NBM plc concludes ‘12 Days of Christmas’ with MK33 million donation to Chilomoni Health Centre

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has concluded its 2025 ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative with a MK33 million donation of medical equipment to Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre.

The donation forms part of the Bank’s broader K255 million CSR package, implemented between December 5 and 22, aimed at supporting health, education, and community wellbeing across all districts in the country.

For Chilomoni Health Centre, the Bank procured critical medical equipment, including patient monitors, an ECG machine, a biochemistry analyser, oxygen concentrators, an electric suction machine, a nebuliser, a defibrillator, and 12 wheelchairs, intended to strengthen service delivery at the facility.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Monday, NBM plc Head of Retail Banking Division, Oswin Kasunda, said the donation marked the culmination of the Bank’s Christmas initiative introduced to systematically channel support to communities across the country during the festive season.

“As NBM plc, we are excited because this is this year’s grand finale of the 12 Days of Christmas campaign. It is a programme that started in 2021, where, as a Bank, we decided that every year we set aside a certain amount of money to support communities across the country in various sectors such as health, education and social wellbeing. We may not reach every household, but we have managed to reach every district, which makes the impact significant,” said Kasunda.

Receiving the donation, Chilomoni Health Centre Officer-in-Charge, Dr Steven Mlangiza, said the support would help address critical service gaps as the facility transitions into a community hospital.

“We are very happy and grateful for this support from National Bank. Chilomoni Health Centre is undergoing an upgrade to become a community hospital, which will enable it to admit patients and conduct more diagnostic tests. This donation will help us move significantly in that direction,” said Mlangiza.

He said the equipment would also support government efforts to fully operationalise the facility as a community hospital serving a catchment population of over 65,000 people.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairperson of the Chilomoni Health Centre Management Committee, Maliko Paul Chikaonga thanked NBM Plc for the donation, assuring the ‘Bank of the Nation’ that the equipment would be properly utilised and safeguarded.

“As the health centre management committee and community members, we are grateful to National Bank for this donation. We promise that the equipment will be put to good use and well taken care of,” said Chikaonga.

Other beneficiaries of the ‘12 days of Christmas’ initiative for this year included health centres such as St Martin’s in Mwanza, Area 25 and Chilomoni, schools in Chazunda, Mpemba, Kasungu, Liwonde and Mzuzu, as well as community institutions like Wells of Joy Orphan Care and Makande Resource Centre for the visually impaired, among others.


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FDH Bank, Lions Club partner in nationwide tree-planting drive

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FDH Bank Plc has partnered with Lions Club Malawi in a nationwide tree-planting initiative, committing MK12 million towards the procurement of seedlings as part of its environmental sustainability efforts.

The initiative was launched during the District Tree Planting Day at Sankhani Primary School at Chitedze in Lilongwe and falls under the bank’s sustainability programme, FDH Cares: Our Environment Pillar, which promotes environmental protection and climate resilience.

Speaking at the launch, FDH Bank Senior Manager for Government and International Organisations, Eugene Chinkhandwe, said the bank remains committed to promoting a green and resilient environment.

“As FDH Bank Plc, we continually recognise the importance of a green environment, and we have over the years reinforced our commitment to championing a sustainable and resilient green environment that will foster the development of the country and nurture it against various environmental and economic forces, such as climate change,” said Chinkhandwe.

He said the partnership with Lions Club aligns with the bank’s broader sustainability agenda.

“Through our sustainability programme, FDH Cares Our Environment Pillar, we are honoured to partner with Lions Club in a tree-planting drive across the country, and we applaud Lions Club for this noble and honourable commitment to a pro-green environment,” he said.

Chinkhandwe noted that the initiative builds on earlier environmental commitments by FDH Group, whose holding company, Financial Holdings Limited, successfully planted one million trees by 2024 in line with Malawi 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Lions Club District Governor for District 412B Malawi and Mozambique, Gladson Kuyeri, described the event as a demonstration of service and shared responsibility in environmental protection.

“Today we gather at Chitedze to demonstrate service in action. We are not just planting trees, we are planting hope, responsibility, and a sustainable future for our communities,” said Kuyeri.

He said the partnership with FDH Bank shows how corporate institutions and community organisations can work together to address environmental challenges.

“We are deeply grateful to FDH Bank for their generous sponsorship of K12 million. This partnership shows how corporate leadership and community service can work together to address challenges such as deforestation and climate change,” said Kuyeri.

During the event, a total of 2,000 trees were planted at Chitedze, with organisers urging stakeholders to ensure the trees are protected and nurtured to guarantee long-term environmental impact.


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Malawi Courts Russian Investment at Russia–Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi has called on the Russian Federation to deepen practical, results-oriented cooperation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining and health.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. George Chaponda made the remarks at the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, currently underway in Cairo, Egypt, where African and Russian leaders are discussing ways to strengthen political and economic cooperation.

Chaponda said Malawi attaches great importance to the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026, describing it as a critical tool for translating political commitments into tangible development outcomes.

He noted that the Action Plan aligns closely with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and Malawi Vision 2063, both of which prioritise inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, human capital development and long-term economic resilience.

The minister outlined Malawi’s development priorities, highlighting energy and fuel security, increased food production, value addition in the mining sector and improved health service delivery.

He said Malawi is seeking strategic partnerships to modernise fuel supply systems, expand access to agricultural inputs and mechanisation, promote domestic mineral processing and strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains and medical training.

Chaponda emphasised that Malawi is positioning itself as an attractive investment destination, noting that the country is implementing policy and regulatory reforms aimed at creating a stable and investor-friendly environment.

“Widely known as the Warm Heart of Africa Malawi is open for business and welcomes increased Russian investment in projects that support national development goals while contributing to broader regional and continental objectives under the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum,”he said.

The Russia–Africa Partnership Forum is seen as a key platform for strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries across economic, social and technological sectors.


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Uganda Airlines passengers stranded in Dubai amidst plane availability crisis

KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Passengers who booked flights with Uganda Airlines are currently stranded in Dubai, with reports indicating that there’s no available plane to transport them back to Uganda.

These passengers had booked their tickets earlier and even checked in at Dubai International Airport, only to be left waiting with no clear indication of when they’ll be able to depart.

Uganda Airlines has so far failed to provide an alternative solution or communicate effectively with the stranded passengers, leaving them frustrated and concerned about their travel plans.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by airlines and passengers alike, particularly in regions with limited flight options or operational disruptions.

Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as when airspace closures over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait led to widespread flight cancellations and delays at Doha and Dubai airports.


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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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