<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In a landmark</strong> move toward digital transformation, UNC and KASO SACCOs officially launched their joint automation project during a high-level kickoff meeting held at the UN SACCO premises boardroom on November 11, 2025. The event marked a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and delivering more convenient financial services to SACCO members.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The meeting was graced by the executive committees of both SACCO boards, who emphasized the critical role of staff commitment in ensuring the project’s success. In their joint remarks, the leaders called on SACCO personnel to fully embrace the initiative, noting that its benefits — improved service delivery, streamlined operations, and member satisfaction — depend on active participation and ownership.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mr. Kuyeya, Technical Services Manager at MFIHUB Limited, outlined the project’s key deliverables, which include the implementation of a fully-fledged core banking system and the introduction of digital delivery channels via both USSD and internet banking platforms. These innovations are expected to significantly improve accessibility and responsiveness across SACCO operations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">MUSCCO, the apex body for SACCOs in Malawi, is playing a pivotal role in the project by providing project management oversight. Their involvement is geared toward ensuring that the initiative is delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with cooperative standards.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The six-week project timeline includes critical activities such as data migration, staff training, system testing, go-live execution, and post-launch stabilization. These phases are designed to ensure a smooth transition and long-term sustainability of the new systems.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The kickoff event concluded with a shared sense of purpose and optimism, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to building SACCOs that are digitally empowered, member-focused, and future-ready.</p>
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