NICO paints mixed economic outlook

Malawi has made history, securing its first ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and at the heart of this remarkable achievement is a generation of talent shaped by Ascent Soccer Academy. The Scorchers secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after defeating Ghana 2 to 1 in the quarter finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Among the players who made the historic moment possible was Ascent Soccer Academy graduate Rose Kadzere, who scored Malawi’s second goal to seal the victory and send the Scorchers to the World Cup. Rose’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when young talent is given the right opportunity. She started her football journey at Ascent Soccer Academy, where she developed her talent and gained the platform that helped open the door to professional football in Europe. She later joined French side Montpellier Hérault Sport Club, becoming the first Malawian footballer to move directly to a club in one of Europe’s top five leagues. But Rose is not alone. Ascent Soccer Academy has contributed five players to Malawi’s WAFCON squad: current academy players Maggie Chavula and Leticia Chinyamula, alongside graduates Ireen Khumalo, Faith Chinzimu and Rose Kadzere. Together, these players are showing Malawians what is possible when young talent is identified, nurtured and given the right pathway to grow. Their presence at the WAFCON is giving people across the country a chance to see the impact of Ascent Soccer Academy for themselves. From conversations on social media to discussions among football fans, Malawians are increasingly recognising the fruits of an academy that is helping to shape the future of the national team. As the sponsor of Ascent Soccer Academy, NICO Group believes in the Academy’s vision of transforming Malawian football by developing young talent and creating opportunities for players to compete at the highest level. Today, that vision is bearing fruit. From local football pitches to professional clubs in Europe and now the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the journey of these players is a story of determination, opportunity and belief. It is the story of young Malawians who dared to dream and are now making history. The Scorchers have earned their place on the world stage, and Ascent Soccer Academy has played a significant role in helping them get there. For NICO Group, this is more than sponsorship. It is an investment in young talent, in their dreams and in the future of Malawian football.

NICO Holdings Plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Kwanele Ngwenya as Deputy Group Managing Director of the NICO Group of Companies, with effect from 1 August 2026. This appointment forms part of the Group's long-term executive succession strategy and reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring leadership continuity, strengthening executive capacity, and positioning the Group for sustained long-term growth. As Deputy Group Managing Director, Dr Ngwenya will work closely with the Group Managing Director and the Board of NICO Holdings Plc in providing strategic leadership across the Group. His responsibilities will include supporting the execution of the Group's strategic agenda, driving operational excellence, strengthening collaboration and alignment across subsidiary companies, enhancing enterprise-wide performance, and advancing the Group's commitment to excellence, collaboration, innovation, accountability, integrity and sustainable value creation. Prior to this appointment, Dr Ngwenya served as the Group's Chief Operating Officer, a position he held from 1 April 2025. Before joining the Group's Corporate Office, he served as Chief Executive Officer of NBS Bank Plc, a subsidiary of NICO Holdings Plc, for eight years, during which he led the Bank through a period of significant growth, transformation and improved market performance. Dr Ngwenya holds doctoral and postgraduate qualifications in business and leadership and has extensive experience in corporate strategy, banking, operations, governance and organisational transformation. He is widely respected for his strategic leadership, commercial acumen and commitment to building high-performing organisations. The Board of Directors, management and employees across the NICO Group congratulate Dr Ngwenya on his appointment and express their full confidence in his leadership. They look forward to working with him as the Group continues to strengthen its market leadership and deliver sustainable value to its shareholders, customers, employees, the communities it serves, and other stakeholders. On behalf of the Board Angela Kandani Company Secretary NICO Holdings Plc

NICO Group has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and the preservation of Malawi’s rich cultural heritage through its sponsorship of the 2025 M’Mbelwa Golf Tournament, held in support of the forthcoming Umthetho Cultural Festival. As the Platinum Anchor Sponsor, NICO Group joined traditional leaders, golfers, corporate partners and community stakeholders in a shared effort to raise funds for the Umthetho Cultural Festival, one of Malawi’s most significant cultural events that celebrates the traditions, values and identity of the Ngoni people while promoting national unity and cultural appreciation. Speaking during the tournament’s prize presentation ceremony, His Majesty Inkosi ya Makhosi M’Mbelwa V commended NICO Group for its partnership and support, noting that such collaborations play a critical role in safeguarding and promoting Malawi’s cultural heritage for current and future generations. The Ngoni Paramount Chief further underscored the importance of collective action in driving meaningful impact, applauding NICO Group’s participation as a reflection of the spirit of unity and shared responsibility that underpins both the Umthetho Cultural Festival and the Group’s One NICO philosophy. Representing NICO Group, Alfred Chitulu, Head of Business Development for NICO Technologies, said the sponsorship reflects the Group’s longstanding commitment to remaining close to the communities it serves and investing in initiatives that preserve cultural identity while empowering people. “At NICO, we recognise that strong communities are built on shared values, heritage and meaningful partnerships. Our support for the M’Mbelwa Golf Tournament and the Umthetho Cultural Festival is a reflection of our belief that culture is an important foundation for development and national pride,” said Chitulu. He added that the sponsorship aligns with the Group’s recently launched One NICO Pa Ground initiative, which encourages employees across the Group to actively participate in community-driven projects that create positive and lasting impact. “Where there are people, One NICO is there. Beyond providing financial and insurance solutions, we are committed to supporting the social and cultural fabric of the communities in which we operate. We believe that preserving our heritage today helps build stronger and more connected communities tomorrow,” he said. The M’Mbelwa Golf Tournament brought together golfers and sponsors from across the country in a successful fundraising effort ahead of the Umthetho Cultural Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of participants and visitors celebrating Malawi’s diverse cultural traditions. Through partnerships such as this, NICO Group continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating shared value, strengthening community presence and supporting initiatives that celebrate Malawi’s cultural heritage, foster social cohesion and contribute to sustainable development.