UCS SACCO Opens New Branch in Mponela

Mponela, 24 February 2026 – UCS SACCO has officially opened its new branch in Mponela, Central Region, marking a significant milestone in its expansion and commitment to financial inclusion. The event was graced by the Deputy Governor of Financial Institutions at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Mr. Henry Mathanga, underscoring the strong relationship between the regulator and the SACCO movement.

Chairman’s Remarks

Speaking at the ceremony, UCS SACCO Chairperson Mr. Fletcher Mhango expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for his presence, noting that it reflects the regulator’s support and confidence in the SACCO sector. He extended appreciation to MUSCCO and other stakeholders for their cooperation, as well as to the local community for welcoming the SACCO to Mponela.

Mr. Mhango commended the staff for their dedication, emphasizing that the SACCO’s success is built on their hard work. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strong governance, regulatory compliance, and prudent supervision. He also highlighted challenges in accessing foreign currency, which has hindered the procurement of a robust core banking system, and called for continued support from the regulator in order for the SACCO realise it’s is automation dreams.

General Manager’s Vision

UCS SACCO General Manager, Mr. Francis Waliwa, outlined ambitious growth targets, aiming to expand membership to 500,000 within five years, with 130,000 members projected by the end of this year. He stressed the importance of robust technology to support this growth and announced plans to tap into diaspora clientele as part of efforts to ease foreign exchange challenges.

He described the new Mponela branch as a symbol of digital progress and a representation of the SACCO’s future prospects.

MUSCCO’s Commitment

MUSCCO CEO reaffirmed the apex body’s commitment to supporting SACCOs in spreading financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas. He praised UCS SACCO’s role in providing financial access to farmers, government employees, and other communities, noting that collective participation in SACCOs can significantly contribute to Malawi’s GDP.

He commended the UCS board for its prudent management and pledged continued collaboration to strengthen the sector.

Guest of Honour’s Address

In his keynote address, Deputy Governor Mr. Mathanga reflected on the growth of SACCOs since the 1960s, when they operated as village banks. He lauded UCS SACCO’s impressive expansion, now boasting presence in 28 districts, 92,000 members, assets worth 70 billion kwacha, and loans totaling 47 billion kwacha.

He described UCS SACCO as “a light on a hill” and applauded its leadership for upholding prudent principles. He emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, transparency, and robust internal controls to ensure relevance and sustainability.

The Deputy Governor thanked MUSCCO for its oversight role and assured UCS SACCO and other institutions of support in accessing foreign currency to meet obligations without disrupting member services. He concluded by officially declaring the Mponela branch open.

Conclusion

The opening of the Mponela branch marks a new chapter in UCS SACCO’s growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion, technological advancement, and sustainable governance. With strong support from regulators, stakeholders, and the community, UCS SACCO is poised to play an even greater role in empowering Malawians through cooperative finance.