Mobile telecoms operator TNM has donated K1 million to the Malawi Institute of Engineers (MIE) to assist with the organisation’s annual Lakeshore conference, which this year reflects on the achievements of the engineering profession during Malawi’s 50 years of independence.

Chief Operations Officer Eric Valentine said TNM decided to partner MIE as it considers engineers to be a backbone for economic development through their engineering innovations.

“Principally, TNM as a telecoms business relies on engineers who work its networks and support the technologies we use. As a company we therefore appreciate their role in the industry. Overall, we consider engineers critical to the country’s economic development,” he said.

Receiving the donation, MIE President George Thawe described TNM as a trusted partner.

“TNM is an engineering institution that uses engineering technology to achieve its core result areas. We’re partners and as MIE we greatly appreciate their gesture today,” said Thawe, who is also CEO for Blantyre Water Board.

The two-day conference at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi on Lake Malawi will be held under the theme; Malawi@50: Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future.

Thawe said the conference will discuss current issues and identify opportunities for the strategic direction of the profession for the next 50 years.