*Mr Ngwenya, can you share your journey to becoming a part of the NBS Bank and how it has shaped your career?*

It has been an interesting journey thus far. I have constantly been determined to see my dream become a reality – which is to lead an African bank that is purpose-driven and plays in both the local and international space. The journey has had its highs and lows, but determination and persistence have kept me going. 2017 was the start of a new transformation journey for NBS Bank, and I am glad to have been at the helm of this transformation, leading a team of talented professionals to implement our strategic goals

 

*What are the most significant changes you have observed in the banking industry since your career began?*

Digital transformation and innovation is definitely a significant factor that has altered the way we do banking. The market is constantly changing at a rapid rate with the advancement of technology worldwide. The blurring of industries is becoming more and more evident where industries are operating outside the norm; for example Telco’s are now offering banking services, and banks need to tap into these opportunities and close the gaps. 

 

The impact of value chain financing has also taken center stage, and Banks need to leverage this by creating and following the sources of money; for example, when you look into agriculture, instead of playing a role at the end of the cycle, banks should create opportunities or create an enabling environment from the beginning to the end of the farming supply chain.

 

*How does NBS Bank tailor its services to suit the specific needs of the Malawian market?*

Our Bank’s DNA is rooted in a deep commitment to care—a commitment that extends far beyond mere words and becomes ingrained in every facet of our business. We understand that banking is not just about transactions; it’s about building trusted relationships, fostering financial well-being, delivering value-adding solutions and creating a culture of care for our customers, employees, and nation. Our strategy is based on pillars that spearhead customer-centricity and rewarding relationships with our customers and stakeholders, whilst building a culture of compliance and continually ensuring the governance framework remains tight.

 

*In the context of Malawi, how are you addressing financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where access to banking services may be limited?*

Entry into the unbanked areas presented a big challenge since vast non-urban regions in Malawi often lack the legacy infrastructure to enable fast deployment of financial products and services, which makes the cost of entering these remote areas prohibitive. This forced us to innovate and deploy a new banking model called agency banking under the brand name “Bank Pafupi”, the first of its kind in Malawi. Through this agency model, we quickly extended our footprint in the country without difficulties.

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