Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund raises over MK302m towards MK10 billion first-year target

*  Designed to create a permanent and sustainable financial foundation for Catholic Church’s pastoral, educational, health, social and community development ministries

* Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga and acting Managing Director of Centenary Bank Beatrix Mosiwa appointed as the endowment fund’s chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund, which the Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Lilongwe launched on July 25, 2026, has already raised over MK302 million against the MK10 billion first-year target.

The landmark initiative — under the theme; ‘Together Building Church and Country’ — is designed to create a permanent and sustainable financial foundation for the Church’s pastoral, educational, health, social and community development ministries.

The launch brought together thousands of faithful, national leaders, diplomats, development partners, philanthropists, business leaders and friends of the Church in what has been widely described as one of the most significant faith-based fundraising and development initiatives in Malawi in recent years.

The Board of Trustees for the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund was also officially commissioned, marking the formal commencement of the Fund’s governance structures and public identity.

Phillip Madinga, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Plc was appointed Board chairperson with acting  Centenary Bank Managing Director Beatrix Mosiwa as the vice-chairperson.

The celebrations commenced with a vibrant inaugural Mass at Maula Cathedral, where parishioners from across the Archdiocese gathered in prayer and thanksgiving.

A defining moment of the Mass was the presentation of parish donations and pledges through dummy cheques — creating an atmosphere of joy, excitement and healthy inspiration as parishes, church groups and alumni associations proudly showcased their commitment to the future of the Church.

The celebrations culminated in the inaugural Legacy Gala Dinner at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), “an elegant and memorable evening that united people from all walks of life in support of a common vision,” says the statement from the Endowment Fund launch steering committee.

The Gala brought together Catholics and non-Catholics, senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, diplomats, development partners, private sector leaders, professionals and philanthropists — “in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility for Malawi’s future”.

The launch steering committee chairperson, William Mwanza, described the evening as the beginning of a lasting tradition that would bring together all people of goodwill to build a permanent legacy for future generations.

He emphasised that the Endowment Fund is not merely a fundraising initiative “but a strategic response to ensure that the Church’s mission continues sustainably for decades to come”.

He took cognizance that the Catholic Church has been a cornerstone of Malawi’s development for more than a century through its contributions to spiritual formation, education, healthcare, humanitarian support and community development.

He stressed that sustaining this mission requires sustainable financing, saying: “A mission that is permanent requires financing that is sustainable.

“This is not simply a fundraising initiative — it is a declaration of faith. It is a declaration of responsibility; and it is a declaration that we must act today if we are to secure tomorrow.

“The spirit of Tiyende Limodzi recognises that no single institution can build the future alone. Success requires partnerships between Government, the private sector, development partners, faith communities and citizens working together towards a common purpose.

“Tonight is not the end of a journey. It is the beginning of one.”

Present on behalf of His Grace Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, His Lordship Bishop Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, described the occasion as both historic and momentous — reflecting the Church’s renewed commitment to developing innovative and sustainable sources of financing for its pastoral and social mission.

The Bishop highlighted that the Catholic Church’s long-standing contribution to Malawi through schools, universities, seminaries, hospitals and social programmes have nurtured generations of leaders, professionals and citizens.

He emphasised that the Church exists not for itself alone but to serve society and promote human dignity and integral human development.

His Lordship further explained that the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund emerged from extensive consultation, prayer and discernment throughout the Archdiocese — with a clear message from parishioners that sustainable financing was needed to sustain and expand the Church’s mission.

“Today is momentous because it represents a turning point in our quest and mission to transform people’s lives,” he said. “The Church steps forward with renewed boldness and conviction, seeking innovative and sustainable ways of financing the mission entrusted to us by God.

“The Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund seeks to create a permanent and sustainable source of financing that will enable the Church to continue serving people, not only today but for generations to come.”

In one of the most memorable moments of the evening, Bishop Mwakhwawa declared:“We refuse to be participants in the manufacturing of poverty.

“We refuse to accept a future where children are denied education. We refuse a future where young people lack opportunities for meaningful work.”

He thus described the Fund as “an investment in hope — an investment in human dignity and in future generations,” he said while calling upon all stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative to achieve the Fund’s first-year target of MK10 billion.

He pledged that the resources mobilised would be professionally invested to generate returns that would support transformative programmes in education, healthcare, evangelisation, youth empowerment and social development for generations to come.

