* Currently being held under the theme; ‘From Silos to Synergies: Strategic Partnerships for Malawi’s Sustainable Transformation’
* Which closely aligns with Illovo’s belief in the power of collaboration to drive progress and create lasting impact
By Duncan Mlanjira
Illovo Sugar Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to professional development, ethical leadership and good corporate governance by sponsoring K7 million towards Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) annual conference currently underway in Mangochi.
At the symbolic presentation of the cheque, Illovo Sugar Malawi’s Financial Controller, Chimwemwe Mhango, said the company values ICAM’s contribution to the accounting profession and its efforts to promote high professional standards among its members.
“As a business, we pride ourselves in operating in compliance with regulations and adhering to the guidance of professional and regulatory bodies, including ICAM,” he said.
“We recognise the important contribution the institute makes in strengthening professional standards and ethical conduct across the business community.”
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Mhango also highlighted that Illovo remains continues to invest in employee development through professional learning opportunities.
“The company has sponsored a number of its employees to attend the conference, recognising that a skilled workforce is essential to long term business success.
“We firmly believe that investing in people is essential to building a high-performing and accountable organisation.
“Through continuous learning, professional development and adherence to the highest standards of accountability, we empower our employees to contribute meaningfully to the success and sustainability of our business.”
The conference being held under the theme; ‘From Silos to Synergies: Strategic Partnerships for Malawi’s Sustainable Transformation’ — which Mhango recognised that it closely aligns with Illovo Sugar Malawi’s belief in the power of collaboration to drive progress and create lasting impact.
“Working together across industries and professions enables us to build stronger institutions and a more resilient economy.
We are, therefore, proud to partner with ICAM through this sponsorship and support this important platform that brings together professionals, business leaders and policymakers to share knowledge, exchange ideas and contribute to shaping Malawi’s future,” he said.
The conference’s opening was presided over by Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade & Tourism, Simon Itaye as guest of honour, who emphasised that “modern accountants are much more than someone who prepares financial statements”.
“Rather, they are increasingly advisers, strategists, risk managers, governance professionals, business partner, analysts and sustainability professionals.
“Above all, accountants are technology users and, increasingly, technology interpreters,” said the Minister.
He cited that where capital is scarce, somebody must help organisations decide where that capital should go and that where businesses are trying to enter export markets, accountants should help them understand costs, risks, pricing, foreign exchange exposure and investment requirements, among others.
Itaye, a long time accounting professional and personality, believes there is a greater role for ICAM in Malawi’s industrialisation agenda.
He thus expressed his Ministry’s commitment to work with ICAM and its members on strengthening the financial governance frameworks that underpin Malawi’s industrialisation agenda by improving the ease of doing business for the small & medium enterprises (SMEs) that will carry much of this transformation.
And on ensuring that trade and tourism strategies are built on data and figures that this profession stands along.
The Minister was unequivocal about Malawi’s economic transition, arguing that Malawi’s transformation will not come from a single ministry, a single profession, or a single sector acting brilliantly in isolation — but will come from many streams of effort, government, business, the professions, development partners and communities, finding the confidence and the discipline to flow in the same direction.
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