In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to boosting the country’s economy, Malawi’s President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has praised Centenary Bank for its collaborative efforts in implementing the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy.
The President’s remarks came during a meeting held at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongre, where a delegation from Centenary Bank, led by Bishop Desmond Tambala, had convened to apprise the Head of State on the bank’s progress.
Formerly known as MyBucks, Centenary Bank Limited is a joint venture between the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe and the Centenary Rural Development Group of Uganda. This unique partnership has allowed the bank to forge a strong connection with the Malawian society.
During the meeting, President Chakwera not only commended Centenary Bank’s collaboration with the government but also praised the institution’s efforts in empowering women and youth, thereby enabling them to play a more active role in the country’s economic development.
Bishop Tambala, speaking on behalf of the delegation, emphasized that the bank’s mission is to empower the Malawian society and contribute to the social and economic progress the nation requires. He explained that the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s decision to acquire a stake in Centenary Bank was driven by a desire to serve the people of Malawi, rather than to enrich themselves.
Underscoring the bank’s commitment to integrity, Bishop Tambala revealed that Centenary Bank’s primary focus is on empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as small-scale agricultural farmers in rural areas, with the aim of transforming their economic fortunes.
Centenary Bank’s Board Chairperson further reinforced the institution’s ambition to grow into a formidable financial powerhouse, cementing its role as a key player in Malawi’s economic landscape.
The President’s endorsement of Centenary Bank’s partnership with the government and its efforts to empower Malawian communities serves as a testament to the bank’s alignment with the nation’s developmental priorities. This collaboration holds the promise of propelling Malawi’s economy forward, as the country continues to chart a course towards sustainable growth and prosperity.