Old Mutual yields from sustainability investment

Old Mutual Malawi has said its sustainability investments are delivering tangible returns through reduced operational risks, enhanced efficiency and strengthened competitive positioning.

On Friday, the firm unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report in Lilongwe.

The report highlights the group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, initiatives and impact.

During the year under review, Old Mutual channeled over K135.9 billion in sustainable investment solutions, targeting areas including agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, tourism, education and public infrastructure development.

Old Mutual contributed over K30 billion in infrastructure projects and K400 million in education, with an extra K50 billion in the form of taxes.

Through its Ulimi Fund, Old Mutual has investments spanning 3,000 hectares in macadamia farms (Jacoma Estates and Gala Agriculture), creating over 2,800 jobs and supporting 5,600 smallholder farmers.

It owns 20 percent in Malawi Towers, which owns 865 telecom towers across Malawi, an increase from 821 towers owned in 2024.

Old Mutual has also put up a 154-bed Mbiri and Tsogolo Halls of Residence at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Lilongwe Campus, which, it says, have helped address university congestion and improve student accommodation.

Speaking at the unveiling of the sustainability report, Old Mutual Malawi Group Chief Executive Officer Tavona Biza said the integration of ESG principles into the company’s core strategy enabled it to protect value while positioning itself for long-term and sustainable growth in Malawi’s evolving financial services sector.

“Old Mutual Malawi remains committed to being a force for positive change, demonstrating that financial performance and social responsibility are complementary imperatives,” he said.

He said through strategic focus, stakeholder collaboration and commitment to its values, the company would continue to create shared value for all Malawians.

Old Mutual Malawi Strategy, Digital and Data Executive Lorraine Mlenga said the firm’s sustainability drive was aligning with the Malawi 2063 vision and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Care Malawi Chief of Party Archibald Chikavanga said the organisation had benefitted from Old Mutual’s ESG initiatives