FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lilongwe, Malawi | August 2026

The Archdiocese of Lilongwe is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund, a landmark initiative designed to create a permanent and sustainable financial foundation for the Church’s pastoral, educational, health, social and community development ministries under the theme “Together Building Church and Country.”

The launch, held on 25 July 2026, 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.

A Historic Day of Faith, Unity and Generosity

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.

A total of approximately MK43 million in donations and pledges was mobilised through parish presentations during the Mass.

The Board of Trustees of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund was also officially commissioned, marking the formal commencement of the Fund’s governance structures and public identity. Mr. Phillip Madinga, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank plc, and Ms. Beatrix Mosiwa, Acting Managing Director of Centenary Bank were appointed Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively.

The launch visual identity was unveiled in a colourful ceremony.

A Signature Legacy Gala Dinner

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.

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.

With over 350 distinguished guests in attendance, the Gala featured inspiring speeches, recognition of supporters, fundraising pledges, networking opportunities, exquisite cuisine and outstanding entertainment.

Guests were treated to soulful music over dinner by Maggie Kadrum and the Kheydeez Band, moving performances by the Chancellor College Catholic Alumni Choir, whose renditions inspired generosity and reflection, while the celebrated comedy duo Chindime and Phungwaku brought humour and energy to the evening. Live music and artistic performances further added to the atmosphere of celebration, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

The Fund’s visual identity was unveiled in a colourful ceremony.

Voices from the Launch

The launch was marked by powerful messages that underscored the Fund’s vision of sustainability, stewardship, partnership and national development.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. William Mwanza, Chairperson of the Endowment Fund Launch Steering Committee, described the evening as the beginning of a lasting tradition that would bring together the Church, Government, business leaders, development partners and people of goodwill to build a permanent legacy for future generations.

He emphasized 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.

Mr. Mwanza noted that the Catholic Church has been a cornerstone of Malawi’s development for more than a century through its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian support, community development and spiritual formation. He stressed that sustaining this mission requires sustainable financing.

Among the notable messages from his speech were:

“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.”

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

He emphasized 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.

Key messages from Bishop Mwakhwawa

“Today is momentous because it represents a turning point in our quest and mission to transform people’s lives.”

“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 described the Fund as:

“An investment in hope. An investment in human dignity. An investment in future generations.”

Calling upon all stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative, His Lordship challenged Malawians and friends of the Church to help achieve the Fund’s first-year target of MK10 billion, noting 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

Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Mwanamvekha 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 emphasized 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.

Among the key messages from his speech were:

“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 Malawi 2063.

“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 Malawi 2063 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.”

Board of Trustees Pledges Strong Governance and Accountability

Accepting his appointment as inaugural Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Phillip Madinga, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank plc, described the launch as a historic milestone and pledged that the Board would uphold the highest standards of governance, stewardship, transparency and accountability.

Mr. 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.

Among the most notable remarks from his acceptance speech were:

“The launch of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund marks a historic milestone in the life of the Archdiocese.”

“The Board fully appreciates that we have been entrusted with something far greater than financial assets.”

Emphasizing the responsibilities of the Trustees, Mr. 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, he 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, Mr. 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 concluding his remarks, Mr. Madinga reaffirmed the Board’s vision for the Fund:

“May the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund become a lasting instrument of hope, opportunity and transformation.”

Five Defining Messages from the Launch

Media may wish to highlight five dominant themes that emerged consistently across all speeches:

1. Sustainable development requires sustainable financing.
2. The Fund is an investment in future generations and long-term national development.
3. Partnership between the Church, Government, business and development partners is essential for lasting impact.
4. Strong governance, transparency and accountability will underpin the Fund’s growth.
5. The launch marks the beginning of a journey toward the Year One target of MK10 billion and a permanent legacy for Church and Country.

Wide National and International Support

The launch drew support from senior Government leaders, international development partners representatives, diplomatic missions and the private sector.

