In a bid to support Government’s efforts toward Covid-19 response initiatives, the NICO Group has committed MK100 Million towards the fight against the pandemic.
This is in response to Government’s call for corporates to play a role in the fight against the pandemic.
The NICO Group of companies, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, believes the donation is within its values of being a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The funds will be deployed towards closing some of the gaps in the health sector that have been made apparent in the midst of the pandemic.
NICO Group Managing Director, Vizenge Kumwenda, said the Group has come forward with the donation to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc across the world, and Malawi has not been spared.
“All sectors of the economy have been greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. NICO understands the gravity of the situation and we felt that it is our duty to assist in the fight,” Kumwenda said.
He further stated that the funds will be channeled towards strengthening infrastructure gaps that have been made apparent by the pandemic. The aim will be to address issues that have become even more dire as a result of the pandemic.
He also acknowledged the great work being done by the health professionals and initiatives taken by other corporates to ease the pressure that Covid-19 presents.
“Allow me to express gratitude to all health workers who have selflessly provided their services during this time. It has also been extremely inspiring to see various corporates and individuals who have contributed to the cause. This relates well with the NICO culture that we are stronger together,” he added.
Kumwenda further commended the Government for efforts made during the fight against Covid-19.
“On behalf of the NICO Group, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Government for the actions being taken to fight and contain the Pandemic in Malawi. The challenges are enormous, but we believe that together, we can surmount them,” Kumwenda said.
The MK100 million donation is a continuation of donations made in kind by NICO during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The Group donations during this period came to MK94 million. The funds were mainly used for equipment such as beds, oxygen cylinders and regulators and personal protective equipment for Kameza Isolation Centre, Kamuzu Central Hospital and Mzuzu Central Hospital.
As a leading financial services group in Malawi, NICO has supported initiatives that uplift Malawians in the areas of Education, Health and Environmental Conservation.