a 5 weeks training in Electrical Installation and Plumbing courses at Soche Technical College.

The 37 youths received certificates at a colourful event held on Wednesday at the institution and the event was graced by officials from MPICO and Old Mutual Investment Group led by Head of Property Services, Eliot Jambo.

Speaking after the ceremony Jambo said the company will continue supporting venerable people in the country.

“We believe that this initiative is about restoring hope, creating opportunities, and empowering young Malawians to become productive citizens. It is also a reflection of Old Mutual’s commitment to the Responsible Business pillar, where we aim to make a positive social impact while promoting financial wellness and economic empowerment,” said Jambo.

Jambo then hailed Soche Technical College for training the graduating students.

On his part Soche Technical College Principal, Greystone Mabveka commended MPICO for the partnership, noting that the programme has provided participants with practical skills, financial literacy training and guidance on income management.

One of the graduates, Desire Linje said she will use the technical skills obtained during the training to set up her own business.

Shen then appealed to MPICO to support the graduants with safety gears.

“We are grateful for the skills we have acquired, but we need support to take the next step. We humbly request MPICO’s assistance in providing safety gear and working tool, enabling us to put our skills into practice and create a brighter future for ourselves and our families,” said Linje.

MPICO pumped in MK10 million in the 5 weeks training.

As one way of alleviating challenges that many public hospitals face in the country, CDH Investment Bank has donated MK10 million towards the 2025 Nation Publications Limited’s Mothers’ Fun Run (MFR).

Through this year’s initiative, NPL is targeting to raise about MK500 million which will be used to support Kasungu District hospital and its satellite health facilities.

Speaking in an interview after presenting the Cheque the bank’s Chief Human Capital Development Officer, Ivy Kwatiwani said the bank values a critical role that health workers play and the challenges they go through hence the donation.

“Our contribution is not just about the provision of resources; it’s a symbol of our dedication to improving lives and ensuring that every mother, child, and patient receives the care they deserve. We believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and we hope this contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

“We thank healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment, and we salute the mothers and families for their strength and perseverance. Let us continue to work together in building healthier, stronger communities. We also applaud our partner, Nation Publications Limited for driving this challenge and helping our nation, “said Kwatiwani.

On his part Nation on Sunday Editor Emmanuel Luciano hailed CDH Investment Bank for the timely support.

Luciano then urged other companies and well-wishers to follow suit.

As one way of ensuring that children with treatable disabilities get healed, CDH Investment Bank has donated Mk3 million to Beit Cure Children Hospital to support its annual fundraising dinner set for October 31, 2025.

The Mk3 million donation will go towards the surgeries of two Children.

Presenting the Cheque dummy CDH Investment Bank Chief Treasury Officer Zondwayo Mafuleka said the institution recognizes the crucial role that Beit Cure plays in transforming the lives of Children with disabilities hence the donation.

“We have been supporting Beit Cure Hospital for over 4 years now and we know how this hospital is changing lives of many Children as some of the children who were treated at the hospital we have met them in person. They are living happily now,” said Mafuleka.

He then said that the bank will continue supporting the hospital.

Beit Cure Director of Programs and Development Davie Simengwa hailed the bank for the timely support.

“We are very grateful for the support from CDH Investment Bank as it will help ease the treatment costs and help more children access help. The bank has been there for us for the past 4 years and we hope this partnership will continue for more years to come,” said Simengwa.

This year the hospital is scheduled to treat 120 children with treatable disabilities.

CDH Investment Bank has donated MK5 million towards this year’s Annual Lakeshore Conference for the Financial Market Dealers Association of Malawi (FIMDA) slated for this coming Weekend at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.

Speaking after presenting the cheque CDH Investment Bank Chief Treasury Officer Zondwayo Mafuleka described the lakeshore conference as crucial as very to financial market hence the donation.

“CDH Investment Bank is a significant player in the financial markets. You know, we are the only investment bank, and we are involved in a lot of financial transactions.

“So this conference brings together significant stakeholders, in the financial markets, and we will be discussing issues on how to improve the financial markets and to gain more inclusion so that other members of the population can be able to access financial markets,” said Mafuleka.

On his part FIMDA Committee Member Mthetwa Honde hailed the bank for the support.

“We are very excited with this donation as it will help us in sorting out some logistics ahead of this event. Over 100 financial dealers are expected to attend this event,” said Honde.

The AGM will bring together financial market experts, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss ways to deepen financial inclusion and innovations across Malawi’s economy.

The theme for this year is : “Financial inclusion through digital innovations”.

One of the leading insurance companies in the country, Old Mutual Malawi has sponsored this year’s Insurance Institute of Malawi (IIM) Lakeshore Conference with MK6 million.

Speaking after handing over the Cheque Old Mutual Human Capital Executive Rex Kadzongwe said theme is significantly relevant because it is resonating with the time.

“Life is becoming increasingly tough and the economy not growing as we would have desired, and this calls for the insurance industry to quickly innovate, adapt for it to thrive and positively impact our communities.

“Therefore, I would recommend IIM for thinking ahead and creating a platform where experts bang heads and add a voice of reason in shaping our industry,” said Kadzongwe.

Added Kadzongwe: “This year, we are even excited that our Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tavona Biza is among the speakers to share his knowledge and abit of Old Mutual perspective in as far as the Insurance sector is concerned in Malawi.”

