Mangochi, Malawi – From the 21st to the 23rd of August 2025, Sun n’ Sand Hotel hosted Malawi’s premier economic and professional discourse: the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) Annual Lakeshore Conference. Under the powerful and timely theme, “From Awareness to Action: Catalysing Malawi’s Economic Resilience and Sustainable Growth,” the event successfully transformed high-level dialogue into a clarion call for tangible, collective action.
The conference brought together a formidable assembly of chartered accountants, economists, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners, all united by a common purpose: to chart a definitive course from understanding Malawi’s challenges to implementing the solutions that will secure its prosperous future.
The Lakeshore Conference, a flagship ICAM event, continues to serve as a platform where professionals exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and influence national development through thought leadership and actionable strategies.
The conference officially opened on Thursday, 21st August 2025, in a colourful ceremony graced by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Efrem Chilima, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank.
The opening ceremony of the ICAM 2025 Lakeshore Conference
In his seminal address, Mr. Chilima underscored the critical juncture at which Malawi finds itself. “Awareness must ignite urgency, and urgency must lead to action… coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented action,” he stated, echoing the conference theme. He outlined the three pillars of economic resilience: a strong private sector, adaptive institutions, and strategic investment in human capital. He powerfully reminded the professionals in the room that “…accountants are not just bookkeepers; they are custodians of transparency, guardians of financial integrity, and strategic partners in decision-making.”
The evening program featured welcome remarks by ICAM CEO, CA. Noel Zigowa, followed by an inspiring speech from ICAM President, CA. Daniel Jere, and the keynote address by the Guest of Honour.
In his remarks, CA. Noel Zigowa emphasized that the conference was not merely a gathering but a platform for transformation: “The times we live in demand more than awareness… they call for deliberate, united action. The knowledge, strategies, and innovations from this conference will only make a difference if we take them back to our organisations and put them into practice.”
- Daniel Jere, ICAM President, echoed this sentiment, urging professionals to move beyond theory into practical outcomes: “Awareness without action is like a seed never planted… Our responsibility is to translate principles of resilience and sustainable growth into tangible outcomes for our economy and communities.”
- Daniel Jere, ICAM President
Friday, August 22nd, was a day of intense, solution-oriented presentations, dissecting the core issues facing the Malawian economy and proposing innovative pathways forward.
- Bertha Bangara Chikadza, PhD. (President, Economics Association of Malawi; Senior Lecturer, UNIMA): In her presentation, “Catalysing Sustainable Growth: A Private Sector Perspective on Malawi 2063,” Dr. Chikadza highlighted Malawi’s macroeconomic challenges, including high debt ratios, overdependence on subsistence agriculture, and low private sector access to finance. She emphasized the private sector’s role in driving growth through innovation, export competitiveness, and cultural transformation. Key catalysts included bridging the financial-real sector divide, aligning banking strategies with MW2063, and promoting ESG and ethical finance. Accountants were positioned as architects of national transformation, with calls for financial innovations like green bonds and circular economies
- Grace Kumchulesi, PhD. (Director of Development Planning, National Planning Commission): Delivering “Banking on Action: Private Sector Accountability and Innovation for Sustainable Development in the Malawi 2063 Era,” Dr. Kumchulesi outlined MW2063’s pillars (Agriculture Productivity, Industrialization, Urbanization) and enablers, including Private Sector Dynamism. She discussed MIP-1 progress, challenges like macroeconomic instabilities and corruption, and business opportunities in health, education, energy, and agriculture. Guiding principles included transformative investments, ESG adherence, and leveraging technology for shared value
- CA. Thomson Kumwenda (Chief Finance Officer, MAIIC): In “Innovative Financing for Malawi 2063: Unlocking Private Capital for Industrialization and Inclusive Growth,” CA. Kumwenda addressed Malawi’s economic stagnation, high inflation, and low forex reserves. He classified Sub-Saharan countries by IMF standards and outlined MW2063 pillars. The presentation focused on private sector dynamism, questioning the number of accountant-led businesses in Malawi and advocating for unlocking private capital through innovative models.
