PPPC and NBM Development Bank Seal Strategic Partnership to Finance PPP Projects in Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi 20 May 2025: In a significant step toward accelerating Malawi’s infrastructure and economic development, NBM Development Bank and the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes a framework for collaboration in financing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects across the country.

The ceremony, held at Ryalls Hotel brought together the two institutions to witness what both institutions described as a “shared commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive financing.”

Speaking during the event, Mr. Bernard Masi, General Manager of NBM Development Bank, highlighted the institution’s strategic role as a Development Finance Institution dedicated to unlocking capital for viable enterprises.

“This MoU formalizes a partnership that will enable us to co-create financial solutions that respond to Malawi’s pressing infrastructure and development needs,” he said. “We are confident that our joint efforts with the PPPC will foster economic transformation, job creation, and innovation.”

The agreement outlines a collaborative approach where NBMDB will facilitate funding for commercially viable PPP projects, while PPPC will play a key role in project preparation, structuring, and investor engagement. The two institutions also committed to capacity-building, joint awareness initiatives, and promoting Malawian projects at international development finance forums.

Mr. Patrick Kabambe, Chief Executive Officer of the PPPC, underscored the strategic nature of the alliance.

“This partnership with NBM Development Bank is more than just symbolic it’s a strategic alliance,” said Mr. Kabambe. “Together, we aim to structure and finance transformative projects that align with national priorities and deliver real value for the people of Malawi.”

The partnership is grounded in the PPP Act of 2022, which empowers the PPPC to facilitate private sector participation in national development. The MoU is also consistent with NBMDB’s mandate to promote long-term investment in sectors that drive economic diversification and resilience.

Following the signing, both parties emphasized the importance of moving beyond commitment to action. As Kabambe noted, “Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.”

The event concluded with a group photo and a networking session, where stakeholders expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform the financing landscape for public-private partnerships in Malawi.