LILONGWE, Malawi — The Archdiocese of Lilongwe has raised more than MK302 million toward its newly established Tiyende Limodzi Endowment Fund, writes Steria Manda.
The amount, raised by July 29, exceeds the initial launch target of MK200 million and represents the first phase of an ambitious MK10 billion first-year fundraising target designed to establish sustainable financing for the Catholic Church’s long-term programmes.
The Endowment Fund Board of Trustees disclosed the progress in a statement released Wednesday and signed by its chairperson, Phillip Madinga, who is also Standard Bank chief executive officer.
The fund was launched July 25, 2026, during a ceremony in Lilongwe attended by thousands of Catholic faithful, government officials, diplomats, development partners, business leaders, philanthropists and other well-wishers.
The initiative seeks to establish a permanent financial foundation for the Archdiocese’s programmes in education, health care, evangelisation, youth empowerment, social services and community development.
Speaking during the launch, William Mwanza, chairperson of the Endowment Fund Launch Steering Committee, said the initiative was more than conventional fundraising and was intended to secure the Church’s financial sustainability for future generations.
Mwanza said the Catholic Church has contributed to Malawi’s development for more than a century through education, health care, humanitarian assistance and community development, but maintaining those services requires sustainable financing.
He called for partnerships among government, the private sector, development partners, faith communities and citizens to help build the fund.
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Vincent Mwakhwawa, who spoke on behalf of Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, described the initiative as a turning point in the Church’s efforts to develop innovative and sustainable sources of financing.
Mwakhwawa said the fund followed consultations with parishioners, who recognised the need for sustainable financing to enable the Church to continue and expand its mission.
He described the initiative as an investment in hope, human dignity and future generations.
The government has also endorsed the initiative, with Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha describing the endowment as a model of partnership, solidarity and collective responsibility that aligns with Malawi’s development aspirations.
Mwanamvekha said the fund represents a shift toward sustainable financing and greater institutional independence, adding that its approach is consistent with Malawi 2063’s aspiration of building an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.
Among the notable contributors are President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who donated MK25 million; Mwanamvekha, MK15 million; PBM Construction, MK25 million; Centenary Bank, MK15 million; and the Endowment Fund’s Board of Trustees, MK18 million.
The funds have been raised through donations, sponsorships, ticket sales and pledges from parishioners, individuals, corporations, government leaders and other partners.
The Archdiocese says the fund will be professionally managed and invested, with returns expected to support its pastoral and social programmes for generations.
The next phase will focus on collecting outstanding pledges, strengthening governance structures, recruiting professional fund managers and expanding fundraising campaigns locally and internationally.
Madinga said the Board of Trustees would prioritise transparency, accountability and strong governance as the initiative moves toward its MK10 billion target.
He said the success of the fund would depend not only on contributions but also on sound stewardship and responsible management of the resources entrusted to the initiative.
The Archdiocese has called on Malawians, friends of the Church and development partners in Malawi and abroad to support the initiative.
The fundraising campaign is being conducted under the theme, “Together Building Church and Country.”
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.