NICO Group reaffirms its position as a leading force in Malawi’s economic development during the 2026 Lakeshore Business Leaders’ Summit, held from 22 to 24 April at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. As Lead Sponsor, the Group plays a central role in shaping discussions under the theme “Leading with Purpose: Harnessing the Power of Transparency and Accountability.”
Speaking during the opening engagements, Group Chief Operating Officer, Dr Kwanele Ngwenya, says, “Malawi must urgently address structural economic challenges affecting productivity and growth.” He adds, “While the private sector continues to generate foreign exchange through exports, current policy frameworks risk limiting the sector’s ability to scale.”
Dr Ngwenya emphasises, “Foreign exchange generated by the private sector must be protected and efficiently utilised to support business expansion,” noting that “deliberate and coordinated action is required to unlock sustainable economic value.” He further states, “Platforms such as MCCCI are critical as they create an important bridge between government and the private sector,” adding, “This engagement ensures that policy decisions are informed by real business experiences and challenges.”
On the role of business, Dr Ngwenya asserts, “Businesses must take a leading role in driving economic growth through increased production and exports,” adding, “This is essential in strengthening Malawi’s foreign exchange position and supporting long-term economic stability.”
NICO General Insurance Chief Executive Officer, Donbell Mandala, states, “Our subsidiaries are deliberately structured to work together across the full value chain from deal origination to financing, insurance and asset management,” adding, “This enables us to deliver comprehensive financial solutions that unlock investment and support sustainable growth.” He emphasises that “collective action within the private sector remains essential in addressing economic challenges and building resilience.”
A key highlight of the summit is the NICO hosted Wealth Lounge Cocktail, bringing together industry leaders across sectors and reinforcing the value of collaboration in advancing national development.
By the close of the summit, NICO Group positions itself not merely as a sponsor, but as a key architect of Malawi’s economic future driven by purpose, transparency and a commitment to building a resilient, competitive and forward looking economy.
