Tag Archives: Nico Holdings Plc

Malawi, Obituaries

NICO Group condoles families of five artists lost in Ntcheu road tragedy

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, through its creative sector strategic partner, the Copyright Fund, has joined the nation in mourning five young musicians who died in a tragic road accident at Senzani in Ntcheu District on Friday, 26 December 2025.

The victims, Vincent Mkwinda, Raphael Chitsonga, Elivacy Muyaba, Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and MacFarlane Banda, were members of Eli Njuchi’s Hive Band and were travelling to Lilongwe ahead of a scheduled performance when the accident occurred along the M1 Road.

In a condolence message issued through the Copyright Fund, the NICO Group said it fondly recalls its recent interaction with the Hive Band during its family day event earlier this year, where the artists performed with distinction and professionalism.

As part of its support, the Group has provided financial assistance of MK1 million to each bereaved family to help with funeral arrangements.

Copyright Fund Administrator Dora Makwinja said the Group deeply shares the grief being experienced across the country following the loss.

“The NICO Group deeply shares the nation’s grief following the tragic and untimely loss of these talented young artists. Through the Copyright Fund, we are offering financial support to assist the families during this difficult time. May the souls of our departed artists rest in peace,” said Makwinja.

Beyond the corporate sector, national leadership has also expressed condolences, with State President Arthur Peter Mutharika and Second Vice President Enock Chihana conveying messages of sympathy to the bereaved families, joining Malawians in mourning the loss of young lives.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s music industry, with artists and fans describing the loss as devastating to live music in the country.

The deceased musicians, drummer and sound engineer Raphael Chitsonga, guitarist MacFarlane Banda, road manager Vincent Mkwinda, pianist Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and vocalist Elivacy Muyaba, were widely regarded as some of the most gifted instrumentalists of their generation.

Award-winning musician Lawi described the incident as a dark day for the industry, while international artist Onesimus said Malawi had lost giants whose contribution to music would be deeply missed.

Following the tragedy, Eli Njuchi cancelled a scheduled performance at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, while other artists, including Lulu, also called off shows as the music fraternity paused to grieve.

Netball, Sports

Nico Group motivates Queens with MK250,000 participation fee, MK500,000 win bonus

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Nico Group, the official sponsor of the Malawi National Netball Team, has announced a participation fee of MK250,000 for each player and official taking part in the upcoming Africa Netball Cup.

The group has also pledged a MK500,000 bonus for each player and official if the team emerges victorious.

The announcement was made during Nico Group’s visit to the Queens at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex, where the squad was officially unveiled.

Corporate Affairs Manager Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka expressed the group’s appreciation for the team’s dedication and skill, stating, “This is part of our way of appreciating and inspiring the girls to do their best and win the Cup”.

Nico Group has invested K1 billion in netball, demonstrating its commitment to growing the sport in Malawi.

Netball Association of Malawi president Vitumbiko Gubuduza thanked Nico Group for its continued support, saying, “They are doing a lot to grow the game of netball in the country”.

Malawi’s top goal attacker Joyce Mvula pledged to honor the sponsors with strong performances, stating, “From the preparations we have had, I think we are ready and motivated and we believe that we can win the Cup”.

Business

Nico advocates saving, investment culture

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Following the launch of the campaign dubbed ‘Zikumveka Kumbuyoko’ last year, NICO Group has been taking a front seat in equipping Malawians with relevant and essential knowledge for making informed decisions on money matters.

The campaign will simplify personal savings and investment, insurance, and retirement planning, among many other money decisions. It is also aimed at contributing to the national financial inclusion agenda.   

NICO Group says in a statement that the campaign is partly inspired by the widespread knowledge gap in financial matters.

“Adding to the financial series that have been shared, there will be a number of critical touch points that will be rolled out in the rest of the year.”

“This year we will continue running our financial literacy series on local TV, but also working with schools, and various institutions that have a common goal of empowering Malawians in the financial space, but most especially we will increase our social media presence through influencers to drive the message home regarding matters to do with money,” says Lorraine Mlenga Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience for NICO Holdings.

The campaign will be delivered through a series of engaging educational sessions designed to reach out to people from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, salaried workers, and informal sector traders.

Through relatable storytelling, practical examples, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of financial planning and security.

At the heart of the campaign is the ‘Child Teacher’, a key character who would break down financial concepts into simple, easy-to-understand lessons.

Each session will focus on different aspects of financial management, starting with pensions, helping people prepare for retirement by understanding the importance of long-term savings.

It will then move on to general insurance, covering protection for assets and businesses, before tackling life insurance, which ensures financial security for families.

The campaign will also educate the public on investments, showing how to grow wealth over time.

“We all know that financial literacy is generally low in Malawi. As such, the child teacher (Nico) embarked on this project to educate the masses on financial matters, these matters will span from Pension (Nkhani Za Pensoni eeeeh), General Insurance (Simagalimoto Okha), Life Insurance, (and) Investment. The reason for this is to make sure we all make well-informed decisions on financial matters to make sure your tomorrow is a happy one,” reads the statement.

By using a mix of real-life scenarios, humor, and expert insights, ‘Zikumveka Kumbuyoko’ aims to change the way Malawians think about money.

The campaign will be accessible across various media platforms, including radio, television, and digital channels, ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit from the knowledge being shared.

“The quality of decisions people make on money is determined by the money knowledge that one has. Our goal is to help people from all walks of life to make good, sustainable and informed decisions about their financial future – We want everyone to have a better financial future,” explains Mlenga.

As the ‘Zikumveka Kumbuyoko’ campaign unfolds; Malawians are encouraged to participate actively, ask questions, and apply the lessons to their daily lives and to take control of their financial destinies

Business

Nico supports Misa Malawi fundraising dinner with MK2.5 million

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Nico Holdings Plc has supported the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi 2023 fundraising dinner with an MK2.5 million donation.

Speaking in Blantyre during a cheque presentation event, Nico Holdings plc Corporate Affairs Manager Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka said the donation is evidence of their commitment towards initiatives that involve the media industry.

“The donation we are making today is a small part of this commitment and we truly value the relationship our media practitioners have always had. At NICO, we believe that the media plays a very important role in disseminating information to the masses and we are proud to be among the corporates that can support this sector,” she said.

Mlia-Ndasauka also said NICO has been able to send over 10 journalists to South Africa for training with the Sanlam Summer School for Financial Journalists and fully supports Misa-Malawi fundraising for the construction of a training center at its Mtolankhani House in Lilongwe.

“Let me encourage our media practitioners to remain professional in their reporting of matters, especially business and financial space and to make good use of the facility that will be put up for them,” she said.

Receiving the donation, Mc Donald Chapalapata a member of the Miss-Malawi Fundraising Committee, who was accompanied by Misa-Malawi Board Member Nathan Majawa, hailed NICO Holdings plc for the support.

“We thank NICO for this support, it will go a long way towards making our project of constructing a training centre which is pegged at K50 million a success. We value the relationship we have with NICO as they also support journalists with various training sessions in South Africa,” he said.

He said the fundraising dinner is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe under the theme ‘Media as a strategic partner for private sector growth and viability’.