By Noel Mkwaila, Contributor
In a bid to empower employed individuals in Malawi to secure their financial futures, United Civil Servants SACCO (UCSSACCO) is championing the adoption of a savings culture.
Francis Waliwa, CEO of UCSSACCO, stresses the importance of strategic saving, regardless of income level, to ensure a comfortable retirement.
“Saving is not a sacrifice, but a strategy to secure your future,” says Waliwa. “By fostering a culture of saving, individuals can ensure a secure financial future and avoid relying on family or government support in retirement.”
With a staggering 70,000 members since its establishment in 1992, UCSSACCO has been at the forefront of promoting savings and credit services in Malawi.
Waliwa adds that by fostering a culture of saving, individuals can safeguard their financial future, and UCSSACCO is playing a vital role in shaping the financial well-being of the country’s workforce.
Malawi’s retirement savings landscape is bleak, with many individuals failing to plan for their golden years. UCSSACCO’s efforts are a beacon of hope, addressing a critical issue in the country’s financial landscape.
Waliwa notes that the significance of retirement savings will only continue to grow as the country’s population ages.
“Retirement savings are not just a personal responsibility, but a national priority,” emphasizes Waliwa.
“By working together, we can create a culture of savings and ensure a secure financial future for all Malawians.”
Recently, UCSSACCO’s efforts have been earmarked as a vital contribution to the national conversation on financial security, and their engagement with journalists is a strategic move to amplify this message and promote financial awareness among the general public.
“Financial literacy is crucial in making informed decisions about savings and investments,” notes journalist Alex Banda, who has recently been trained on saving culture by the institution.
“UCSSACCO’s efforts to promote financial literacy and responsible money management are commendable and will have a positive impact on the lives of many Malawians,” he adds.
UCSSACCO’s commitment to promoting a savings culture in Malawi is laudable. By educating individuals on the importance of strategic saving, they are empowering them to secure their financial futures.
One of the UCSSACCO members, Ulemu Mviza, who joined in 2002, says it is his most preferred money-saving institution, citing the numerous benefits.
“Imagine when you apply for a loan, it takes only 48 hours to have it. I encourage my fellow workmates to join UCSSACCO for a better today and tomorrow,” says Mviza, a statistical clerk at Chiradzulo District Health Office.
This initiative is crucial in addressing the country’s inadequate retirement savings landscape. Hence, the efforts are a testament to the power of financial education and planning.
By adopting a savings culture, individuals can break the cycle of poverty and secure their financial futures.
This initiative also highlights the importance of retirement savings in Malawi’s financial landscape.
