FINCA Malawi Backs Spelling Bee Team with K7.8 Million Sponsorship

Six young Malawian spellers will this year represent the country at the African Spelling Bee regional competition in Harare, Zimbabwe, after FINCA Malawi stepped in with a K7.8 million sponsorship.

The team will travel to Zimbabwe from March 18 to 21, 2026.

Their participation marks a return to the continental stage after Malawi failed to take part last year due to financial constraints.

Speaking during the presentation of the donation at FINCA Malawi headquarters in Blantyre on Friday, the institution’s Marketing Manager, Takondwa Chirwa, said the company was impressed by the impact the Malawi National Spelling Bee programme continues to make in promoting education and literacy.

Chirwa said the competition helps build confidence among learners, nurtures young leaders and promotes academic excellence — values that resonate with FINCA Malawi’s mission of transforming lives and creating opportunities.

“We have long admired the work that Malawi National Spelling Bee is doing. Their efforts in promoting education, building confidence and fostering academic excellence among young leaders are remarkable. When we learned that six children were selected for a regional competition, we decided to support them fully,” she said.

She added that education remains a key driver of economic development and financial inclusion, stressing that meaningful transformation cannot happen without investing in young people.

Chirwa further noted that the sponsorship complements FINCA Malawi’s Think Age Smart initiative, which has already supported more than 10,000 students across over 100 schools nationwide.

The K7.8 million package will cover transport, accommodation and all related expenses for the trip.

The six-member team comprises three primary school students and three secondary school students drawn from both public and private schools.

They will travel to Harare by road.

Director of Operations and Special Events for Malawi National Spelling Bee, Andrew Francisco Chikho, described the sponsorship as timely and historic, particularly at a time when the organisation is grappling with economic challenges.

“This sponsorship is a game-changer for us. It’s not just about the trip; it’s about investing in the future of our children and the nation. We are thrilled that FINCA Malawi has started with us, and we are hopeful this partnership will continue in the years to come,” said Chikho.

He said participation in the African Spelling Bee provides learners with valuable exposure and personal growth opportunities.

He added that the competition also sharpens students academically and broadens their understanding of developmental concepts.

Malawi National Spelling Bee is part of a 27-country African consortium that brings together young spellers from across the continent.

The team is expected to depart Malawi on March 18 and return on March 21, 2026, as they compete against some of Africa’s brightest young minds.