National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Harold Jiya, has congratulated the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, for reaching the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on their debut appearance.
The Scorchers secured their historic place in the final after a commanding 3-1 semi-final victory over Algeria on Wednesday, while also qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Jiya said the bank was proud of the team’s achievement and recognised the collective effort behind their success.
“On behalf of the board, management and staff of NBM plc, and on my own behalf, I congratulate the players, technical team, Malawi National Women’s Football Association [NWFA), Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and everyone, whose dedication has contributed to the Scorchers’ historic achievements,” said Jiya.
Jiya said NBM plc’s long-standing commitment to women’s football had been driven by its belief in the potential of Malawian women and the role sport can play in creating opportunities.
“As a Bank that has consistently believed in the potential of women’s football, we are immensely proud to have supported the women’s league and the national team on this journey,” he said.
He said the bank’s investment in women’s football was based on a broader commitment to supporting the country’s future.
“That is why we launched the NBM Women’s Football Premier League to uncover women’s talent in football and we are proud to see this bearing fruits as the Scorchers have made it into Wafcon final and qualified for the World Cup. The progress of the Scorchers is a powerful affirmation of that conviction,” said Jiya.
According to Jiya, the team’s achievement has gone beyond football, inspiring pride and hope among Malawians and demonstrating the potential of Malawian women when given the right support and opportunities.
He said today, the bank celebrates not only the Scorchers’ achievements, but the pride, inspiration and hope they have brought to the nation as they have shown that, with talent, determination and the right support, Malawian women can conquer the world’s biggest stages.
As the Scorchers prepare to make history in the WAFCON final and continue their journey towards the World Cup, Jiya reaffirmed NBM plc’s commitment to standing alongside the team.
“As you take your place among Africa’s finest and continue your journey on the world stage, know that NBM plc remains proud to walk alongside you. You believed. We believed. Malawi believes. Congratulations, Scorchers,” said Jiya.