Among notable supporters were:

• His Excellency President Arthur Peter Mutharika — MK25 million.
• Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization — MK15 million.
• Hon. Feston Kaupa, MP, Minister of Defence — MK5 million.
• Hon. Peter Mukhito, Minister of Homeland Security — MK5 million.
• Hon. Shadreck Namalomba, MP, Minister of Information — MK5 million.
• Hon. Jappie Mhango, MP, Minister of Transport — MK5 million.
• Hon. Bright Msaka, SC, Minister of Education, Science and Technology — MK2.5 million.
• Mr. William Mpinganjira — MK10 million.
• Mr. Henry Mukhuna — MK5 million.
• Board of Trustees of Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund — MK18 million.
• Chanco Catholic Alumni Choir — MK5 million.
• Various Individual Seed Sponsors — contributions 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.
• 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.

MK302 Million Raised and Momentum Building

As of 29 July 2026, the launch had raised MK302 million through donations, sponsorships, ticket sales and pledges, significantly surpassing the launch target of MK200 million.

The funds were mobilised from parishioners, individuals, corporations, Government leaders and partners who embraced the Fund’s vision.

The Archdiocese has now embarked on the next phase of resource mobilisation, with an ambitious Year One target of MK10 billion in endowment capital.

This target will be pursued through:

• Parish campaigns
• Corporate partnerships
• High-net-worth donor engagement
• Diaspora fundraising
• Digital giving platforms
• Strategic partnerships with friends of the Church both locally and internationally

Looking Ahead

The Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund has been established as a permanent, professionally managed investment vehicle that will generate sustainable returns to support evangelisation, education, healthcare, charity, youth development and social services for generations to come.

Key priorities over the coming months include:

• Securing and collecting outstanding pledges.
• Operationalising all governance structures.
• Recruiting professional management for the Fund.
• Launching national and international fundraising campaigns.
• Rolling out digital fundraising and donor engagement platforms.
• Strengthening parish and community mobilisation.
• Building strategic partnerships with Government, business and development partners.
• Institutionalising the Legacy Gala Dinner as an annual flagship fundraising and networking event.

A Call to Build a Lasting Legacy

The Archdiocese of Lilongwe extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors, parishioners, clergy, religious, Government leaders, development partners, corporate organisations, media houses and people of goodwill who contributed to the success of this historic launch.

The overwhelming support witnessed at both the launch Mass and the Legacy Gala Dinner sends a powerful message: when people come together with a shared vision, they can build a future that will benefit generations yet to come.

The journey to MK10 billion has begun. The Archdiocese invites all Malawians, friends of the Church and development partners around the world to join this movement and help create a lasting legacy for the Church and the nation.

Together Building Church and Country.

Signed:
Mr. Phillip Madinga
Chairperson
Board of Trustees of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund

For media enquiries:
Fr. John Kaliwamba
Secretary
Board of Trustees of the Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund

Email: legaloffice@lilongwearchdiocese.org
Mobile: +265 991 517 117

ENDS.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has called on communities to strengthen self-reliance and take greater responsibility for their development amid changing trends in international donor support.

Director of Social Services for the Archdiocese, Brian Odiambo, made the call at Msamba Conference Centre in Lilongwe during the opening of a week-long training on local fundraising for Wilde Ganzen Foundation partners.

The training has brought together participants from various parts of the country and Mozambique, alongside facilitators from change the Game Academy, Tanzania, to share experiences and best practices.

Odiambo said under the Eco-Star School project implemented by the Archdiocesan Education Commission, the archdiocese has been promoting environmental protection in selected schools, with learners, parents and traditional leaders actively participating in initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.

He said the success of the project in the archdiocese will provide an opportunity for participants of the training to learn from one another through what he described as peer sharing, particularly as communities across the region face similar development challenges.

“We are going to share our skills, best practices and ideas so that the outcome of the meeting can be extended to places where these good practices are not already being implemented,” Odiambo said.

