By Suleman Chitera

The Malawi Stock Exchange listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has taken 10 business journalists from various media houses in the country on an educational tour of Botswana aimed at strengthening business and financial reporting in Malawi.

The tour forms part of the bank’s ongoing media engagement programme designed to enhance journalists’ understanding of regional business trends, financial markets, investment opportunities and economic developments.

The journalists, who flew out Thursday morning, include Chimwemwe Mangazi and Francis Namondwe of Times Group, Chikondi Chiyembekeza of the Nation Publication Limited (NPL), Lucy Kadzongwe of Mibawa TV, MIJ FM’s Malumbo Ngwira, Capital Radio’s Jane Kaonga, Richard Tiyesi of Timveni Radio, Zodiak’s Christopher Sande, and Benjamin Maona of Gazette Media.Digital Banking Breakthrough: National Bank of Malawi Unveils Phone-Based Account Opening System

During the visit, the journalists are expected to tour several business and financial institutions, including the Botswana Stock Exchange, where they will gain first-hand exposure to Botswana’s business environment and learn about best practices in the financial sector.

Speaking in an interview, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Mphepo-Hiwa said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of quality business journalism in Malawi.

“As a leading financial institution, we recognize the critical role the media plays in informing the public and shaping discussions around economic and financial matters. We believe that informed and well-equipped journalists contribute significantly to public understanding of economic issues. Through interactions with financial institutions and industry experts in Botswana, participants will gain insights that can enrich reporting and stimulate informed debate on business and economic development in Malawi,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.NBM ‘Waku WAFCON’ Promo winners off to Morocco to cheer the Scorchers

She added that exposure to Botswana’s financial ecosystem would provide journalists with valuable perspectives on investment, capital markets and private sector development.

On behalf of other participants, Ngwira described the tour as a rare and valuable learning opportunity for business reporters.

“I would like to thank NBM plc for this initiative. Opportunities of this nature are important because they allow journalists to appreciate how other economies operate and how financial institutions contribute to national development. The experience will undoubtedly strengthen our understanding of regional markets and improve the quality of stories we produce,” said Ngwira.

He said the visit would also provide an opportunity for Malawians journalists to build professional networks and exchange ideas with colleaguesMzuni students benefit from NBM plc Mo Excellence scholarship