Dr Thomson Mpinganjira Claims MBC Award

In December 2015, FDH Financial Holdings founder Dr Thomson Mpinganjira was awarded the Large Scale Enterprise of the Year individual award at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Innovation Awards.

As the only Malawian business leader with majority shareholdings in two commercial banks, namely Malawi Savings Bank and FDH Bank, Dr Thomson Mpinganjira beat esteemed businessman Jimmy Korea Mpatsa to claim the award, as well as a cash prize of MK500,000 and a one month vacation to China and Egypt.

Dr Thomson Mpinganjira told the audience that he was overwhelmed and humbled. He thanked those who nominated him, as well as MBC, not only for their generous prize, but for coming up with the idea. Dr Mpinganjira explained that such awards were extremely important in Malawi, providing recognition and inspiring citizens to work hard.

Davis Kansenza claimed the Small-Scale Enterprise of the Year award, also receiving a cash prize and international trips. Rachel Sibande was runner up.

President Peter Mutharika presided over the awards ceremony. In his address, he underlined the importance of innovation in helping Malawians address challenges faced by the country.

About the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation

MBC is Malawi’s sole public broadcaster, deriving its mandate from the Communications Act 1998, an Act of Parliament 1964, and license conditions stipulated by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority. It is through these powers that MBC occupies a pivotal role in broadcasting throughout the country, encouraging the sharing of information throughout Malawian society, providing a wealth of programming in local and official languages to meet public interests and needs.

A Professional Profile of Dr Thomson Mpinganjira

Dr Mpinganjira is the first – and so far, only – private individual to own a bank in Malawi. Today his bank ranks amongst the country’s top 12 financial institutions.

From a small discount house, Dr Mpinganjira amassed a substantial banking empire, culminating in the creation of FDH Financial Holdings.

FDH Financial Holdings incorporates four subsidiary companies, also established by Dr Mpinganjira, namely:

·         FDH Money Bureau

·         FDH Bank

·         First Discount House

·         FDH Stockbrokers

Find out more about FDH Stockbrokers by viewing the attached video.

In 2014, Dr Thomson Mpinganjira was appointed Malawian Public Service Reform Commissioner. This important government body was presided over by State Vice President Saulos Chilima. Other prominent Malawian business figures appointed to the Commission include Bright Mangulama, the former Director of Public Procurement, and women’s rights activist and social development lawyer Seodi White. Find out more about Malawi’s Public Service Reform Commission by viewing the attached PDF.

Dr Mpinganjira has extensive experience of business leadership, building a strong reputation as a pioneer of the Malawian finance industry, where he is renowned for his innovative, results-orientated approach. As an advocate of ethical business practices, he serves on various boards and committees, including the Ethical & Investigations Committee for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

As a keen philanthropist, Dr Thomson Mpinganjira supports a variety of charitable causes throughout Malawi, both personally and through the corporate social responsibility programmes of his various business entities. A proponent of ethical leadership, he appreciates the value of giving back to local communities. As founder of FDH Bank, Dr Mpinganjira recently sponsored a conference for female entrepreneurs where he gave a presentation sharing business tips and skills. Dr Mpinganjira supports numerous charitable organisations, including the Malamulo Adventist Hospital, where he recently financed construction of a new paediatric unit.

Dr Mpinganjira is a trustee of both the Diabetes Association of Malawi and the Cancer Association of Malawi. He also serves on several educational boards, including the University of Malawi Alumni Association and the Zomba Catholic Secondary School Board of Trustees.

You can find out more about the FDH Bank founder’s philanthropic work by viewing the attached infographic.