* The celebratory theme; ‘Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development’ highlights the important role culture plays in shaping strong and resilient communities
* Preserving traditions, values and cultural practices are an important part of our identity
* To ensure that the knowledge and values passed from one generation to another continue to have relevance in the future
By Duncan Mlanjira
The NBS Bank has invested K200 million towards the much-anticipated annual Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival scheduled for October 16-18 at the traditional venue, Chonde Heritage Centre in Mulanje.
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Presenting the sponsorship today in Lilongwe, NBS Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Shadrick Chikusilo took cognizance of the Festival’s 2026 celebratory theme; ‘Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development’, saying it “highlights the important role culture plays in shaping strong and resilient communities”.
“Our traditions, values and cultural practices are an important part of our identity,” said Chikusilo. “Preserving them ensures that the knowledge and values passed from one generation to another continue to have relevance in the future.
“It is in this spirit that NBS Bank is pleased to once again support Mulhako wa Alhomwe. This year marks the third consecutive year of our partnership, reflecting our continued commitment to initiatives that bring communities together and contribute to Malawi’s social and cultural development.”
He highlighted that NBS Bank believes that its responsibility goes beyond providing financial services: “As a caring institution, we are committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful value for the communities we serve.
“We also recognise that cultural platforms such as Mulhako wa Alhomwe provide opportunities to promote community participation, preserve traditional knowledge and create space for local enterprise, arts, tourism and other creative activities.
“Our partnership over the past three years is, therefore, built on more than financial support — it represents our shared commitment to strengthening communities and supporting initiatives that have lasting value.
“This is aligned with our commitment to ‘We Care A Little More’,” he said, while applauding Mulhako wa Alhomwe leadership, traditional leaders “and all those who continue to champion the preservation and promotion of Lhomwe culture”.
“As NBS Bank and the NICO Group, we are proud to stand with you once again and to play our part in supporting this important initiative.
“We look forward to the successful implementation of this year’s activities and to many more years of partnership. May this year’s gathering continue to strengthen communities, celebrate identity and contribute to a sustainable future,” Chikusilo said.
In her vote of thanks, organising committee chairperson, Eunice Napolo expressed the cultural heritage’s profound appreciation to NBS Bank for what he described as a “significant gesture and, importantly, for the confidence that it represents”.
“This is not the first time NBS Bank has stood with Mulhako wa Alhomwe. You were our Platinum Sponsor last year, and you have chosen to renew that partnership this year.
“That continuity is significant. It tells us that you are not simply supporting an event — you are investing in a relationship and in something that has enduring value to our society.”
She maintained that culture “is sometimes viewed simply as music, dance, food and celebration — but culture is much deeper than that”.
“Culture is identity. It is our collective memory; it is the values we transmit from one generation to another; it gives communities a sense of belonging and provides a foundation upon which social cohesion can be built.
“For that reason, the work of Mulhako wa Alhomwe extends beyond organising an annual festival. We have a responsibility to preserve our heritage while ensuring that it remains relevant to the younger generation and to the Malawi of today and tomorrow.
“And this is where partnerships with institutions such as NBS Bank become particularly important. As a financial institution, NBS Bank understands perhaps better than most, that meaningful development requires investment.
“What you are investing in today is not merely an event; you are investing in people, identity, community and the preservation of heritage..
Napolo highlighted that the K200 million contribution will “significantly support the successful delivery of this year’s festival — but beyond the financial value of the contribution, we appreciate the message behind it: that the private sector has a meaningful role to play in supporting cultural institutions and community initiatives.
“We do not take your support for granted. We value the relationship we have built, and we look forward to deepening this partnership in the years ahead.
“Thank you for believing in our culture; for believing in our people, and for walking this journey with us,” she emphasised.
The proceeds from the Festival will also go towards the cultural heritage’s various community development programmes such as education for vulnerable children and welfare programmes for the elderly.
The annual Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival at Chonde Culture Heritage Centre is a boisterous moment that celebrates the Lhomwe tribe’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The event, that attracts thousands of people across the country — which include representatives from various cultural heritages in Malawi and neighbouring countries — also celebrates the Lhomwe history through celebration of rituals, customs, traditional dances, songs and folklore.
It also includes art exhibitions that showcases cultural dressing, pottery, craftsmanship, warfare, traditional cuisine and medicine.
To enhance its growing, the Heritage, launched its website, https://alhomwe.mw/ in July, to connect Lhomwe people worldwide and preserve the tribe’s history for future generations.
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