NBM Plc, Press Trust empower rural Malawi with solar-powered health, education facilities
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and Press Trust have intensified their drive to uplift rural communities through clean energy, handing over solar-powered installations at two vital institutions in Mangochi and Balaka districts this week.
On Tuesday, the two institutions commissioned a solar-powered electricity and water pumping system at Nankumba Health Centre in Mangochi, bringing much-needed relief to a facility that has long struggled with power and water shortages. The system will power lighting, refrigeration, and essential medical equipment while ensuring access to clean water for patients and staff.
NBM plc Chief Operating Officer, Masauko Katsala, said the Bank was proud to play a role in transforming healthcare delivery in the area.
“This solar-powered system has alleviated numerous problems. Seeing the joy on the faces of the people here, we are happy that we undertook this project,” said Katsala, emphasising the Bank’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development grounded in strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values.
Moses Maliro, Trustee of Press Trust, explained that Nankumba was chosen due to persistent disruptions in healthcare service delivery caused by water and power shortages.
“A health facility without reliable water and energy compromises patient dignity and safety. That is why we prioritised this centre,” he said.
Henry Chibowa Junior, Director of Health and Social Services at Mangochi District Council, thanked NBM and Press Trust, noting that Malawi’s health sector continues to fall short of World Health Organisation spending targets. He described the partnership as a critical step in bridging service delivery gaps.
For community members like Hawa John, the impact is already being felt. “Before this project, we had to fetch water from home to the clinic just to get medicine. It was very tough. This development has brought significant relief to many of us,” she said.
The project, valued at K17.5 million, is one of several under a broader K280 million Clean Energy Initiative jointly funded by NBM plc and Press Trust, targeting seven rural health and education facilities across Malawi.
Just a day later, on Wednesday, the two institutions extended their campaign to Njerenje Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Balaka, where they unveiled a solar-powered electricity system benefitting over 1,300 students.
At the handover ceremony, Katsala underscored the importance of investing in rural youth. “By installing this solar-powered electricity system, we are not just lighting up classrooms—we are lighting up futures. Reaching such remote areas aligns perfectly with our values.”
Maliro highlighted that the investment would allow students to study for longer hours and help schools function more efficiently.
For students like Emmanuel Victor, the school’s Head Boy, the impact is immediate. “In the past, it was very difficult to study at night. This development will help us improve our grades,” said Victor.
Headteacher James Nakhamu expressed appreciation for the installation, noting that it would ease administrative burdens such as printing exam papers, while Edna Manyungwa, Acting Manager of the South East Education Division, commended the school’s new prep period from 6 to 8 p.m. and the acquisition of teaching equipment made possible by the electricity.
These solar system installations are part of a broader K140 million Clean Energy Initiative rolled out by NBM plc and Press Trust in seven rural health and education facilities across Malawi.
