By Suleman Suleman Chitera

LILONGWE — Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata has applauded corporate institutions for investing in Malawian sport, saying strong partnerships between the private sector and sporting bodies are essential to unlocking the country’s athletic potential.

Gangata made the remarks in Lilongwe during a welcome breakfast hosted by the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) in honour of the Malawi Scorchers following their historic campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Scorchers returned home as runners-up after an impressive tournament that not only delivered Malawi’s best-ever finish at the continental competition but also secured the team qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Gangata said the success of the national women’s football team demonstrates what can be achieved when talented athletes receive the right investment, preparation and institutional support.

He stressed that government alone cannot carry the responsibility of developing sport, calling on companies and other organisations to continue partnering with athletes and national teams.

“Partnerships with corporate institutions are crucial in unlocking the potential of local athletes and teams,” Gangata said.

The minister said corporate sponsorship can provide athletes with resources needed to compete at the highest level while also helping to create sustainable opportunities for young Malawians interested in sport.

NBM Says Scorchers Investment Has Paid Off

NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the bank was pleased with the results of its investment in the Scorchers, describing the team’s performance as a clear indication that supporting Malawian sport can produce significant returns.

Hiwa said NBM remains committed to the national women’s football team and pledged that the bank will continue supporting the Scorchers as they prepare for their historic appearance at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She said the bank looks forward to walking with the team throughout its World Cup journey in Brazil.

The commitment comes at a crucial time for the Scorchers, who have emerged as one of Malawi’s biggest sporting success stories following their remarkable run at WAFCON.

Scorchers Raise Malawi’s Sporting Profile

The Scorchers’ achievement has generated widespread excitement across Malawi and placed the country’s women’s football programme firmly on the African football map.

Their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup represents a major milestone for Malawi and provides an opportunity for the players to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

The team’s success has also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in women’s sport, particularly in a country where talented athletes often face financial and logistical challenges during their development.

For Gangata, the role played by corporate Malawi should therefore go beyond individual sponsorships and become part of a broader commitment to building a strong and sustainable sporting industry.

A Call for More Investment in Sport

The minister’s message comes as Malawi seeks to build on the momentum created by the Scorchers’ historic WAFCON campaign.

Corporate support can help national teams with training camps, equipment, travel, nutrition, technical development and other preparations required for international competition.

It can also help young athletes access opportunities that may otherwise remain beyond their reach.

With the Scorchers now preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, continued cooperation between government, football authorities and corporate institutions will be critical.

The challenge now is to ensure that the team’s WAFCON success becomes more than a moment of celebration and instead serves as a catalyst for greater investment in women’s football and Malawian sport as a whole.

As the Scorchers set their sights on Brazil, the message from both government and NBM is clear: Malawi’s sporting talent needs sustained investment, and partnerships can help turn potential into international success.