Standard Bank Connects Malawian Entrepreneurs to New African Markets

The entrepreneurs — engineer Trevor Hiwa, hotelier Miriam Thakwalakwa and businesswoman Liness Kamowa — joined more than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and other global markets at the conference.

Standard Bank Head of Business and Commercial Banking Chimwemwe Matonga said the three entrepreneurs were selected because of their growth potential, innovation and capacity to create employment opportunities.

“At Standard Bank, we believe in connecting Malawi’s entrepreneurs to the rest of Africa and the world. Africa Unlocked 2026 is a platform for our customers to network, access new markets, and tap into funding and partnerships that will help scale up their businesses,” Matonga said.

Hiwa is managing director of Infracon, an engineering consultancy involved in infrastructure development across sectors including mining, public infrastructure, renewable energy and agriculture.

Thakwalakwa operates Linde Hotel in Mponela, while Kamowa runs Mame Car Hire.

Matonga said the three entrepreneurs represent key sectors with significant growth potential and have embarked on diversification and expansion of their businesses.

“The three entrepreneurs are amongst our key customers who have embarked on diversification and expansion of their respective portfolios. They represent Malawi’s growth potential and provide a strong representation of the key sectors driving industry potential,” he said.

He said the Africa Unlocked conference has evolved into a platform for practical discussions on Africa’s economic future, bringing together decision-makers to explore investment, trade and partnerships.

“Increasingly, Africa’s growth story is being written by businesses that are scaling across borders, attracting investment and embracing innovation,” Matonga said.

Hiwa said the conference provided valuable insights into opportunities for expanding his business into regional markets.

“It was exciting to learn from other leaders and explore how we can expand beyond Malawi through the connections made. The platform Standard Bank has created shows the bank’s real commitment to growing local businesses across borders,” he said.

Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala said Africa’s next phase of economic growth would depend on stronger partnerships, regional integration and continued investment in productive sectors.

“Across the continent we are seeing businesses expanding into new markets, entrepreneurs scaling with confidence and investment supporting infrastructure, industrialisation and innovation,” Tshabalala said.

He said businesses and policymakers must build on the momentum by strengthening partnerships and promoting regional integration.

Standard Bank said it will continue supporting Malawian businesses through initiatives that provide opportunities for trade, capacity building and regional exposure.