NICO Group has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cultural festivals in Malawi, saying preserving the country’s cultural heritage can create economic opportunities and help communities pass their traditions on to future generations.
Speaking at this year’s Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde in Mulanje, NICO Group representative Alfred Nhlema said the group would continue supporting cultural celebrations across the country.
“Through One NICO Xpression, our commitment extends beyond Mulhako wa Alhomwe. We proudly support cultural celebrations including Umthetho, Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni, Chiwanja Cha A Yao and Gonapamuhanya,” said Nhlema.
He said the group regarded Malawi’s cultural diversity as an important national asset that deserved recognition and protection.
“Because we believe that Malawi’s diversity is not a weakness to be managed. It is a national treasure to be celebrated,” he said.
Nhlema was representing One NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank Plc and Eris Properties, at the festival, held under the theme “Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development”.
He said cultural heritage should not only be celebrated during annual festivals but should also contribute to the country’s economic development.
“When we transform these cultural assets into economic opportunity, we turn yesterday’s wisdom into tomorrow’s prosperity,” said Nhlema.
He cited traditional craftsmanship, food, music, dance and storytelling as some of the areas that could create jobs and business opportunities if properly developed.
“Imagine a Malawi where traditional craftsmanship becomes a thriving industry. Where cultural festivals attract visitors from across Africa and beyond. Where our traditional foods become celebrated brands,” he said.
Nhlema also stressed the importance of protecting the environment, saying cultural preservation would mean little if natural resources were destroyed at the expense of future generations.
“When we destroy our forests, we diminish our inheritance. When we degrade our land, we compromise our children’s prosperity,” he said.
He said NICO Group believed businesses had a responsibility beyond making profits and should also contribute to preserving values and strengthening communities.
“At One NICO Group, we believe that institutions must stand for something greater than their balance sheets. Business must create value. But great business must also preserve values,” said Nhlema.
He explained that NBS Bank helps businesses grow, finances ambitions and creates economic opportunities, while Eris Properties invests in spaces and infrastructure that support communities and economic activity.
Nhlema said the group was proud to support Mulhako wa Alhomwe, not simply as a sponsor but as a partner in preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage.
This year, NICO Group contributed K200 million in cash and more than K50 million in kind towards the festival, bringing its total contribution to over K250 million.
He said the significance of the contribution went beyond financial support, pointing to its role in preserving traditions and creating opportunities for local businesses.
“The significance of this contribution is not in the amount we give. It is in the heritage we help preserve,” he said.
Nhlema added that the festival also offered business opportunities to entrepreneurs whose businesses could benefit from the thousands of people attending the annual gathering.
He further called on Malawians to respect their different cultural backgrounds while remaining united as a nation.
“We do not need to become the same to become one. Indeed, the beauty of Malawi lies in our ability to remain proudly different, yet powerfully united,” he said.
Nhlema urged leaders to protect the land, languages and traditions that define their communities, saying the current generation had a responsibility to preserve them for the future.
“Let this festival be more than a celebration of what our ancestors achieved. Let it be a declaration of what our generation intends to achieve,” he said.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe is an annual cultural festival held at Chonde in Mulanje, bringing together the Lhomwe community to celebrate its heritage, language, traditions and identity.
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