Continental Pension Services (CPS) and Continental Asset Management today presented a symbolic cheque worth MWK 10 million in support of the upcoming Institute of People Management in Malawi (IPMM) Annual Lakeshore Conference. The sponsorship demonstrates the two organisations’ continued commitment to developing Malawi’s human capital and supporting platforms that foster leadership, innovation, and professional excellence. The conference will be held under the theme: “Future-Ready HR: Building Talent for Malawi’s Digital and Green Economy.”
Speaking during the symbolic handover ceremony at Ulimi House, CPS Pension Services Manager Makhumbo Chikaonda reflected on the importance of investing today for future generations.
“He who plants trees, knowing that they will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
Drawing on the wisdom of the proverb, Chikaonda noted that every meaningful achievement society enjoys today is the result of people who invested in a future they might never personally benefit from. Building future-ready skills and institutions, she said, requires the same long-term mindset and commitment.
“Today’s investments in leadership, knowledge and people development will create value for generations to come,” she said.
The sponsorship aligns with CAM’s commitment to Measurable Asset Growth, which is founded on the belief that sustainable growth requires a long-term perspective and consistent stewardship over time. Similarly, CPS believes that retirement outcomes are shaped by decisions made years, and often decades, in advance, making pension administration fundamentally about stewardship, responsibility and creating financial security for the future.
According to Chikaonda, supporting the IPMM conference goes beyond sponsoring an event. “We are supporting a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, professional development and collaboration. We are investing in the people who will shape institutions, drive productivity and contribute to Malawi’s long-term prosperity.”
IPMM Welcomes Strategic Partnership
Commenting on the sponsorship, IPMM Secretary General Grace Nyambo expressed appreciation to CAM and CPS for what she described as a timely partnership that supports the evolving needs of the human resources profession. “We are grateful to Continental Asset Management and Continental Pension Services for partnering with us at a time when the HR landscape is changing rapidly,” said Nyambo.
“Technology is transforming the workplace, artificial intelligence is reshaping how tasks are performed, and environmental and sustainability considerations are becoming increasingly important for organisations. However, while technology will continue to evolve, people will always remain at the centre of organisational success.”
Nyambo noted that unlike artificial intelligence, people bring empathy, judgement, relationships, values, and emotional intelligence to the workplace. “Technology can enhance efficiency, but it cannot replace the human qualities that drive leadership, collaboration and organisational culture. This year’s conference will provide an important platform for discussing how organisations can leverage technology while continuing to invest in people.”
Investing in Malawi’s Future
The partnership between CAM, CPS and IPMM reflects a shared understanding that long-term economic growth depends on developing capable leaders, resilient institutions, and future-ready talent. As organisations adapt to technological advancement, changing workforce expectations and sustainability imperatives, investing in people remains essential to national development.
The conference is expected to bring together HR professionals, executives, policymakers and thought leaders to explore how Malawi can build the talent and leadership capabilities required to thrive in a digital and green economy.
