Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and CDH Investment Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth USD 120,000.

Speaking during the signing of the three-year agreement, CDH Investment Bank Chief Business Development Officer, Jamal Kamoto, said the bank is committed to making a significant impact at LUANAR by supporting various initiatives. According to Kamoto, the bank increased the funding from USD 30,000, which was provided three years ago, to USD 120,000 after being impressed with the achievements realized under the first MoU.

“This time around, we are targeting improvements at LUANAR and support for students by investing in eco-forestry and tourism development of the university forests, purchasing a solar-powered system to aid students in their studies and innovation, and providing scholarships to needy but brilliant students” Kamoto said.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, commended CDH Investment Bank for the gesture, describing the bank as a true partner in helping the university achieve its goals. He said the eco-forestry initiative will enhance tourism at LUANAR and surrounding areas through tree-planting activities.

“This USD 120,000 MoU from CDH Investment Bank is timely because LUANAR has long aspired to develop certain areas. We have always wanted the forests at Bunda and NRC campuses to be utilized as tourism facilities. We needed resources to implement this, and CDH has provided that support,” said Professor Kaunda.
He further said that through the endowment fund, the university will be able to support innovation and provide scholarships to talented students.

The Vice Chancellor added, “The installation of the solar system will go a long way in addressing intermittent electricity blackouts at the university, which have been a challenge for both students and staff. This MoU is exactly what LUANAR needed for its development.”

After signing the USD 120,000 Memorandum of Understanding, LUANAR and CDH Investment Bank conducted a tree-planting exercise at Mlewa Full Primary School in the area of Senior Group Village Headman Mlewa, Traditional Authority Chiseka, in Lilongwe District, where 2,500 trees were planted. LUANAR is planning to plant over 40,000 trees during the 2025–2026 tree-planting season. The ceremony was held under the theme: “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience.”