National Bank of Malawi plc (NBM plc) has reaffirmed its role in supporting Malawi’s economic growth by providing a K10 million sponsorship for the Annual Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) Conference. The two-day event is scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday in Mangochi.
During a cheque presentation ceremony in Blantyre, NBM plc Client Coverage Manager, Nicholas Musaiwa, said the Bank strongly believes in working together to achieve national development. He noted that as a member of BAM, NBM recognises the importance of contributing to industry-wide initiatives, especially those that promote economic recovery.
“As a member of BAM, we see the value in supporting initiatives taking place at the lake. Our employees will also participate, and we believe our involvement and collaboration with other stakeholders will bring greater value — not only to the Bank, but to the financial sector as a whole,” Musaiwa said.
He stressed that banks cannot operate in isolation. “We exist because customers are there for us. That is why we engage with partners, customers, and all stakeholders who drive economic growth in Malawi. Working together as a team, not just as a sector but in a spirit of collaboration, is key to building sustainable development,” he added.
Musaiwa explained that the role of banks extends beyond making profits. According to him, financial institutions have a duty to support both businesses and individuals by offering solutions that enable them to grow, create jobs, and strengthen the overall economy. “We align our activities with Malawi’s national agenda, ensuring that the work we do contributes meaningfully to the country’s long-term growth and prosperity,” he said.
BAM Chief Executive Officer, Lyness Nkungula, welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a timely intervention that will help the association successfully host this year’s event. “We do not take this support for granted. NBM plc has been there for us before, and given the current economic climate, this sponsorship is both timely and impactful. It will enable us to finalise arrangements and cover essential costs for the conference,” Nkungula said.
The 2025 BAM Conference will be held under the theme ‘Getting the Future Together: The Phenomenon of Synergy.’ Discussions will focus on how different sectors can work collectively to drive Malawi’s economic recovery. Organisers say the event will bring together senior banking executives, policymakers, regulators, and representatives from the private sector to explore collaborative strategies for growth.
Industry analysts say the sponsorship is a sign that banks in Malawi are recognising their influence in shaping the national economy beyond their core financial services. In recent years, Malawi has faced challenges such as high inflation, limited foreign currency reserves, and slow GDP growth. Stakeholders believe that effective cooperation between the financial sector, government, and businesses is crucial to turning the economy around.
NBM plc has been one of Malawi’s leading banks for decades, offering a range of services including retail banking, corporate banking, and investment solutions. The Bank has a history of supporting national events, charity initiatives, and economic development projects.
The BAM Conference is expected to provide a platform for frank discussions on issues affecting the financial sector, including digital banking, access to credit, financial inclusion, and regulatory reforms. Experts will also address how banks can better support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are seen as vital to job creation and innovation.
For Musaiwa and Nkungula, the message is clear — no single player can achieve Malawi’s economic goals alone. The path to recovery requires shared responsibility, open dialogue, and practical action plans. The sponsorship from NBM plc is not just financial support; it is also a statement of intent to be part of the solution for a stronger and more resilient economy.
