On 20th January 2026, Msilikali SACCO (MSACCO), in partnership with Press Trust, joined the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in the official launch of the 2026 MDF Tree Planting Season at Kamuzu Barracks. The event was presided over by Major General Elvis Mwase, Commander of Malawi National Services, and highlighted the urgent need to restore degraded forest landscapes as part of national environmental conservation efforts.
Demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, Msilikali SACCO contributed 10,000 assorted tree seedlings to support the initiative. Press Trust also supported the exercise with an additional donation of 10,000 tree seedlings. The seedlings included Mibawa, Acacia, Jacaranda, and Mtangatanga species, all selected for their ecological and environmental benefits.
In his speech, Major General Mwase expressed sincere appreciation to Msilikali SACCO and Press Trust for their valuable support. He emphasized that deforestation remains a serious threat to Malawi’s environmental and economic security and called upon all stakeholders to work together to plant at least 50,000 trees during the 2026 season.
Commenting on the initiative, Colonel Simwaka noted that Msilikali SACCO operates in line with Cooperative Principle Number Seven, which emphasizes concern for the community and obliges cooperatives to actively give back to society. He further highlighted that, in alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and good governance, the tree planting exercise reflects MSACCO’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of natural resources for both present and future generations.
Speaking during the event, Gibson Ngalamila, Executive Secretary of Press Trust highlighted the critical role of tree planting in conserving the environment. He noted that trees are essential in combating climate change, protecting water catchment areas, and preserving biodiversity, and called for sustained commitment from institutions and individuals alike to safeguard Malawi’s natural resources.
The partnership between Msilikali SACCO and the Malawi Defence Force in tree planting initiatives is longstanding. This annual exercise has become a cornerstone activity, reaffirming the SACCO’s dedication to environmental protection and its proactive role in addressing environmental degradation and climate change.
Msilikali SACCO remains proud to stand alongside its partners on this important journey, championing environmental preservation as a shared responsibility towards a sustainable and resilient future.