He said the archdiocese’s approach to promoting self-reliance, which involves Christians working through Small Christian Communities, parishes and the wider Archdiocese, can be adapted by other community structures to promote environmental protection and sustainable development.

Odiambo urged communities to take a leading role in identifying and using locally available resources to sustain development initiatives.

He observed that changes in the donor community and international development assistance make it increasingly important for communities to prepare themselves to continue implementing their development priorities even when external funding is disrupted.

“If external assistance comes, it should still find that the communities are ready, they have their priorities set, and they have a method of how they want to develop themselves,” he said.

He encouraged participants to make good use of the gathering by acquiring new skills and sharing their own experiences to strengthen communities in a reliable and sustainable manner.

Odiambo also expressed gratitude to Wilde Ganzen Foundation for supporting the initiative and providing resources that have enabled participants to come together and share experiences.

In her remarks Edna Chilimo, a Local Fundraising (LFR) trainer and consultant from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who is facilitating the training, said the training, being conducted together with her colleague Elias, is aimed at equipping CSOs with skills to mobilise resources within their communities and reduce their dependence on traditional international donors.

Chilimo said the decline in donor funding is a global challenge affecting civil society organisations, making local resource mobilization more important for sustaining development initiatives.

“The purpose of this training is to build the capacity of CSOs so that they will be able to mobilise resources from their communities,” Chilimo said.

She said Tanzania has already recorded positive results from implementing the programme, which has been running since 2018 under the Change the Game initiative.

She said some Tanzanian CSOs have successfully partnered with telecommunications companies such as Airtel, Vodacom and Yas, as well as mining companies, securing both financial and in-kind support.

“They have added more funders, especially from local sources. Some of them have been able to engage the business community and the private sector and have also got support, either in-kind or cash contributions,” she said.

Chilimo encouraged Malawian CSOs to embrace local fundraising, saying the approach is already producing results in Tanzania and other countries where the programme is being implemented.

“We are here to tell our fellow CSOs here in Malawi that it is possible to mobilize resources locally,” Chilimo said.

Margaret Gondwe, who is representing Youth Enterprises at the training, said the organization is looking forward to gain practical knowledge on how to mobilize resources locally and engage potential donors.

“From this training, I am expecting to gain more knowledge and expertise in local fundraising, how best to approach local donors, and also to learn from other organisations who have similar interests as us,” she said.

The training, organised by the Wilde Ganzen Foundation, has brought together CSOs to build their capacity in local resource mobilisation and encourage them to reduce dependence on international donors.

By Lester Mhone

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has called on its departments and social entities to focus more on the impact of their activities rather than simply reporting completed tasks.

Chairperson of the Archdiocese’s Special Planning Taskforce, Jacob Mapemba, made the remarks after a mid-year review meeting held on Monday 10 August 2026 at Msamba Conference Centre in Lilongwe to assess progress made during the first half of the year.

Mapemba said one of the major resolutions from the meeting was the need for departments to move beyond reporting outputs and begin evaluating outcomes.

According to Mapemba, the ultimate goal of pastoral work is the growth of faith and spiritual transformation among the people.

“It is not enough to say we have done this or we have done that; we must ask what positive impact have taken place.”

He added that participants at the meeting also agreed that departments should begin documenting best practices and success stories, including providing photographs and other evidence of activities carried out.

Mapemba further said the meeting emphasized the importance of making planning and review a continuous process within departments.

He noted that departmental heads should hold regular internal review meetings throughout the year instead of waiting until the annual or mid-year review sessions.

“Between January and June, departments should meet regularly to review how they are progressing with their work plans. Planning and review should not be an event; it should become part of the culture of the archdiocese.”

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Fr Frank Phiri, says the Pastoral Department has made remarkable progress during the first half of the year and remains committed to improving its work in the remaining months.

“From our side, we think we have done the best we could, and we believe the results speak for themselves.”

According to Fr Phiri, the Pastoral Department works closely with many other departments within the archdiocese, making collaboration an important part of its ministry.

