HR Excellence Spotlight: Malawi's Best

HR Excellence Spotlight is our flagship digital publication, highlighting the top 25 HR professionals in every African country.

Celebrating leaders who are driving change

This recognition celebrates leaders who are driving change, setting standards, and inspiring the next generation of HR talent.

Each edition of HR Excellence Spotlight not only celebrates excellence but also fosters dialogue and knowledge sharing among HR leaders through the HR Excellence mindset video series, making it a must-read for those passionate about HR's evolving role in Africa. Read on to explore the leadership mindsets that sets the best HR leaders apart.

Recognizing Malawi's Best:

Charles Dulira-

Head, Human Capital Divivsion - National bank of malawi

Ibrahima Traore is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in telecommunications and human resources. He has been the Director of Human Resources at SONATEL GROUP in Dakar, Senegal, since 2018. In this role, he oversees the company’s HR strategies and workforce initiatives.  

Before this, Ibrahima held the position of Chief Sales Officer at ORANGE-SONATEL for five years, managing key sales operations and strategies. His earlier roles at SONATEL included Director of the Commercial Agency of Partner Distributors and Director of Internet Services and Content, showcasing his expertise in commercial management and digital services.  

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Zandile Tembo

Regional Head of People and Culture - Standard Bank

Zandile champions the implementation of HR best practices to align workforce strategies with business objectives. Her role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, from career development, recruitment, and succession planning to performance and talent management, change management, and employee engagement. Zandile is committed to fostering leadership, a positive workplace culture, and inclusivity, ensuring robust labour relations and supporting diversity across the organisation. Through strategic HR initiatives, she drives transformation that empowers teams and supports the bank’s pursuit of sustainable growth. 

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Chrispin Chikwama

Group Head of Human Resources-Financial Holdings Limited

Chrispin develops and implements HR frameworks that enhance talent acquisition, retention, and organisational effectiveness. Chrispin is dedicated to fostering a cohesive workplace culture, promoting employee engagement, and supporting continuous professional development. His leadership has positioned FDH as an employer of choice in the financial services sector.

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Austin Chester Thunde

Head of Human Resources-NbsBank Plc

Austin brings extensive experience in driving HR strategies within the banking sector. With a solid foundation in public administration from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, Austin leverages his expertise in coaching, recruiting, change management, and training to cultivate a productive and adaptable workforce. His role focuses on aligning HR practices with business objectives, fostering employee growth, and supporting organisational resilience. Austin’s dedication to strategic HR management has made a substantial impact on NBS Bank's capacity to thrive in a competitive financial landscape. 

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Leo Kasote

Head of Human Resources- LOLC Finance Limited

Leo is a results-driven HR executive with extensive leadership experience across HR, finance, administration, and operations. His career spans various industries, showcasing a proven track record in driving organisational success through effective people management, financial expertise, and operational excellence. Leo’s strategic approach and passion for fostering growth contribute significantly to achieving company objectives. 

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Alfred Nyengo

Director of Human Resources Mgt & Development - Blantyre City Council

Experienced Human Resources Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the human resources industry. Skilled in HR Consulting, Deferred Compensation, HR Policies, Management, and Performance Management. Strong human resources professional with a Master in Public Sector Management focused in Management/ Administration from Africa University(Zimbabwe).

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Brian Chigamba

Human Resources & Administration Manager-NICO Holdings Plc

Brian plays a vital role in shaping and implementing HR strategies that drive employee engagement, development, and organisational growth. His expertise spans talent management, workforce planning, and policy development, contributing to a cohesive and high-performing work environment. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to HR excellence, Brian’s leadership strengthens NICO Holdings' capacity to align human capital with its corporate objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and operational success. 

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Alick Sikelo

Director of Human Resources- NICO Holdings Plc

Alick spearheads initiatives to cultivate a dynamic and performance-driven workplace. His role focuses on aligning HR strategies with Airtel’s operational goals, enhancing talent acquisition, development, and retention across the organisation. With a deep commitment to fostering employee engagement and a strong HR foundation, Alick drives efforts to build a resilient and adaptive workforce that supports Airtel Malawi's growth and market objectives. 

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Hariet Mariani

Acting Chief Human Resources Outsourcing-Telekom Networks Malawi PLC

Hariet Mariani, a seasoned professional at Telekom Networks Malawi Limited, brings 17 years of progressive expertise across diverse domains, including human resources management, procurement, donor fund management, and strategic re-engineering. Known for her strengths in strategic planning, policy development, critical and market analysis, and budgeting, Hariet stands out for her meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and strong ethical standards. Her inherent leadership, robust communication, and organisational skills make her a trusted asset in driving results and efficiency. With a reputation grounded in integrity and professionalism, she exemplifies teamwork and is continually eager to explore innovative pathways for optimal outcomes. 

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Khumbo Ntambo-Banda FCIPD

Human Resources Director- Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc

Versatile HR executive with extensive experience across industries and jurisdictions, known for a strategic and participative management style in diverse environments. A proactive change agent who fosters learning and boosts productivity for enhanced customer service, with expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, succession planning, training, change management, performance compensation, restructuring, employment law, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

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Stipheria Matewere

Head of Human Resource- Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority

Stipheria is a top HR  Professional with 11+ years of experience fostering an open-door environment that enhances team morale and performance. An HR Specialist with expertise in recruitment, performance management, training, policy development, and effective communication. Highly proficient in regulatory compliance, promoting diversity, and driving business re-engineering and inclusion. Currently an Executive Council Member of the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM), a certified member of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), and a member of the Human Resources Society of Malawi (HRSM).

