Mr Thoko Mkavea, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of CDH Investment Bank
CDH Investment Bank has been named Investment Bank of the year 2026 for Malawi by Global Banking and Finance Review Magazine (London). The award recognises the Bank’s outstanding performance, innovation, and sustained leadership as Malawi’s leading specialist bank.
Commenting on the honour, Mr Thoko Mkavea, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: “On behalf of the board and our dedicated team of 107 exceptional colleagues, I am deeply honoured to accept the Investment Bank of the year award. This recognition reflects the quality of our vision and, above all, the passion, resilience, and excellence of our people. Each member of the team plays a vital role in delivering the financial solutions that define who we are and who we want to be.
We remain committed to setting new standards in Malawi’s financial sector by harnessing talent, technology, and integrity. As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our pledge to continue creating value for our clients, our partners, and the communities we serve.”
This is the thirteenth time the bank has received the award. Mr Mkavea expressed gratitude to clients, noting that the achievement rests on their trust and partnership.
Over fourteen years since its establishment on 2nd April 2012, following the conversion of Continental Discount House Limited, which had operated since August 1998 – CDH Investment Bank has built a proven track record by integrating investment banking and corporate advisory services with selective commercial banking activities. It serves a carefully chosen niche client base, prioritizing depth of expertise, tailored solutions, and long-term partnerships.
The results underscore both excellence and sustained growth. Profit after tax rose from K7.53 billion in 2022 to K11.141 billion in 2023, more than doubled to K23.534 billion in 2024, and advanced a further 84 percent to K43.221 billion in 2025. Operating income expanded 69 percent in 2025, supported by strong gains in both net interest and non-interest revenues mainly from trade finance and trading of financial securities. Total assets reached K974.2 billion.
Momentum continued in 2026. For the six months ended 30th June 2026, profit after tax rose 124% year-on-year to K41.0 billion. Net interest income increased by 121% and non-interest income grew by 123%. Total assets expanded by 37 percent to K1,048.5 billion, driven by growth in interest-earning assets, customer loans and advances, fixed-income securities and financial assets. Customer deposits also rose strongly, while liquidity remained robust.
These figures reflect the solidifying of a specialist model that emphasises capital-markets capability alongside balance-sheet strength, sound governance, and operational discipline.
A landmark milestone in August 2026 was the listing of the holding entity, Continental Holdings Plc, on the Malawi Stock Exchange. The IPO, which was the largest capital raise in the exchange’s history, attracted more than 10,000 investors, ended a six-year drought of new listings, and reinforced the platform from which the specialist franchise can continue to scale.
Equally central has been deliberate investment in human capital. The bank has prioritised talent identification, structured development programmes, continuous learning, and a culture that treats people as the core differentiator of a specialist institution. In a market where specialised skills remain scarce, this commitment underpins the ability to deliver sophisticated advisory and execution capabilities.
Looking ahead, CDH Investment Bank remains poised to consolidate its position by continuing to support its select niche client base with precision, innovation, and reliability.
Mr Mkavea has been clear-eyed about the broader context: “The work remains. Malawi requires heavy investment across infrastructure, productive sectors, and human capability if it is to transform into a significant middle-income country. CDH Investment Bank remains committed to partnering with the Government of Malawi in delivering practical solutions that serve its people and grow the economy in tandem with critical national priorities, a role the bank has played since its inception. Our specialist model is designed precisely to contribute expertise, capital intermediation, and long-term partnership in that national endeavour.”
CDH Investment Bank offers a case study in how focused specialisation, disciplined growth, human-capital investment, and institutional longevity can produce strong results even in challenging environments. The trajectory since 2012, and the deeper roots dating to 1998, demonstrates excellence built on ambition and innovation applied with purpose. As Malawi pursues its longer-term development aspirations, institutions with this combination of proven capability and stated commitment to partnership remain essential contributors.
