Dr Thomson Mpinganjira and FDH Bank Pledge MK360 Million in Support of Malawi Netball

November 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Malawian netball, with FDH Bank unveiling plans to invest MK360 million in the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) as part of a three-year sponsorship deal.

As part of the scheme, the Malawian financial institution pledged MK45 million in funding for a national netball cup, as well as providing MK15 million in financing for NAM administration, and sponsoring the Malawi Queens national netball team for MK300 million.

Speaking at the Amaryllis Hotel during the unveiling ceremony, FDH Bank Acting Managing Director William Mpinganjira explained that the bank had decided to finance netball in recognition of the Queens’ massive potential. 

William Mpinganjira said that FDH Bank had observed that, despite being the pride of Malawi, netball lacked necessary resources, structures, and support. Reminding the audience that the Queen’s national team was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Australian Fast 5 International Series in 2016, as well as beating New Zealand – the world’s number two team – at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, Mr. Mpinganjira indicated that FDH Bank was pleased to unveil the three-year sponsorship, supporting the Queens and helping the squad to remain competitive.

The allocation to NAM administration will enable the association to become a more structured and vibrant institution, with plans already underway to recruit finance and marketing resources to drive growth in the sport throughout Malawi.

Confirming that FDH Bank was honored to partner with NAM, Mr. Mpinganjira took the opportunity to commend the government for its continued support of netball in Malawi. He also praised NAM President Khungekile Matiya for her work, resiliently supporting the Queens. In return, Ms. Matiya thanked FDH Bank for its gesture, explaining that it would help the Queens reach the top spot in Africa, enabling the team to break into the top four ranks worldwide. Caroline Ngwira, Queens Captain, also thanked FDH Bank, promising positive results.

Until the deal with FDH Bank, the Queens Malawian national netball team had lacked official sponsorship since the expiry of Airtel Malawi’s MK360 million sponsorship deal. In late 2016, NAM announced a record-breaking five-year sponsorship deal with the UK-based Rach Family Trust, purportedly worth in the region of MK600 million, though negotiations failed to reach fruition.

FDH Bank, a subsidiary of FDH Financial Holdings, is a leading Malawian bank. Founded in 2008 by Malawian business mogul, Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira, FDH Bank’s parent company employs more than 800 people in Malawi today. A seasoned banker himself, Thomson Mpinganjira’s son, William Mpinganjira, was appointed group CEO in September 2020, continuing his father’s vision and legacy.

Implementing robust corporate social responsibility policies, FDH Bank invests in local communities through a variety of initiatives, providing vital funding to various causes including scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds and financing refurbishment and ongoing support of hospital wards. As well as supporting Malawian netball, FDH Bank has also invested heavily in the Football Association of Malawi and the Flames football team, as well as sponsoring flood relief efforts and funding the building of a home for Dowa domestic abuse survivor Marietta Samuel.