In its 40-year life span, NICO has grown by leaps and bounds, positioning itself as a giant in insurance services in the country.

"Over the years," says Jaff, "NICO has grown to become not just a composite company, but a financial services company."

Jaff's statement has evidence. "NICO's success story is well documented with several firsts. It was the first to list on the Malawi Stock Exchange and as you are aware, NICO Holdings Limited was the first company in Malawi to have successful investments in a foreign economy.

"Jaff adds that that apart from listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange, NICO has achieved many milestones.

NICO's successful journey saw the company setting up the first cross-border General Insurance Company in Zambia in 1997. This also made NICO the first Malawian company to open a foreign operation managed and controlled from Malawi.

In 2001, NICO acquired a 74 percent, controlling shareholding in the then New Building Society converted into a full-fledged commercial Bank under the name of NBS Bank which is the third largest Bank in the country to date.

Cognizant of the digital world around, NICO Technologies was formed to offer IT services to Group Companies. But Jaffu remembers 2003 fondly.

"In 2003, following significant growth of its core business and investment portfolio, the company restructured to allow the major business units to operate as independent and autonomous companies, leaving all central functions to be the responsibility of a Holding company," says he.

This, says Jaff, saw the birth of NICO Holdings Limited as the holding company, NICO General Insurance Company Limited and, NICO Life Insurance Company Limited.

In 2004, and in pursuance of our Regional Growth Strategy, NICO acquired Imperial Insurance Company Limited in Uganda, and in the following year, acquired Imperial Insurance Company Limited in Tanzania.

2009 saw the acquisition of a stake in SFG Insurance in Zimbabwe and formation of an Investment company, NICO Asset Managers Limited.

"Today, NICO is not only a truly multinational company, but also the only Malawian multi-national company." Jaff is right. It is a true Malawian company, that evident from the above highlighted achievements, is in a country to serve as many customers as possible.

But what is the secret behind this robust growth?

"A major asset of the group is the experienced and dynamic professional employees. NICO employs the best person for the job and boasts of a highly motivated, trained and qualified professional team. "This team together with rest of the staff are always ready and eager to serve you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are at work wherever they are," shares Jaff.

Jaff says the company also owes its growth to its portfolio investor. He says it has significant investments in Standard Bank Malawi, Blantyre Hotels Limited, Chichiri Shopping Centre Limited, Chibuku Products Limited, Mwaiwathu Private Hospital, among others.

Some of the investments are landmark infrastructural developments which include NICO Centre in Lilongwe, and the Lilongwe City mall, Chichiri Shopping Centre in Blantyre and Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre.

"These developments have not only transformed Malawi's landscape, but have also contributed to the country's wealth. NICO is, therefore, a true partner in the economic transformation of the country," remarks Jaff.

But, as they say, the beauty of neighbourhood lies in reciprocating favours. Throughout its history of existence, NICO has been giving back to society through a social corporate investment.

The investment has seen the company get engaged in corporate social responsibility gestures such as The Young Achiever Award Programme, HIV and Aids at work place, supporting various Institutions in risk management activities, and local charities.

Yet, at 40, having done all this, the company feels life has just begun.

NICO pins eyes to the future with great prospects, greater than what the company has accomplished. "Nico Holdings Limited has a strategy to expand to be one of the largest financial services companies outside South Africa. NICO Holdings Limited is set to be a Pan African Company," says Jaff.