Old Mutual Delivers Strong Returns from Sustainability Investment – The Times Group
Key Business Points
- Invest in sustainable solutions targeting agriculture telecom infrastructure and education to open new revenue streams
- Leverage the Ulimi Fund to create jobs for smallholder farmers and expand high value crops such as macadamia
- Align corporate strategy with Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals to lower risk and attract long term investors
Old Mutual Malawi unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report in Lilongwe on Friday. The document details the group’s environmental social and governance performance and shows how sustainability investments are delivering measurable returns. During the reporting year the company directed over K135.9 billion into sustainable investment solutions across agriculture telecommunications infrastructure tourism education and public infrastructure development. The firm also contributed more than K30 billion to infrastructure projects and K400 million to education while paying an additional K50 billion in taxes.
Through its Ulimi Fund Old Mutual holds investments covering 3,000 hectares of macadamia farms operated by Jacoma Estates and Gala Agriculture. These farms generate over 2,800 jobs and support 5,600 smallholder farmers strengthening rural chuma and food security. The company owns a 20 percent stake in Malawi Towers which now operates 865 telecom towers nationwide up from 821 towers in 2024 improving connectivity for businesses and communities.
In the education sector Old Mutual completed the 154 bed Mbiri and Tsogolo Halls of Residence at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Lilongwe Campus. The new halls ease campus congestion and improve student accommodation supporting the next generation of health professionals.
Group Chief Executive Officer Tavona Biza said integrating environmental social and governance principles into the core strategy protects value and positions the firm for long term sustainable growth in Malawi’s evolving financial services sector. He emphasized that financial performance and social responsibility are complementary imperatives and pledged continued creation of shared value for all Malawians. Lorraine Mlenga, Strategy Digital and Data Executive, noted the sustainability drive aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision and the Sustainable Development Goals. Care Malawi Chief of Party Archibald Chikavanga confirmed the organisation has benefited from Old Mutual’s environmental social and governance initiatives.
Analysts note that the scale of Old Mutual’s commitments signals confidence in Malawi’s macroeconomic stability and the growing appetite for green finance. The infusion of capital into agriculture and telecom infrastructure is expected to lower input costs for agribusinesses and expand broadband access for small enterprises. This creates a multiplier effect that can lift household incomes and broaden the tax base.
Business owners should review their own environmental social and governance frameworks and explore partnerships with funds like the Ulimi Fund to unlock preferential financing. By aligning project pipelines with national priorities such as Malawi 2063 firms can attract institutional investors seeking measurable impact. Practical steps include conducting a sustainability audit setting clear carbon reduction targets and reporting progress transparently to stakeholders.
The report also highlights the role of public private dialogue in shaping policy incentives for renewable energy and climate smart agriculture. Engaging with regulators early can help firms secure tax benefits and streamline project approvals.
For local entrepreneurs the report signals growing opportunities in sustainable agriculture digital infrastructure and education facilities. Businesses that embed environmental social and governance criteria into their models can access capital from institutions like Old Mutual and contribute to national development goals. The focus on ntchito creation and mabizinesi growth through responsible investment offers a clear pathway for inclusive economic expansion. Act now to capture these opportunities.
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