I’ve always enjoyed mathematics and was among the first cohort to take the additional mathematics course in my secondary school. My late uncle influenced me greatly by telling me if I worked hard I could become a fellow of ACCA. This resonated with me throughout my training and I finally achieved fellowship in 2010.
My uncle also paid for me to study for a diploma in accounting at Malawi College of Accountancy in Blantyre. Then, in the late 1990s, I found my feet at the audit firm RH Savjani & Co. With a grounding in audit behind me, I moved into the state sector. I first joined the Malawi Bureau of Standards, then moved on to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM). It was while I was working for ESCOM that I became an ACCA student. I qualified four years later, in 2004. It is my biggest achievement and also enabled me to take the University of Derby MBA, which I passed with merit.
Becoming a chartered accountant opened a window to lots of opportunities. I started a treasury section at ESCOM and became its first treasury officer. In 2006, I had the opportunity to work in South Africa on attachment to ESCOM’s sister organisation ESKOM. Finally, in 2009, I joined a fourth statutory organisation, Malawi Housing Corporation, where I’m currently finance manager. My work produces output that is relied upon by stakeholders, which gives me a real sense of fulfilment.
My work produces output that is relied upon by stakeholders, which gives me a real sense of fulfilment
I’ve taken some risks along the way. At the time, continuing with my accountancy studies was a risk, but one that ultimately paid off handsomely. Leaving ESCOM after nine years in the energy sector to work in the housing sector was also a bold decision that has helped my career growth.
My life has been further enriched by roles outside my day job. I served as a trustee on the board of the Malawi Institute of Tourism until 2010, and Mudi SACCO, a savings and credit cooperative, from 2014 onwards. I’m also on the board of the Grace Bandawe Conference Centre.
I'd like to see greater opportunity for the growing population of young people in our country. If I had legislative powers, I’d amend Malawi's Pension Act, which stipulates that 40% of pension benefits should be commuted as a lump sum and the remaining sum as annuities. I’d recommend these proportions be reversed. This would free up capital, which is always difficult to raise, and allow more retirees to venture into entrepreneurship and so create employment opportunities for the young.
My hobbies are reading and watching football. I also enjoy travelling to visit new places with my wife and our four children.
