“The Power of Exchange: How to Give Value and Gain Influence”
Mangochi, Malawi | 21–23 May 2026
For three inspiring days along the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi, women from across the country came together at Sunbird Nkopola for the 2026 Professional Women’s Conference hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM), through the Forum of Women Accountants in Malawi (FAWOMA).
Held under the theme “The Power of Exchange: How to Give Value and Gain Influence,” this year’s conference created a vibrant space for learning, connection, reflection and empowerment—bringing together professional women, leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors and changemakers from diverse sectors.
More than just a conference, it was a gathering of purpose, experience and shared ambition.
Opening Ceremony of PWC 2026 at Sunbird Nkopola.
A WARM WELCOME TO CONNECT, LEARN AND GROW
The conference officially opened on the evening of 21 May 2026, with delegates arriving at Sunbird Nkopola to an atmosphere filled with excitement, warmth and anticipation.
Welcoming participants, ICAM Director of Technical Services and Membership, CA. Charles Chimpeni, described the Professional Women’s Conference as one of ICAM’s most impactful platforms, one that continues to create meaningful opportunities for women to learn from one another, build lasting networks and inspire personal and professional growth.
He applauded the growing participation from women across different professions and acknowledged the continued support that has made the conference a valuable and respected space over the years.
His message set the tone for the days ahead: one of openness, collaboration and shared learning.
INVESTING IN WOMEN IS INVESTING IN STRONGER INSTITUTIONS
Speaking during the official opening, ICAM Vice President CA. MacDonald Kamoto reaffirmed ICAM’s commitment to supporting women’s advancement in the profession and beyond.
He reminded delegates that when women thrive professionally, everyone benefits.
Institutions become stronger. Communities become more resilient. Workplaces become more inclusive. Economies become more sustainable.
Reflecting on the conference theme, he encouraged participants to think about the value they bring into every space, through their expertise, ideas, mentorship, relationships and leadership—and how that value shapes their influence.
“The most respected professionals are not necessarily those who speak the loudest, but those whose work consistently creates impact.” — CA. MacDonald Kamoto
His remarks resonated strongly with delegates as a reminder that true influence is built through credibility, authenticity and consistent contribution.
ICAM Vice President CA. MacDonald Kamoto addressing the PWC 2026 delegates
“INFLUENCE FOLLOWS VALUE” – A KEYNOTE THAT DEEPLY RESONATED
The official opening was led by Prof. Dorothy Nampota, Executive Director of the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB), who served as Guest of Honour.
Her keynote address was one of the defining moments of the conference.
Prof. Nampota described the conference theme as timely and deeply relevant, particularly for women navigating leadership and professional spaces in a changing world.
She challenged participants to rethink the meaning of exchange, not simply as giving and receiving in transactional terms, but as something rooted in contribution, service, trust, relationships and impact.
Her message was clear and powerful: “Influence follows value.”
She reminded delegates that professional influence is earned when people trust your competence, respect your integrity and experience the value you consistently bring.
Drawing from her leadership journey, she shared reflections on transformation, accountability, public trust and resilience, encouraging women to continue investing in learning, mentoring others and leading courageously.
She also challenged women to keep creating opportunities for others and to continue shaping Malawi’s future through ethical and transformational leadership.
Prof. Dorothy Nampota delivering a keynote address at the PWC 2026
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
FAWOMA President CA. Akonda Supuni Yakobe also welcomed participants and reflected on the importance of women intentionally creating spaces to learn from one another.
Her remarks celebrated the power of women coming together, not only as professionals, but as a community willing to support, encourage and uplift one another.
She encouraged delegates to continue investing in themselves while also creating room for others to rise alongside them.
Her message reinforced one of the strongest takeaways of the conference: growth becomes even more powerful when shared.
POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS AND TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING
The conference programme featured dynamic presentations and discussions centred on leadership, influence, personal development, mental wellness and professional growth.
One of the standout sessions was delivered by Coach Tamala, whose presentation titled “Own Your Value, Expand Your Influence: The Self-Leadership Advantage” sparked deep reflection among participants.
Her session challenged women to think about how they show up in their workplaces and communities, and how clearly they communicate their value.
She spoke about confidence, credibility, visibility, authenticity and intentional leadership—encouraging women not only to do excellent work, but to own that excellence with confidence.
Her message particularly resonated with delegates:
“Owning your value is a decision. Influence is not something you wait for—it’s something you build, one interaction at a time.”
The session inspired honest reflection and practical action.
PRIORITISING MENTAL WELLNESS AS PART OF LEADERSHIP
Another impactful session focused on mental health, workplace wellbeing and resilience, creating an open and thoughtful conversation around stress, burnout and emotional wellbeing.
Participants reflected on the pressures that often come with professional responsibilities and leadership, while exploring practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining wellness and creating healthier workplace cultures.
The session served as an important reminder that leadership and professional success cannot be separated from mental wellbeing.
It also created one of the most honest and meaningful conversations of the conference.
Fatima Zulu: making her presentation on mental wellness
THE POWER OF CONNECTION BEYOND THE SESSIONS
While the presentations were powerful, many participants also described the moments between sessions as equally meaningful.
Over boat ride, tea breaks, meals, lakeside conversations and networking sessions, women connected across professions, industries and experiences.
Ideas were exchanged. Friendships were formed. Encouragement was shared. Mentorship connections began.
Those conversations brought the conference theme to life in the most practical way.
This was the power of exchange in action.
Dinner & Dance at PWC 2026 on Day 2
CARRYING THE LESSONS BEYOND MANGOCHI
As the conference came to a close, CA. Charles Chimpeni delivered closing remarks, thanking the Guest of Honour, presenters, delegates, FAWOMA leadership, ICAM Council, sponsors and the organising team for contributing to a successful event.
Reflecting on the energy and depth of the discussions over the three days, he encouraged participants not to leave the lessons behind in Mangochi.
Instead, he challenged them to carry those lessons back into their workplaces, businesses, institutions and communities.
To continue: giving value intentionally, building influence authentically, supporting one another, prioritising growth, and leading with excellence.
He reminded delegates that the true success of the conference would be measured not only by attendance but also by the impact participants create afterwards.
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2026 Professional Women’s Conference once again reaffirmed ICAM’s commitment to creating spaces that empower women through leadership development, learning, mentorship and professional connection.
As delegates departed Sunbird Nkopola, they left with more than conference materials and photographs.
They left with renewed confidence, fresh perspectives, stronger professional networks, meaningful friendships, and deeper inspiration to lead boldly and create value wherever they serve.
The conference was a powerful reminder that when women exchange ideas, value, knowledge and opportunity, influence grows.
And when influence grows, institutions become stronger, communities become better, and nations move forward.
Group photo at the PWC 2026