Malawi: School Chess Programme Gets K37 Million Boost As Alliance One Expands Rural Initiative

What the report says

Alliance One Tobacco Malawi (AOTM), working with Pyxus Agriculture Malawi (PAM), has renewed its sustainability partnership with the Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) through a K37 million sponsorship deal, according to Nyasa Times as distributed by AllAfrica. The agreement is aimed at widening after-school chess programmes into 10 more rural schools in tobacco-growing areas of Malawi.

The initiative began in 2021 and has already reached 34 rural schools, mainly in the central and northern parts of the country. The latest funding is expected to support more than 600 additional pupils, while Chessam continues monitoring earlier schools and setting up official clubs, training sessions, an inter-school tournament and the National Youth Chess Championship.

Company representative Febbie Chikungwa said the programme is intended to help children develop skills such as concentration, discipline and decision-making, while Chessam president Mpilo Mizere said the renewed support could help identify rural talent and raise the standard of youth chess nationally. The report also noted that the programme has already produced international representation, including pupil Clara Robert of Millala Primary School, who competed at the African Youth Chess Championship in 2024 and again this year.

The new beneficiary schools include sites in Rumphi, Lilongwe Rural West, Kasungu, Mchinji and Mzimba. The expanded effort underscores how private-sector support is being used to extend educational and extracurricular opportunities in rural farming communities.