- Ms. Christina Zakeyu (Principal Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry): In “Unlocking Malawi’s Potential in Trade in Services Under AfCFTA: Pathways to Regional Integration & Private Sector Development,” Zakeyu explained international trade in services, GATS/AfCFTA frameworks, and Malawi’s commitments in sectors like business, communication, financial, tourism, and transport services. Pathways included MRAs, export helpdesks, and policy reforms for regional integration.
The day also featured the ICAM Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members reviewed the Institute’s performance and set the strategic direction for the coming year.
12th AGM – 22nd August 2025
The final day, Saturday, August 23rd, focused on the human element driving economic transformation: leadership and resilience.
- CA. Chiza Austin Jere: Presenting “Cure for Malawi Economy Fiscal Shocks & FX Shortages: Monetary-Fiscal Interaction,” Jere analysed severe fiscal dominance, Ricardian vs. Non-Ricardian households, and solutions like respecting budget constraints, attracting FDI, zero budgeting, and economic sabotage laws. He proposed shifting to Ricardian behaviours via financial literacy and including neighbouring currencies in Malawi’s basket
- Prof. Shadrick Mazaza (Physician, Philosopher, Professor, Author, International Speaker): In “Conscious Self-Evolution: Addressing the Leadership Challenge of Our Time,” Prof. Mazaza explored leading in VUCA, BANI, RUPT, and TUNA worlds. He emphasised personal transformation through self-knowledge, mindset shifts, and understanding the “two selves” (Essential vs. Personality). Strategies included positive VUCA (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility) and waking up to foresight, insight, and realisation.
- Panel Discussion: From Awareness to Action – Keynote Wrap-up: Moderated by Dr. Bertha Bangara Chikadza, panellists Dr. Grace Kumchulesi, CA. Thomson Kumwenda, CA. Chiza Jere and Christina Zakeyu synthesised insights, urging actionable steps in private sector innovation and regional integration, truly wrapping up the keynote themes
- Arthur Marara (Attorney, Bestselling Author, Business Speaker): Closing with “Cultivating Resilience: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World,” Marara defined resilient leadership traits like adaptability and emotional agility. He outlined strategies: embracing adaptive leadership, growth mindset, support ecosystems, holistic well-being, and emotional intelligence. Using metaphors like the Choluteca Bridge, he stressed scaling resilience in organisational culture.
During the conference proceedings, ICAM took a moment to honour two of its dedicated members for their exceptional service to the Institute. Outgoing Council Member, Ms. Pamela Mubunnu, and CA. Dalitso Gama were presented with plaques in recognition of their invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing the accountancy profession in Malawi. Their service exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that strengthens ICAM.
True to the theme of translating awareness into action, the conference culminated in an impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiative: the ICAM Charity Golf Tournament at the Mlambe Golf Course. Held under the theme “Swing for Medical Equipment,” the tournament successfully raised an impressive MK15 million. The funds were dedicated to purchasing crucial medical equipment for the Nkope Health Centre in Mangochi, a facility under St. Luke’s Hospital.
The highlight was the symbolic cheque presentation by ICAM President CA. Daniel Jere and the CEO CA. Noel Zigowa to Mr. Winasi David Boma, Chief Hospital Administrator of St. Luke’s Hospital.
The event concluded with a lively cocktail reception and live band, providing a perfect networking finale for a conference that successfully blended professional rigour with compassionate action.
The Institute also extended its heartfelt appreciation to the partners who supported and patronised the event. Their invaluable contributions ensured the conference was well-resourced, while their presence created a vibrant and conducive environment for meaningful networking. As a gesture of gratitude, ICAM presented each partner with a plaque of recognition. Notably, Automotive Products Ltd (Isuzu) and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) stood out as exceptional partners, earning recognition in the prestigious “Out of this World” category.
Partners for ICAM 2025 Lakeshore Conference
The 2025 ICAM Lakeshore Conference was more than an annual meeting; it was a watershed moment. It provided a comprehensive roadmap, spanning macroeconomic policy, innovative finance, trade strategy, ethical leadership, and personal resilience, for catalysing Malawi’s economic transformation.
Through powerful speeches, thought leadership, recognition of dedicated professionals, and a lasting CSR legacy, ICAM reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for national progress and professional excellence.
The message from Sun n’ Sand was clear: The awareness is there. The plans are laid. Now, it is time for action.
Editor-In-Chief