Patricia Magalasi crowned best dresser at 2025 National Product Magazine Year-End Awards

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Patricia Magalasi has been named the best dressed attendee at the National Product Magazine Year-End Awards, an event currently taking place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Magalasi stood out among many guests with her elegant and outstanding outfit, earning her top recognition in the fashion category of the ceremony.

As a result of her win, she received a cash prize of MK900,000 along with several other assorted gifts.

The National Product Magazine Awards celebrate companies and individuals that have performed exceptionally well during the year 2025, recognizing excellence across various sectors.

The main award presentation ceremony, where outstanding companies will be honored for their achievements, is expected to begin shortly at the BICC.


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FDH Bank projects strong profit growth for 2025

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FDH Bank plc has projected a profit after tax of between NK140 billion and MK151 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 92 to 104 percent increase from K74.06 billion recorded in the previous financial year.

In a profit caution statement issued to the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE), FDH Bank Company Secretary Juliano Kanyongolo said the projected performance reflects the bank’s strong fundamentals, disciplined growth strategy, and prudent risk management, noting that the figures remain unaudited and subject to final review.

“These provisional results reflect the resilience of our business model and our continued focus on sustainable value creation.

Despite operating in a challenging environment characterised by inflationary pressures and tight liquidity conditions, the bank has remained stable, supported by sound governance structures, cost discipline, and a diversified income base,” said Kanyongolo.

Kanyongolo said the bank remains committed to transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements, adding that the audited financial statements will be published within the statutory timeframe.

“As a listed institution, we recognise our obligation to keep the market adequately informed. The release of the audited results will provide a complete and accurate picture of the bank’s performance, financial position, and outlook,” said Kanyongolo.

Commenting from an independent perspective, financial analyst Benedicto Nkhoma said FDH Bank’s projected performance is broadly consistent with prevailing sector trends and reflects both macroeconomic conditions and internal operational efficiencies.

“The projected profit growth is likely driven by increased interest income in a high interest-rate environment, balance sheet expansion, particularly through investment in government securities, improved cost management, and potentially lower impairment charges,” said Nkhoma.

He cautioned, however, that headline profit figures should be assessed within the broader economic context.

“In an inflationary environment, nominal profits can rise significantly even where real growth is more moderate. Investors should therefore pay close attention to the quality and sustainability of earnings, as well as confirmation through the audited results,” said Nkhoma.

FDH Bank plc is one of the five commercial banks listed on the 16-counter Malawi Stock Exchange, alongside National Bank of Malawi, NBS Bank, Standard Bank plc, and FMB Capital Holdings, which owns First Capital Bank.


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Malawians told to endure Sugar shortages as Illovo admits distribution failure

Soaring Sugar Prices Leave Consumers in a Sticky Situation

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawians should brace for continued sugar shortages after Illovo Sugar Malawi admitted that supplies are unlikely to normalize in the near future, citing serious challenges in controlling the distribution of its product.

In a letter addressed to the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA), Illovo Managing Director Ronald Ngwira acknowledged that despite ongoing sugar production, the company no longer has full control over where its sugar ultimately ends up.

“The company may continue producing sugar, but control over distribution has been compromised,”

“Power appears to lie with individuals operating outside the law.”according to Ngwira.

The admission has intensified public criticism, with consumer rights groups and members of the public accusing Illovo of failing to safeguard sugar meant for local consumption. There are growing allegations that sugar is being diverted, hoarded, or smuggled out of the country by well-connected syndicates.

CAMA say the letter reflects a worrying acceptance of a broken system.

“This is effectively telling Malawians to accept pain and suffering while a few benefit,” said a consumer rights activist. “The crisis is not about production capacity but about accountability and enforcement.”

Malawi has faced recurring sugar shortages despite being a sugar-producing country, a paradox that has fueled public outrage and frustration. Prices on the informal market have continued to rise, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households.

The crisis has increasingly been linked to alleged smuggling networks and manipulation of domestic distribution channels.

However, despite repeated assurances from authorities, there have been no high-profile arrests, raising concerns that those involved may be operating with impunity.

The revelations have further eroded public confidence in both Illovo and government regulators, with many questioning the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in protecting essential commodities.

Consumer Association is now calling for an independent investigation into Illovo’s distribution systems, border controls, and the alleged sugar syndicates.

