Airtel Money Malawi Managing Director, Thokozani Kamkondo-Sande and Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso at the launch
* Launch first of its kind Cente Fees for payment system of school fees for various education institutions and Cente e-Value to support Airtel Money agents with e-value float
* The first-of-its-kind solution that enables parents and guardians to pay school fees digitally for any institution with a Centenary Bank account — securely and instantly through Airtel Money
By Duncan Mlanjira
Innovation that empowers: Airtel Money Malawi, has launched school fees payments in partnership with Centenary Bank named Cente Fees and Cente e-Value — two groundbreaking digital financial services designed to enhance convenience, accessibility, and financial inclusion across Malawi.
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A statement from Lilongwe issued this afternoon, Airtel Money Malawi indicates that Cente Fees “is the first-of-its-kind solution that enables parents and guardians to pay school fees digitally for any institution with a Centenary Bank account — securely and instantly through Airtel Money”.
“Cente Fees enables parents and guardians to pay school fees instantly, anytime, anywhere,” says Airtel Money Malawi — also known as Airtel Mobile Commerce Ltd.
“This launch reinforces Airtel Money’s position as Malawi’s leading digital payments platform, with the 2023 MACRA ICT survey revealing that 8 out of 10 Malawians use Airtel Money — a testament to the trust and reliability that customers have in the platform.”
Additionally, says Airtel Money Malawi, the company has introduced Cente e-Value, “a service tailored to empower Airtel Money agents with seamless float management [and that] through this innovation, agents can now top up their agent wallets by transferring funds from their Centenary Bank account — directly via phone or by visiting a branch”.
“This breakthrough reduces cash-handling risks, eliminates inefficiencies, and ensures agents can serve customers reliably, even in hard-to-reach areas.”
Thokozani Kamkondo Sande
The statement quotes Airtel Money Malawi Managing Director, Thokozani Kamkondo-Sande, emphasising how Cente Fees and Cente e-Value mark a new chapter in digital financial services: “At Airtel Money Malawi, we are committed to driving financial inclusion and delivering digital solutions that transform lives.
“Cente Fees is a revolutionary leap, allowing families to pay school fees with ease, directly from their phones — without travel, queues, or delays. We are proud to lead with innovation, and our partnership with Centenary Bank demonstrates what’s possible when institutions come together with a shared vision.”
Kamkondo-Sande also highlighted Airtel Money’s latest achievement, indicating that on June 6, 2025, the company was honoured with the Best e-Commerce Platform of the Year award at the 2025 Information & Communication Technology Association of Malawi (ICTAM) Corporate Awards.
She emphasised that “this recognition reflects the trust Malawians place in the platform and reaffirmed Airtel Money’s commitment to continuous innovation, growth, and customer-centric solutions”.
Echoing this sentiment, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso praised the partnership and reinforced the bank’s vision for financial inclusion and provision of convenient financial solutions.
“Centenary Bank is committed to delivering banking solutions that empower communities and businesses alike,” he said. “The launch of Cente Fees is a significant milestone — it enables parents to pay school fees securely and conveniently through Airtel Money, removing barriers to education.
“Additionally, Cente e-Value ensures Airtel Money agents can efficiently manage their float, strengthening digital financial services nationwide.”
Byekwaso added that the partnership with Airtel Money “is founded on innovation, and we will continue to seize opportunities that expand financial inclusion in Malawi”.
Centenary Bank has an extensive network, operating with 16 branches, over 350 Banki Pakwathu Agents and 2 Microfinance outlets to complement this innovative partnership with Airtel Money Malawi.
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To access the Cente Fees, parents & guardians are encouraged to simply Dial 211, Select 8: School fees payments, and follow the prompts while agents should simply dial 632, Select 3: Pay bill, then Select 6: Airtel Money agent deposit, and follow the prompts.
Headquartered in Lilongwe, Airtel Money Malawi (also known as Airtel Mobile Commerce Ltd) maintains that it is dedicated to making financial services more accessible, convenient, and secure for millions of Malawians.
“With the widest agent and branches distribution, Airtel Money empowers communities by providing reliable, seamless, and inclusive mobile money solutions.
“Today, 84.9% (2023 MACRA ICT Survey) of Malawians trust Airtel Money to send, receive, and manage their finances effortlessly, enabling them to focus on what truly matters—their families, businesses, and aspirations.”
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Centenary Bank Limited is owned by Centenary Rural Development Group and the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe. Centenary Rural Development Group is a limited company and the group holding company of Centenary Bank Limited in Malawi, Centenary Bank in Uganda, Centenary Foundation and Centenary Technologies.
The bank operates with 16 branches, 3 forex bureaus, 2 microfinance outlets and over 350 Agency Banking touch points — and offers services such as banking and investment products, digital banking products, microfinance, and credit.
The bank says it aims to transform lives through inclusive, convenient, simplified and sustainable financial solutions.
