Standard Bank marked Africa Day with a week-long celebration of culture, identity and inclusive growth under the theme “We’re in Malawi and Malawi is in us”.
In a statement issued by Standard Bank, the bank said the Africa Week campaign moved beyond a single-day commemoration by bringing Malawi’s story to life through community voices, everyday life, and physical movement.
Central to the campaign was a custom-designed pattern featuring five iconic Malawian symbols: Lake Malawi, chambo fish, canoe, Mulanje Mountain and the Kwacha sunrise.
Lake Malawi represents connection and livelihoods. Chambo reflects family, belonging and shared nourishment, while Mulanje Mountain stands for resilience.
The canoe speaks to collective movement and courage, while the Kwacha sunrise represents hope and new beginnings.
The narrative was amplified through regional radio stations including Radio Lilanguka in Mangochi, Radio Tigabane in Mzuzu, Mulanje FM, and YONECO FM in Zomba, where listeners called in to share what the symbols mean in their communities. The pattern has been woven into a Chitenje fabric design.
The story extends into movement through the Be More Race 2026, scheduled for June 20, 2026 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Runners in the 5km, 10km and 21km categories will wear kits inspired by the same symbolic storytelling.
Tamanda Ng’ombe, Head of Brand and Marketing at Standard Bank Malawi, said Africa Day provides a moment to reflect on identity, but Africa’s story cannot be told in a single day.
“These symbols reflect our homes, our journeys, our resilience, and our shared hopes for the future. Through Africa Week, we wanted to celebrate the stories and spirit that continue to move Malawi forward,” Ng’ombe said.
