The NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and ERIS Properties, has sponsored the second edition of the Investment School for Creative Arts, taking place from 17–18 July 2025, at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi with K65 million.

The session is held in partnership with The Copyright Fund, which aims to support the economic empowerment of creatives by ensuring they are equipped with both legal and financial knowledge to protect and grow the value of their intellectual property.

Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, this year’s programme will bring together a dynamic group of 50 Malawian creatives—including musicians, filmmakers, designers, and digital content creators—for two days of learning, networking, and empowerment.

The initiative is designed to equip participants with the financial literacy, investment skills, and business acumen they need to sustainably grow their brands and careers. Through various interactive sessions, creative professionals will gain practical insights on budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship, and long-term investing, delivered by financial experts from NICO Group.

NICO Holdings Corporate Affairs Manager, Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka, expressed that the Group values supporting these creatives as they play a major role in the success of brands across the country.

“We believe in supporting all sectors of the economy, and the creative industry is full of untapped potential. This initiative is our way of investing in the future of Malawi’s creative talent and helping them turn their art into lasting impact,” Mlia-Ndasauka said.

The Investment School for Creative Arts falls under the One NICO Xpression initiative, which aims to promote arts and culture in Malawi, while also

empowering creatives with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive environment.

It forms part of NICO’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment, particularly among youth and underrepresented sector