First Capital Bank (FCB) has strengthened its role as one of Malawi’s leading champions of innovation and cooperation in the financial sector by injecting K7 million into the 2025 Bankers Lake Conference. The three-day annual event opened yesterday at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, attracting top banking executives, regulators, innovators, and policymakers.
The sponsorship comes as the conference adopts the theme “Facing the Future Together: The Phenomenal Power of Synergy.” FCB Head of Marketing and Communications, Twikale Chirwa, said the theme perfectly matches the bank’s core belief that collaboration is the key to building a stronger financial system for Malawi.
“At First Capital Bank, we see synergy not just as a theme, but as a strategy. The banking sector thrives when we collaborate to innovate, adapt, and deliver value for our customers and communities. Our K7 million sponsorship reflects our commitment to driving that shared progress,” Chirwa said.
According to Chirwa, the bank’s contribution is helping to fund critical aspects of the conference, including logistics, digital resources, and facilities to ensure delegates enjoy a world-class environment for dialogue. Discussions at the conference are focusing on innovation, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience.
First Capital Bank, which has operations in Malawi and several African countries, has been at the forefront of promoting financial literacy, digital banking services, and community development programmes. The bank’s involvement in the Bankers Lake Conference reflects its ongoing effort to create an enabling environment for the growth of the financial sector while meeting the changing needs of customers.
This year’s Bankers Lake Conference is expected to produce concrete strategies to help Malawi’s banking industry respond better to market shifts and evolving customer demands. Organisers say the outcome will include practical recommendations to strengthen economic growth, improve access to finance, and encourage technological adoption.
Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) Chief Executive Officer, Lyness Nkungula, praised FCB for the financial backing, noting that the support will play a big role in making the 2025 edition a success.
“We appreciate First Capital Bank’s commitment to the industry and to this conference. This support ensures that we can host meaningful discussions and deliver solutions that benefit not just the banking sector, but the wider economy,” Nkungula said.
The Bankers Lake Conference has grown into Malawi’s top annual gathering for financial leaders, regulators, innovators, and government representatives. It provides a rare platform where decision-makers can address pressing challenges, explore new opportunities, and build partnerships to guide the future of banking in the country.
Over the years, topics at the conference have ranged from improving rural banking services and tackling cyber security threats to adapting to global economic shifts and expanding mobile banking. For 2025, much of the focus is on how banks can leverage technology to improve customer experiences, promote inclusion for unbanked populations, and adapt to increasing competition from fintech companies.
Financial analysts say that with growing pressure on banks to adapt to digital trends and the needs of younger customers, conferences like this are vital for sharing ideas and building joint strategies. They also note that Malawi’s banking industry can learn from regional and international best practices to enhance efficiency and reach underserved communities.
As discussions continue at Sunbird Nkopola, delegates are expected to share case studies, research findings, and policy proposals that will shape the next phase of banking in Malawi. First Capital Bank’s sponsorship ensures that these conversations take place in a well-supported environment, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to being more than just a financial institution, but also a partner in national development.
