Airtel Malawi invests K1 million to Kibébé to support their production efforts
* Hosts a product showcase in collaboration with Kibébé — a local social enterprise renowned for crafting re-purposed handmade products from recycled plastics
* The collaboration underscores Airtel Malawi’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment
By Duncan Mlanjira
In joining Malawi to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, Airtel Malawi has taken a new approach in the enhancement of this year’s theme; ‘Harmony with Nature: end plastic pollution for sustainable development by hosting a product showcase in collaboration with Kibébé — a local social enterprise renowned for crafting re-purposed handmade products from recycled plastics.
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Held at the Airtel Malawi headquarters in Lilongwe, the collaboration “underscores Airtel Malawi’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment,” said the mobile service and mobile money service provider in a statement.
As part of the commemoration, Kibébé hosted a pop-up stall by “giving employees the opportunity to support the organisation’s work by purchasing a variety of eco-friendly, upcycled items”.
“In addition to this engagement, Airtel Malawi invested K1 million to Kibébé to support their production efforts. This contribution will help the organisation scale up its impact and continue creating high-quality products while keeping plastics out of the environment.”
Aashish Dutt, Airtel Malawi Managing Director, is quoted as saying: “We are proud to commemorate World Environment Day by supporting Kibébé’s innovative approach to plastic recycling.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Malawi but also to empowering local artisans and sustainable enterprises.”
Airtel Malawi emphasises that the partnership with Kibébé is part of its broader environmental and social responsibility agenda, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
“Airtel Malawi continues to use its platform and partnerships to drive positive change in the communities it serves, championing sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.”
When commemorating the World Environment Day jointly with the 2025 International Day for Biological Biodiversity at Chongole Primary School in Nkhotakota, Minister of Natural Resources & Climate Change, Owen Chomanika urged businesses to adopt sustainable practices; communities to champion conservation initiatives; educators to instil environmental awareness in the youth, and every citizen to make conscious choices that minimise environmental footprint.
The Minister urged Malawians to take a decisive action and shared responsibility and work together to protect natural heritage — emphasising that time for decisive action is now and Malawians should embrace the shared responsibility.
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He highlighted that government’s action alone is not enough as protecting the environment and biodiversity requires collective efforts that demands active participation of each and everyone.
“Let us renew our resolve to restore our land, protect our forests, and tackle the scourge of waste pollution,” he said. “Let this occasion serve not only as a moment of reflection but as a united commitment to bold, collective action for the future of Malawi.”
Chomanika added that challenges like land degradation and deforestation — compounded by waste pollution, particularly from the plastics, which is non-biodegradable — has diminished biodiversity but also undermined natural systems that protect climate shocks and sustains water resources.
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