He attributed the department’s achievements not only to the efforts of its staff but also to God’s guidance throughout the process.

At the meeting, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary of the Archdiocese stressed that bringing all departments together allows members to understand how each office is performing and creates room for better cooperation.

“Close coordination reduces the time and resources spent and increases the impact of our work.”

The mid-year review meeting brought together heads of departments, commissions, and social entities of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe to assess progress made during the first half of 2026 and plan for the remaining months of the year.

Reported by Lester Mhone

Catholic women in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been challenged to take the lead in the mission of the Church, as God has gifted them with compassion, responsibility and the ability to nurture life.

The call has been made by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, Vincent Mwakhwawa, during the official opening of the Archdiocesan Catholic Women Association (CWA) Annual General Meeting at St Peter’s Girls Secondary School in Dowa Deanery.

Bishop Mwakhwawa said women have a unique calling from God, just like Mother Mary, to be a mission of hope.

“A Catholic woman, by her nature, is called by God with a unique calling, just like Mother Mary, to be a mission of hope,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

The Auxiliary Bishop also called on the women to deepen their prayer life and become proclaimers of the Gospel by providing proper formation to children and young people.

“The first mission obligation of a Catholic woman is at home, in the community and in the family. So I call upon CWA to deepen their life of prayer, commit themselves to praying to Jesus Christ and ask Mother Mary to intercede for them, their families and the whole world,” he said.

In her remarks, CWA Chairlady in the Archdiocese, Louisa Kamwaza, thanked Bishop Mwakhwawa for the message and said the meeting would focus on ways of strengthening women, their homes and their spiritual lives.

“Our programme includes almost everything that is needed for women to be strong in faith and also be okay mentally. We will try our best to learn and share with our families so that we can be true leaders,” Kamwaza said.

One of the women attending the AGM, Patricia Banda from Mponera Parish, said she is looking forward to gaining experience and ideas that would help her grow spiritually and learn proper ways of raising her family.

The theme of the 2026 CWA Annual General Meeting is: “A Catholic Woman: A Mission of Hope in Her Family.”

Reported by Tiyamike Paul Chisale

A two-day workshop on Synod and Synodality and Integral Human Development was held from May 27–28, 2026, in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe. The event, organized by the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA-PIHD), provided an opportunity to reflect and discuss how the Catholic Church is living out synodality as one family.

In his address, Bishop Yohane Nyirenda of Mzuzu Diocese, President of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and Research and Communications under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), emphasized the importance of unity among Christians in strengthening the mission of the Church.

“Synodality is very important. Synodality is central to the mission of the Church. Each member must take an active role according to the gifts God has given them, and in so doing, the Church can grow,” Bishop Nyirenda said.

He highlighted the example of the missionaries who established the Catholic Church in Malawi, noting that they embodied synodality in their work.

Bishop Nyirenda also stressed the importance of participating in Small Christian Communities, describing them as the starting point for collective action among Catholics.

Father Dr. Paul Igweta from Kenya, Coordinator of Integral Human Development at AMECEA-PIHD, expressed satisfaction with the workshop. He said the meeting fostered deep reflection and offered hope for the future of the Catholic Church in Malawi, both spiritually and socially.

“We now expect that those who attended this workshop will begin training others on synodality in all parishes across Malawi, so that everyone understands its importance in our Catholic Church,” Father Igweta explained.

Lewis Msiyadungu, National CCJP Coordinator in Malawi, affirmed that the discussions will be put to good use to ensure the Church continues to act in unity.

The workshop addressed key issues including Integral Human Development, Populorum Progressio, Human Dignity, and the Church’s holistic mission.

At its conclusion, participants developed an action plan to strengthen synodality in the Catholic Church in Malawi and how best they can implement the synod.

The two-day gathering brought together representatives from Catholic commissions and Catholic media houses, focusing on practical ways to implement synodality in the country.

By Titus Jata Phiri