The Parliament of Malawi and the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership following the Bank’s sponsorship of MK24 million towards the hosting of the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference and Annual General Meeting in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony at Parliament Building on Friday, Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman welcomed the support, describing it as timely as Malawi prepares to host about 300 delegates from 19 African countries.
Suleman said the conference offers Malawi a unique platform to showcase its hospitality, rich cultural heritage and tourism potential, while boosting the local economy through increased business for the hospitality, transport and other sectors.
“We only have one Malawi, and this is our opportunity to market our country and allow delegates to experience the warmth of its people.
No man is an island, which is why we reached out to various stakeholders to partner with us,” he said.
The Speaker also assured the public that the funds would be used transparently, noting that Parliament and National Bank officials had already agreed on how the MK24 million sponsorship would be utilized.
Representing the National Bank of Malawi, Head of Corporate Banking Bernard Masi said the sponsorship goes beyond financial assistance and reflects the Bank’s commitment to national development and promoting Malawi’s image across the continent.
He said the contribution will finance the procurement of traditional conference bags for delegates, providing them with a lasting symbol of Malawi’s hospitality.
“Long after the conference has ended, delegates will carry these bags back to their respective countries as lasting reminders of Malawi’s hospitality,” Masi said.
He added that the gesture aligns with the Bank’s identity as the “Bank of the Nation,” committed to investing in people, institutions and Malawi’s future.
The 55th CPA Africa Region Conference and Annual General Meeting will bring together parliamentary leaders from 52 CPA branches across 19 African countries under the theme: “Remembering the Social Contract:
Parliaments asCatalysts for Inclusive Growth and Citizen Trust in Parliament.”
Organizers say the theme is particularly relevant as it highlights the importance of democratic governance, accountability and inclusive development in strengthening public confidence in parliamentary institutions.
Both Parliament and the National Bank of Malawi have appealed to other stakeholders to support the conference, expressing confidence that the meeting will deliver meaningful outcomes while leaving delegates with lasting positive impressions of Malawi.