On his part IIM President Reuben Kamanga Kawelele hailed Old Mutual for the support.

Kawelele said this year’s event will focus on new ways of doing things through prioritisation of innovation and adaptation.

“We are in the World of disruption so we have to adapt and innovate as the theme says so we are encouraging our insurance industry that the way we used to do things previously can’t be the same. We need to focus on new ways if we want to remain in business,” said Kawelele

This year’s Lakeshore Conference which is scheduled for October 2 to 4 October 2025 in Mangochi will be held under the theme; “Innovate, Adapt, Thrive: Survival of Insurance in Malawi in the Age of Global Disruption.”

A Security Guard Stafford Mofolo, working with G4S Company in Blantyre has become the first grand prize winner of the ongoing FINCA Malawi “Transact and Win, Tikuoneni Kenakake”, promotion.

Mofolo went away with money amounting to MK500,000.

During the draw, 10 other lucky customers won MK50, 000 each while 5 customers went away with MK100, 000 each.

Speaking in a telephone interview Mofolo could not hide his happiness for winning the said amount of money.

“Indeed God makes away where seems to be no way. The prize money has come at the right time and i will use it to start a small business and the proceeds of the business i will use it to pay schools for my two Children who are in Secondary School,” said Mofolo.

On her part FINCA Malawi Marketing Manager Takondwa Chirwa said the promotion has registered a success with 80 percent of the customers using the upgraded mobile banking transaction.

“Since the promotion was launched, we have experienced an increase in customers’ transactions in both numbers, volumes, and new registrations.

“We have increased the number of new users by more than 80 percent in a month. We anticipate the numbers to continue growing until the end the promotion,” said Chirwa.

The promotion targets both new and existing customers and for one to qualify for the promotion he/she must complete a minimum of 5 transaction weekly.

The promotion which was launched on August 8 will come to an end on September 30 2025.

Despite the economic downturn the country is going through as a result of forex scarcity, CDH Investment Bank has registered a remarkable increase in profit after tax by 120 percent for the half year ended 30 June 2025.

In a statement made available to this publication, the bank’s profit has jumped to MK18.3 billion from K8.3 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

The bank has attributed the rise to the expansion of the average interest-earning assets, with notable increases across the customer loans and advances portfolios and coupled with improved fixed income trading activities and margins.

It is said that the strong performance was driven by significant growth in both net interest income and non-interest income, which rose by 56% and 171% respectively.

“Total assets grew by 60%, from K476.8 billion in June 2024 to K764.0 billion in June 2025.

“This was largely driven by a 71% increase in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, a 68% rise in investments in fixed income securities at amortized cost, and a 32% increase in loans and advances to customers. These gains were supported by a 58% growth in investment funds and an 80% increase in customer deposits,” reads in part the statement.

The bank also reported a customer loans-to-deposits ratio of 51%, while the total loans-to-funding base ratio was 77%.

Added the statement: “Liquidity levels remained strong, highlighted by a Liquidity Coverage ratio of 205%. Shareholders’ equity increased by 68% to K54 billion. The strengthened capital position was driven by higher retained earnings and effective risk-weighted assets management, resulting in a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 24% and Tier 1 Ratio of 24%.”

Commenting on the statement CDH Investment Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Thoko Mkavea said the bank’s strategic focus will remain strengthening investment in staff development to build a future-ready workforce.
“The bank will maintain a cautious yet proactive approach, prioritising robust risk management and operational excellence.

“Its strategic focus will remain strengthening investment in staff development to build a future-ready workforce, expanding digital banking and fintech capabilities to enhance customer experience while deepening client relationships through customized financial solutions, its forte in the financial services sector in Malawi”, he said.

CDH Investment bank opened for business in Malawi on 2nd April 2012 following the successful conversion from Continental Discount House Limited (CDH) which had operated in the financial sector for 14 years since August 1998.

Old Mutual Malawi has moved in and donated money amounting to MK5 million to the Institute of the Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) for its Lakeshore Conference slated for August 21-23 in the eastern district of Mangochi.

Speaking in an interview with the press after the donation Old Mutual Group Chief Financial Officer Vera Zulu said ICAM helps in promoting professionalism in the accounting field and ethical standards in the finance sector hence the support.

“At Old Mutual, we believe that the strength of any economy lies in its institutions and the professionals who run the. Accountants, in particular,play a crucial role in driving transparency, accountability, and sound financial decision-making values that are at the heart of our business,” said Zulu.

Zulu took advantage of the cheque presentation to reveal that the company will soon venture into lending business.

“Allow me to briefly share that Old Mutual continues to evolve as a business. In addition to our insurance, investment, savings, asset management and providing end-to-end funeral solutions we keep growing to become a fully intergrated financial service provider and soon we will be getting into the lending space. So these are exciting times for Old Mutual,” added Zulu.

On her part ICAM Director of Education and Training Chrissy Jere hailed Old Mutual for continued support to the institution.

According to Jere, players in the financial sector at the conference are expected to possible solutions to various economic challenges affecting the country.

A total of 1400 delegates are expected to attend this year’s lakeshore conference which will be held at Sun n Sand under the theme; ‘From Awareness to Action, Catalyzing Malawi’s Economic Resilience and Sustainable Growth’.