JUNE 2-3, 2026UFULU GARDERNS AREA 43 LILONGWE

UMUNTHU SOCIALIMPACT FORUM 2026

Strengthening Malawi's Social Impact Ecosystem for a Resilient and Self-Sustaining Future

ORGANIZING PARTNERS

Thrive Afrika
KlearComms Media
InspireX

About the Forum

A National Platform for Ecosystem Dialogue

The Umunthu Social Impact Forum is a high-level convening platform established by Thrive Afrika to strengthen collaboration, accountability, and resilience within Malawi's social impact ecosystem.

The Forum brings together leaders from across sectors to examine systemic challenges, align reform priorities, and catalyse cross-sector partnerships that advance sustainable development.

Unlike issue-specific conferences, the Umunthu Forum focuses on the systems that enable social impact— including financing architecture, governance frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and collaboration models.

Previous Experience

Our 2025 Experience

Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience
Umunthu Forum 2025 experience

Previous Partners

TrustAfrica
Orant Africa
National Planning Commission
Emerge
Christian Aid
Partner
Standard Bank
TrustAfrica
Orant Africa
National Planning Commission
Emerge
Christian Aid
Partner
Standard Bank

Who should attend

Decision-Makers & Ecosystem Leaders

Industry Composition

Corporate
30-35%
Civil Society
25-30%
Philanthropy
10-15%
Government
10-15%
Impact Investors
5-10%
Academia
5-10%

Seniority Level

40%

C-Suite

CEOs, Executive Directors

35%

Directors

Department Heads

15%

Programme Heads

Senior Managers

10%

Emerging Leaders

Rising Talent

2026 THEME

Strengthening Malawi's Ecosystem

The 2026 Forum explores how Malawi can build resilient systems for long-term social impact— through improved coordination, diversified financing, and stronger accountability.

FOCUS AREAS

  • Improved coordination
  • Diversified financing
  • Stronger accountability frameworks

THE FORUM SEEKS TO:

  • Strengthen cross-sector collaboration
  • Diversify financing for social impact
  • Improve governance and accountability
  • Align corporate investment with national priorities
  • Encourage ecosystem-wide partnerships

WHY IT MATTERS

Malawi's Development Ecosystem

For decades, social sector programmes have relied on international financing. Shifting global funding patterns make local coordination, diversified capital, and resilient systems essential.

THE INDEX

Introducing the Umunthu Social Impact Index

The Forum launches the Umunthu Social Impact Index—a recurring ecosystem health measurement framework to track progress and inform policy and investment decisions.

Explore the Index

INDEX METRICS

  • Financing diversity
  • Institutional coordination
  • Governance credibility
  • Accountability culture
  • Collaboration strength

THEMATIC AREAS

Key Thematic Areas

Five focused conversations on the systems that enable social impact—financing, governance, corporate investment, philanthropy, and collaboration.

Capital Diversification & Financing Resilience

Governance, Accountability & Trust

Corporate Social Investment & ESG Alignment

Local Philanthropy & Diaspora Capital

Coordination & Ecosystem Collaboration

SESSION TYPES

Keynote Addresses
TED-Style Talks
Innovation Showcases
Networking Sessions
Executive Panel Discussions
Fireside Conversations
Interactive Workshops

EVENT FORMAT

A Dynamic Experience

A mix of keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions designed to build relationships and turn dialogue into action.

EVENT PROGRAM

Two Days of Diagnosis, Design & Alignment

Explore a dynamic line-up of speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to spark ideas and inspire action. The program brings together leaders and innovators to share insights and practical solutions for strengthening Malawi's social impact ecosystem.

2–3 June 2026
Ufulu Garderns Area 43 Lilongwe
150 Leaders

THE TEAM BEHIND

The Organizing Team

Willson Chivhanga

Willson Chivhanga

Conference Director

Afrikan thought leader, author, and strategist working at the intersection of indigenous wisdom and contemporary systems change. Founder of Thrive Afrika

Ruth Kulaisi

Ruth Kulaisi

Conference Chair Person & Producer

An acclaimed broadcaster, media executive, and communications strategist with experience in television, leadership. Founder of KearComms Media

Ekari Faria

Ekari Faria

Creative Director

A creative tech entrepreneur, brand and creative strategist, social innovator, and thought leader. Founder of InspireX.

Limited tickets available.

Choose Your Pass

Choose the pass that fits your role. All passes include core sessions, materials, and meals (where specified).

For Individuals

Standard Delegate Pass

MK 450,000

  • Full 2-day access
  • 2 breakout sessions
  • Exhibition access
  • All meals included
  • Evening reception
  • Digital report
Most Popular

For Teams of 6

Corporate Table

MK 2,500,000

  • Full 2-day programme access
  • All sessions, panels & breakouts
  • Catered meals both days
  • Day 1 networking drinks
  • Organization listing in booklet
  • Exhibition / speaking access
  • Tables available

For Team of 6 Seats

CSO / NGO Rate

MK 2,400,000

  • Full 2-day programme access
  • All sessions, panels & breakouts
  • Catered meals both days
  • Day 1 networking drinks
  • Organization listing in booklet
  • Exhibition / speaking access
  • Tables available

Early bird pricing ends on 30 April 2026. Package prices will go up after the early bird deadline. Government & development partners — contact us directly.

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership Opportunities

Partners are co-builders of Malawi's social impact architecture, not event sponsors.

1 AVAILABLE

Platinum

MK 15,000,000

  • Sole lead partner spanning both days
  • Opening & closing keynote anchor
  • Full ownership of Plenary 1
  • Editorial advisory board seat
  • Founding advisory partner in Social Impact Index
  • Co-branding on synthesis report
  • Premium 3x3m exhibition in main hall
  • 6 delegate passes
  • Post-event executive roundtable
  • Dedicated pre & post-Forum media feature
  • Podcast interview with Thrive Afrika & KlearComms
  • Two dedicated social media posts
  • Stage backdrop + media wall logo (top placement)
  • Closing recognition address
2 AVAILABLE

Gold

MK 10,000,000

  • Sponsor intro at plenary opening
  • Speaking/panel role in owned plenary
  • Session co-branding on screens & booklet
  • Index consultation inclusion
  • 2x2m exhibition space
  • 4 delegate passes
  • Two social media posts
  • Stage logo & company banner
  • Post-event executive networking
  • Podcast interview
3 AVAILABLE

Silver

MK 7,000,000

  • Lead facilitation role in assigned breakout
  • Breakout room co-branding
  • Synthesis report recognition
  • Exhibition table in networking area
  • 3 delegate passes
  • Full networking access both days
  • Logo on event signage & website

Exhibition Booth

MK 2,000,000

  • Dedicated exhibition table in high-traffic zone
  • Profile listing in delegate guide
  • Website listing
  • 2-minute showcase slot
  • 2 delegate passes

Printing Partner

Exclusive — In-Kind

  • Sponsors all physical Forum materials.
  • Logo on badges, booklets, signage, delegate packs, report
  • 'Official Print Partner' on website & digital channels
  • Verbal acknowledgement at opening & closing
  • 2 delegate passes + exhibition table

Register or Partner With Us

Select your inquiry type and fill out the form below. Our team will get back to you within 24 hours.

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by the Umunthu Forum team. Your details will not be shared with third parties.