Government endorsement of sustainable financing

The keynote address was presented by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning & Development Joseph Mwanamveka, who described the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund as a visionary initiative that reflects the values of partnership, solidarity and collective responsibility — which are essential for Malawi’s development.

He commended the Archdiocese of Lilongwe for creating a sustainable financing mechanism that supports both the Church’s mission and national development aspirations.

The Minister emphasised the longstanding contribution of the Catholic Church to Malawi through education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and community development — noting that the Fund represents an important shift towards financial independence and long-term sustainability.

“We gathered today not just as individuals, but as stewards of the legacy that will echo through generations.

“Tiyende Limodzi, meaning ‘Let Us Walk Together’, perfectly reflects the spirit of partnership, solidarity, shared responsibility and collective action that is essential for achieving sustainable national development.

“An endowment fund is far more than a financial reserve; it is a lasting promise to future generations.”

Reflecting on Malawi’s development agenda and the need for self-reliance, the Minister highlighted the alignment between the Fund and MW2063 national vision.

“The establishment of this Endowment Fund represents an important shift towards sustainable financing. Rather than relying solely on external assistance or short-term contributions, it creates a permanent financial mechanism capable of supporting future generations.

“This approach aligns well with Malawi’s aspiration under MW2063 of becoming an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.”

The Minister also placed the Fund within the context of Government’s economic recovery and domestic resource mobilisation efforts.

“Initiatives such as the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund are not merely charitable programmes; they are strategic investments that complement Government efforts to mobilise domestic resources, strengthen institutional resilience and promote inclusive development.”

Calling on citizens, businesses and development partners to support the initiative, he concluded: “Every contribution made to this Fund is an investment into the future of Malawi.”

Strong pledge of governance and accountability

Accepting his appointment as inaugural Board chairperson, Madinga described the initiative as a historic milestone and pledged that the Board would uphold the highest standards of governance, stewardship, transparency and accountability.

Madinga noted that the Fund had been created not merely to manage financial resources but to safeguard a vision that would benefit future generations through support to education, healthcare, pastoral ministries, community development and social outreach.

“The launch of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund marks a historic milestone in the life of the Archdiocese,” he emphasised. “The Board fully appreciates that we have been entrusted with something far greater than financial assets.”

Emphasising the responsibilities of the Trustees, Madinga assured stakeholders that governance would remain central to the Fund’s success.

“The success of this Fund will depend not only on the generosity of contributors but also on the quality of governance, stewardship, accountability and transparency exercised by those entrusted with its management.

“We will discharge our duties with integrity, professionalism, prudence and unwavering dedication to the mission of the Fund.”

In a call to action directed at supporters and potential contributors, Madinga stated: “Let us walk together; let us invest not only in a fund, but in hope; let us invest in young people seeking education, in communities seeking opportunity, and in institutions that serve humanity with dignity and compassion.”

Using the symbolic orange trees presented to Trustees during the launch ceremony, Madinga reflected on the long-term nature of stewardship and investing for future generations.

“The seeds we plant today have the potential to bear fruit for decades to come. That, ultimately, is the essence of stewardship: planting seeds whose harvest will bless future generations.”

In conclusion, Madinga reaffirmed the Board’s vision for the Fund: “May the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund become a lasting instrument of hope, opportunity and transformation.”

Among notable supporters towards the MK302 million investment that includedPresident Arthur Peter Mutharika (MK25 million), Minister Mwanamvekha (MK15 million) with MK5 each from Ministers Feston Kaupa (Defence); Peter Mukhito (Homeland Security); Shadric Namalomba (Information); Jappie Mhango (Transport); and MK2.5 million from Bright Msaka (Education, Science & Technology).

Others included FDH Holdings CEO William Mpinganjira (MK10 million); Henry Mukhuna (MK5 million); Board of Trustees of Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund (MK18 million);CHANCO Catholic Alumni Choir (MK5 million); and various individual seed sponsors of MK1 million each.

Corporate supporters included PBM Construction (MK25 million); Centenary Bank (MK15 million); NICO Asset Managers (MK10 million); Lilongwe Water Board (MK5 million) Mthunzi Funeral Services (MK2.5 million); A1 Insurance (MK2 million); Tiwale Limodzi Foundation (MK1.25 million); HTC Suppliers (MK1 million); and Luntha Television (MK500,000).

“The event demonstrated that the vision of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund transcends denominational boundaries and resonates with all who believe in sustainable development, stewardship and long-term investment in Malawi’s people,” says Madinga.