For now, Illovo’s own admission suggests there is little immediate relief in sight, and for ordinary Malawians, the bitter reality of the sugar crisis continues.


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FCB promo winner flies to Dubai

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-First Capital Bank (FCB) has flown a Mzimba based businessman Christopher Muhammed Kazembe to Dubai after emerging winner in the bank’s ‘Mbambande Promotion’.

Kazembe, a businessman from Mzimba District, left Malawi on Tuesday for a five-day all-expenses paid trip after emerging victorious in the bank’s nationwide digital banking campaign.

The Mbambande Promotion was launched to encourage customers to embrace digital transactions through platforms such as the First Capital Bank App and USSD *111#. Running from March 7 to May 31, the campaign attracted wide participation from customers across the country.

FCB Head of Marketing and Communications Twikale Chirwa said the bank was proud to close the promotion by honouring its commitment to customers.

“At First Capital Bank, trust is central to everything we do. This promotion was not just about encouraging digital banking but also about keeping our word. Seeing the winner travel is proof that when we make a promise, we deliver,” said Chirwa.

To qualify, customers were required to transact at least four times per week with a minimum value of K20,000 using the bank’s digital channels.

Speaking before his departure, Kazembe said winning the promotion was unexpected and reaffirmed his confidence in the bank.

“I never expected to win, and I am truly grateful to First Capital Bank for trusting its customers and honouring its promise. True to its word, the bank has delivered on what it committed to. This experience has strengthened my belief in the bank,” he said.

Kazembe encouraged fellow customers, particularly small and medium scale business owners, to embrace digital banking, noting that everyday transactions can lead to meaningful opportunities.

Through the Mbambande Promotion, First Capital Bank sought to promote convenient, efficient and secure banking solutions while reinforcing customer confidence and belief in its services.


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New Video Shows Nick Reiner Walking to Santa Monica Hotel

New footage shows Nick Reiner walking around in Santa Monica hours before his parents’ dead bodies were discovered in their Brentwood home … and he’s heading toward the hotel he checked into. TMZ obtained surveillance video from a local business…


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NBM plc spends MK120 million so far in ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated MK120 million worth of food and non-food items to health, education and social welfare institutions across the country in the first half of its annual ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative.

The donations are part of the Bank’s broader K250 million festive season package, which is running from December 5 to 22.

Under the initiative, each of the 12 participating service centres is making a K20 million donation every day, with a final K30 million package scheduled at the close of the campaign.

During half of this donation period, St Martin’s Health Centre in Mwanza received medical equipment and supplies to strengthen maternal and general health services from Mwanza Service Centre, while Wells of Joy Orphan Care in Blantyre benefited from food and livelihood-support items, including sewing machines and basic commodities courtesy of Chichiri Mall Service Centre.

In the education sector, schools in Chazunda and Mpemba in Blantyre, Mpapa and Dwangwa Primary in Kasungu, and Liwonde Secondary in Machinga benefited from desks, textbooks, teaching and learning materials, as well as sports equipment, aimed at improving learning environments and promoting holistic education through Top Mandala, Kasungu, and Liwonde Service Centres respectively.

Learners with visual impairments at Makande Primary School in Ngabu, Chikwawa, also received learning and nutritional support, including Perkins brailles and food items from Nchalo Service Centre.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the initiative reflects the Bank’s appreciation for the communities that continue to support its growth.

“Every year, this initiative reminds us of the true meaning of the festive season, reaching out, sharing, and standing with those who need a helping hand.”

 “We are deliberate in ensuring that our support responds to real needs on the ground and brings dignity and encouragement to the communities we serve,” said Hiwa.

Liwonde Secondary School learners’ representative, Faith Pasulani commended NBM plc saying the donation of desks had significantly improved learning conditions at the school.  

“Previously, some learners were missing classes, especially during examinations, because they had to sit on the floor. This support has restored our dignity as learners,” said Pasulani.

Makande Primary School Head teacher, Francis Thomas said the donation had addressed a long-standing challenge at the school’s resource centre for visually impaired learners.

“We previously had only two working braillers for 24 learners. The additional brailles and food support will greatly improve both learning and welfare,” said Thomas.

NBM plc says the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ initiative remains one of its flagship CSR programmes, supporting national development through targeted investments in education, health and community wellbeing.


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