Ascent welcomes landmark three-year partnership with NICO Group

LILONGWE, Malawi (July 8, 2026) — Ascent Soccer has announced a landmark three-year partnership with NICO Group that will invest deeply into the organization's mission of creating life-changing opportunities for talented young Malawians through football, education and leadership development.

The partnership was officially launched during a ceremony marking the departure of Ascent's U16 girls and U14 boys teams for Iceland and Sweden, where they will compete against some of Europe's leading academies as part of the organization's ongoing commitment to providing world-class international experiences.

For more than a decade, Ascent has worked from a simple belief: while talent is distributed equally around the world, opportunity is not.

Founded in 2014, Ascent has become one of Africa's leading pathway organizations, combining elite football development, education, character development and sustainability to help young people realize their full potential.

Today, Ascent Soccer graduates compete professionally in France, Germany and Sweden, study at leading North American schools and universities, and represent Malawi on youth and senior national teams.

NICO Group Head of Marketing, Taweni Gondwe Xaba, said the partnership reflects the organization's commitment to investing in initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact.

"We chose to support Ascent Soccer Academy because we believe in what they are doing to transform football in Malawi. They have a proven track record of developing talent, and their commitment to education is what has compelled us to work with them. As we enjoy another season of World Cup football, we are seeing smaller nations competing with traditional giants, showing that with sustained investment, countries like Malawi can also reach the highest level."

She highlighted graduates including Faith Chinzimu, the first Malawian to win a European championship with BK Häcken Women in Sweden; Zobran Elias, a Neuroscience graduate from Trinity College in the United States; and Mwisho Mhango, now playing professionally with Hannover 96 in Germany, as examples of the academy's growing impact.

Ascent Soccer Director Marc Schwenk welcomed NICO Group as a long-term strategic partner.

"For over 10 years we've been witness to the incredible talent and promise of the youth of Malawi. While proud of our impact so far, we're thrilled to have the NICO Group as partners in unlocking even more grassroots and global outcomes, together."

The investment will strengthen Ascent's work across its five interconnected pillars – Soccer, Scholarship, Girls, Green and Grassroots – enabling the organization to expand access to elite coaching, education, international competition and leadership opportunities for young people across Malawi.

Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya also welcomed the announcement.

"The success stories we continue to hear from Ascent Soccer Academy, together with the achievements of players like Temwa Chawinga on the global stage, show that Malawian football is moving in the right direction and a partnership like this is vital for the future of the game."

Ascent also acknowledged the Embassy of Iceland for support of grassroots programs, gender equity initiatives and this international tour to Iceland and Sweden, giving student-athletes invaluable opportunities to compete, learn and represent Malawi on the global stage.

The Embassy of Iceland in Malawi, Head of Mission, Dr. David Bjarnason also shared his enthusiasm for the global opportunities Ascent Soccer is unlocking.

“We have had the privilege of following Ascent, both here in Malawi and in Iceland. We have watched your teams compete, including at Iceland’s Rey Cup, where you’ve shown what young Malawian student-athletes can achieve when they are given the opportunity. All year, people in Iceland still talk about Ascent Soccer, not only because of football, but because of the way you continue to represent Malawi with confidence, good spirit and respect.”

The NICO Group partnership represents one of the largest private sector investments ever made into Ascent's work and reflects a shared belief that investing in young people today can transform communities, strengthen Malawi's sporting future and create leaders whose impact extends far beyond football.

About Ascent Soccer

Ascent Soccer is transforming the future of football and education in Southeast Africa by developing world-class players, scholars and leaders from one of the world's most underserved regions. Built on five interconnected pillars — Soccer, Scholarship, Girls, Green and Grassroots — Ascent operates Southeast Africa's only full-time, gender-equitable residential soccer academy and sub-Saharan Africa's first purpose-built green soccer campus. Since 2014, Ascent has developed more than 50 youth and senior national team players, created more than US$4 million in international scholarship opportunities, reached over 75,000 young people and coaches through grassroots programming, and helped graduates earn professional opportunities in France, Germany, Sweden and Japan.

About NICO Group

NICO Group is Malawi's leading diversified financial services group, providing innovative financial solutions that help individuals, businesses and communities grow with confidence. With operations spanning insurance, banking, pensions, asset management, corporate finance, property and technology, NICO has spent more than five decades investing in the long-term prosperity of Malawi and the region. As the first company listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange, NICO has built a reputation for leadership, innovation and responsible corporate citizenship. Through its businesses and strategic investments across Southern Africa, the Group continues to create lasting value while supporting initiatives that strengthen education, entrepreneurship, sport and sustainable community development.