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Benjamin Gondwe

HR Manager- CFAO Mobility

Benjamin is a proactive HR manager dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of human capital. He focuses on maximising returns on investment and supporting the overall sustainability and success of the business. 

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Masubizgo Nkhonjera

Country Human Resources Manager- Puma Energy

 Masubizgo has 17+ years of experience in HR management, recruitment, and corporate law across INGOs and the private sector in Eastern and Southern Africa. Known for innovative HR strategies, I excel in talent acquisition, employee relations, training, and change management. With an MBA and a Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, I lead by example, driving employee satisfaction and organisational growth through strategic initiatives and process improvements.  

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Mr Chrispin Banda

Director of Human Resources &Admi- Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi

Chrispin oversees comprehensive HR and administrative functions, driving strategic initiatives that promote organisational effectiveness and employee well-being. His role includes developing and implementing HR policies, enhancing workforce planning, and ensuring robust administrative processes. Known for his commitment to operational excellence, Mr. Banda is dedicated to building a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing workforce that aligns with the organisation’s mission and goals.  

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Justice Matonga

Director of Human Resources and Administration.- Malawi Broadcasting Corporation

Justice leads initiatives that enhance workforce efficiency and organisational structure within the broadcasting sector. His role includes strategic oversight of HR policies, employee relations, and administrative functions, ensuring that MBC operates smoothly while fostering a supportive work environment. Known for his dedication to both operational excellence and employee development, Justice plays a pivotal role in aligning HR practices with MBC’s mission to deliver high-quality broadcasting services to the public. 

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Harvest Chapomba

 Human Resources Manager- Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

Harvest is a result-oriented HR Manager with extensive experience and a proven success of over 12 years in driving strategic HR operational initiatives with a key focus on developing, recommending and implementing human resources strategies and policies in support of business objectives.
Proficient in talent management, employee relations, recruitment, manpower planning & placement and performance management.

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Lovemore (Harrison) Ngoma

Head of Human Resources- FINCA Malawi

Lovemore leads HR teams and develops effective policies in talent acquisition, training, performance management, and employee relations. Known for fostering inclusive cultures and aligning talent with company goals. Strong in communication, leadership, problem-solving, and compliance with labour laws. Proficient in HRIS and Microsoft Office. 

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Clement Chisumila

Country Human Resources Manager- SICPA Malawi Limited

Clement serves as the Country Human Resources Manager at SICPA Malawi Limited, overseeing HR operations and strategies within the organization. SICPA, a Swiss company specializing in security inks and solutions, has a presence in Malawi, with offices located in Lilongwe.

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Angella Makolija

Human Resources Executive - Airtel Malawi

Angella is an experienced HR Professional with a extensive experience across FSI, Telecommunication and production industry. Skilled in Managing Distribution Channels, Complaint Management, Sales, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resource in general. Skilled in employee relations and benefits.

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Rashid Kapalasa Gama

HR Manager- Cement Products Limited

Rashid oversees HR operations for a diverse workforce of approximately 600 employees from various nationalities, including Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, Zimbabwean, and Malawian staff. With a solid background in both the private and non-profit sectors, as well as government experience, Rashid is skilled in budget control, project management, event coordination, HR policy development, and leadership. His comprehensive expertise in managing multicultural teams and his academic foundation in Human Resources Management underscore his commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective workplace aligned with Cement Products Limited’s strategic goals. 

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Faith Chirwa

Human Resources Manager- Millennium challenge account

Faith Chirwa is an experienced HR Specialist with over 14 years of hands-on expertise in leading HR teams, recruiting local and international talent, job evaluation and classification, staff retention strategies, training, and employee development. She excels in leadership, organisation, and time management, effectively managing HR operations and supervising teams. Faith exercises sound professional judgment in HR policy development and provides innovative, practical solutions in high-pressure environments. She is skilled at interpreting and applying regulations to various HR situations and possesses a high level of proficiency in both

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Joanne Liddle

Group Head Human Resource- FMBcapital Holdings Plc

Joanne specializes in Leading HR teams and transformation, Strategic Human Resources leadership, trusted advisor to executive teams, stakeholder management, project management, employee relations, culture and change management, reward, executive resourcing, talent management, M&A, TUPE integration and restructuring, global experience. 

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Lighton Mbewe

Head of People, Organisation & Development (Head of HR)- Helios Towers

Lighton is an experienced HR Professional with over 10 years of industry experience in the field of Human Resources planning, HRIMS, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Development, Performance Management and Employee engagement. Lighton has worked in across diverse industries while implementing programs and changes that enhanced the company performance. Lighton is highly knowledgeable about employment law and effective organizational planning. 

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Dalitso Jumbe

Human Resources Manager- MACRA

Dalitso has over 18 years of experience in managing teams for high performance, he has worked in both government and private sectors within the communications industry Dalitso holds a master's degree in human resource management and a bachelor's degree in public administration. citeturn0search3 His extensive background and expertise contribute significantly to MACRA's human resources operations. 

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Austin Thunde

Human Resources Operations Manager-JTI Leaf Malawi.

Austin oversees HR operations, ensuring the implementation of effective strategies that align with the company's objectives. Austin is responsible for managing HR functions, streamlining processes, and fostering a productive work environment to support organisational growth and employee engagement

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What Sets Great HR Leaders Apart?

True HR leadership extends beyond skills and qualifications; it’s anchored in the powerful mindsets that enable some HR professionals to excel and make a lasting impact. Are you ready to shift your perspective and elevate your leadership from good to truly exceptional?

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