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The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K5 million to the Tea Association of Malawi Limited (TAML) in support of its 2025 annual conference, which will be held from July 31 to August 1 in Salima. The financial gesture was made official during a symbolic cheque presentation ceremony held in Blantyre on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Speaking at the event, NBM plc’s Mobile and E-Money Services Manager, Mrs. Enala Chirwa, said the bank’s support for the upcoming tea sector conference aligns with its broader commitment to advancing digital inclusion in Malawi. This year’s TAML conference is themed “Digital Innovation and Decent Life in the Malawi Tea Sector,” a concept that Chirwa said resonates deeply with the bank’s mission.
“We have been pioneers in the digital space for years,” Chirwa stated. “Our goal is to ensure that every Malawian, especially those in rural areas, can access and utilise digital financial services effectively. Supporting this TAML conference is a strategic investment that enables stakeholders to explore safe and inclusive digital payment systems and other secure digital solutions for the tea industry.”
She noted that digital tools and financial technologies are increasingly becoming essential to agriculture and rural development, helping to improve accountability, reduce risks associated with cash transactions, and increase financial literacy and access for farmers.
In response, Mr. Amos Suluma, a Board Member of the Tea Association of Malawi, welcomed the support with gratitude. He explained that the annual conference is an important event that brings together tea farmers, industry players, government representatives, and development partners to assess the state of the tea sector and propose workable solutions for its challenges.
“This is not just any gathering,” Suluma said. “It’s a partner’s conference where we evaluate our performance, discuss labour rights, gender inclusion, financial access, and brainstorm ways of improving the welfare of all stakeholders in the tea value chain. This donation from NBM plc will go a long way in ensuring the success of this year’s programme.”
He added that the tea industry plays a crucial role in Malawi’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs, especially in rural areas across Mulanje, Thyolo, and parts of Chitipa, and needs continuous innovation to stay competitive both locally and internationally.
Mr. Suluma also praised the collaboration between the private sector and agricultural bodies like TAML, saying such partnerships are essential in addressing long-standing issues in the tea industry, including low wages, climate challenges, market access, and value addition.
He urged other companies and development stakeholders to emulate NBM’s support and collaborate to uplift Malawi’s agricultural sectors through sustainable practices, modern technology, and inclusive policies.
The 2025 TAML conference is expected to attract various stakeholders, including policy makers, tea estate owners, union representatives, digital financial service providers, and international partners. Key sessions will focus on digital transformation, climate-smart agriculture, and promoting decent living conditions for tea workers.
NBM plc, one of Malawi’s oldest and largest banks, continues to play a significant role in promoting financial inclusion across sectors through its range of digital banking services such as Mo626 Digital+, mobile money integration, e-wallets, and agency banking.
As the tea industry prepares for a more technology-driven future, events like the TAML annual conference serve as a platform for fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and pushing for reforms that can help uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and improve Malawi’s export competitiveness.
