Influencing systemic change demands enormous effort and effective socially responsible initiatives. First, companies must deeply understand the various societal problems and be willing to address them. A purpose-driven firm adheres to social responsibility beyond the organisational level.
- Socially responsible initiatives provide mutual benefits to both businesses and their operating communities.
- To effect change externally, companies must look internally and prioritise social responsibility in business operations.
Outstanding socially responsible businesses in Malawi
Companies can empower their workforce by embracing a culture of giving back to society. Also, employees can engage in critical issues of utmost priority which instills a sense of shared purpose.
In this article, we will consider some of the firms that have contributed to improving socially responsible initiatives in Malawi.
1. Total Energies Malawi
Total Energies Malawi believes in sharing its expertise and know-how while listening to stakeholders and being a responsible corporate citizen. Hence, the socially responsible firm empowers society in education, healthcare, road safety, environment, and access to energy.
Total Energies Malawi partnered with the University of Malawi to provide scholarships every year to the Best Students in the faculties of Engineering and Commerce. Also, each year, the energy firm donates road safety equipment to several accident-prone primary schools.
2. First Capital Bank
First Capital Bank prioritises socially responsible programs in the areas of health, education, community development, the environment, the arts, and sports development. As a result, the bank partners with relevant stakeholders in each focus area.
The bank introduced a ‘Go Green’ Campaign three years ago. This tree-planting initiative undertaken in affiliation with WESM (Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi) is a nationwide campaign involving several schools, Bank branches, and agencies. In 2014, with the assistance of six schools, 6,000 trees were planted nationwide.
First Capital Bank also partners with Malawi Blood Transfusion (MBTS) to support blood donation initiatives across the country. With MBTS’s annual target of 80,000 pints of blood a year, First Capital Bank assists the institution in meeting this target. The bank achieves this by sponsoring and hosting blood donation camps in various areas of Malawi. In addition, the bank encourages its staff, students from schools, employees of corporate organisations, and the general public, to donate blood.
3. Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited
Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited seeks to pursue commercial success sustainably whilst respecting the interests of individuals, society, and the natural environment.
Over the years, the firm has impacted 118,542 people with free Financial Education programs across the country. In addition, Old Mutual provided scholarships to 45 students at the SOS vocational training centre. Altogether, over 30 students have been empowered financially to undertake training in entrepreneurship and ICT. Also, the firm has planted 10,000 tree seedlings in the Mzuzu and Lilongwe areas of Malawi.
4. Press Corporation Limited (PCL)
Press Corporation (PCL) stands out as a recognized member of the UN Global Compact Network. Hence, by signing up, the firm is aligned with the Global Compact Principles in terms of its operations.
During the World Aids Day commemoration event, Press Corporation donated various items worth K1 million to support the Bangwe HIV/AIDS Self Initiative (BAHASI). By and large, the initiative prioritises the well-being of people living with HIV as well as orphans and other vulnerable children.
Also, in 2013, PCL donated hospital beds for the maternity wing of Monkey-Bay’s Community Hospital in Mangochi.
5. CDH Investment Bank
CDH Investment Bank provides support to universities, hospitals, and institutions. The bank donated K2 million to the Malawi Orthopaedics Association for the 2023 scientific conference. Also, in 2023, CDH contributed over K1 million towards the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. The support is part of the signed memorandum of understanding between both parties earmarked for the agri-innovation challenge awards in the next three years.
CDH Investment Bank also provides support for children’s health welfare. The bank has donated K7.9 million to Beit Cure International Hospital.
6. The Malawi Regulatory Authority (MACRA)
MACRA is renowned for establishing a Data Centre at Nkhatabay District Council during the World Post Day. Also, the firm furnished the centre with state-of-the-art ICT equipment and furniture. This includes the provision of 11 desktop computers, a binder, a laminator, chairs and office desks, office cubicles, and WLAN internet connectivity.
To ensure effective communication across designated areas, MACRA handed over Twenty-five satellite phones to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA).
7. Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL)
PIL prioritises activities in the educational and health sectors. Hence, the firm is known for its frequent book donations to various secondary schools across the country. Also, PIL donates essential medical equipment to various hospitals and health centres.
PIL’s board of directors commits 10% of its annual income to CSR activities. In addition, the firm partners with the Malawian Union to offer scholarships to some of their students.
PIL recently set aside K50 million for its CSR programs to establish eight Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) and six health facilities across the country. The firm also donated K100 million to the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).
8. Aminola
Aminola supports project in Malawi undertaken by the Stichting Raise. This ensures that the firm donates a financial contribution for every contract signed. These funds help to ensure that Macadamia trees are planted in the country. By and large, the goal of this project is to empower local inhabitants and farmers with a sustainable income through the sales of Macadamia nuts. Likewise, revenues generated from the project are reinvested locally to benefit people living within the region.
Aminola works to supply high-value plant-based ingredients sustainably. The firm’s primary goal is to satisfy the growing worldwide demand for natural, environmentally friendly raw materials.
9. NICO Group
The NICO Group undertakes socially responsible initiatives in the areas of health, sports, education, and other sectors of national importance. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the Group participated in business industry initiatives to fight the spread of the disease.
NICO Group also allied with NBS Bank and NICO Asset Managers to refurbish the Mkungudza Girls Hostel at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The firm’s ultimate goal was to upgrade students’ accommodation to improve education standards in the country.
10. Sunbird Malawi
Sunbird Hotels & Resorts Malawi is renowned for its immense support of displaced children and families who were victims of the devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy.
The hotel donated K15 million worth of food and non-food supplies to the Cyclone Freddy victims. Also, in 2019, Sunbird Hotels and Resorts signed an initiative to support pupils of Koche Primary School in Mangochi. The firm allied with staff, parents, and school administration. Essentially, the initiative seeks to encourage hard work, excellence, and competition among students.
Conclusion
To sum up, socially responsible initiatives provide mutual benefits to both businesses and their operating communities. However, to effect change externally, companies need first to look internally and prioritise social responsibility in business operations.
If you enjoyed reading this article, please share your comments and suggestions with us at the bottom of this post.