MANAonline
Blantyre DC says CS-EPWP implementation on track
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, June 1, Mana: Blantyre District Commissioner, Alex Mdooko, says the district is on track in implementing the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), which is aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving the livelihoods of communities living in various catchment areas.
Mdooko said this recently in Blantyre during a review meeting of CS-EPWP, which brought together extension workers, designated desk officers and District Environmental Sub-Committee members to assess progress in the implementation of the programme in 15 catchments.
The District Commissioner observed that tangible assets created during CS-EPWP’s execution were commendable and meaningful and commended all key stakeholders for their dedication in the implementation of the programme.
Mdooko however emphasized the need for stakeholders’ collaboration, saying this was a sure way of achieving meaningful impact under the CS-EPWP.
“We have project coordinators, desk officers, and lead persons in place that should consistently share notes and implementation challenges. I expect stakeholders to revisit agreed action points from the quarterly review meetings and assess the progress made,” he said.
The District Commissioner also highlighted that participants recruitment process for all social support programmes, such as the Social Cash Transfer and Public Works, is guided by the Unified Beneficiary Register (UBR), with poverty levels as a key determinant
“Therefore, we must ensure that our implementation processes minimize inclusion and exclusion errors. Proper targeting is critical to reaching the most deserving households,” added Mdooko.
District Project Facilitator for CS-EPWP in Blantyre, Aubrey Jazza, said the programme has so far created visible, durable, and high-quality assets in various catchment areas, which are helping to improve household resilience to shocks, enhance household income, and strengthen food security, among other benefits.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Mwalilino’s strike silences Bullets as Bishop backs rising star
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 01, Mana: President and Founder of Amazing Grace Christian Ministry has rewarded Mighty Wanderers Striker Blessings Mwalilino with money amounting to K100,000, as one way of encouraging young talents, saying sporting activities play a big role in shaping a better future for youths.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Bishop Chimwemwe Chafumuka expressed his gratitude following an impressive goal scored by Mighty Wanderers striker Mwalilino against Bullets on Saturday, during Blantyre derby.
“It’s important to be involved in sports since it keeps people, especially the youth, away from bad behaviour, therefore, we need to support sports for it builds discipline and gives hope among them, As a sports lover and a servant of God, I believe in supporting youths who invest in their skills positively," Chafumuka explained.
Mwalilino’s solitary strike brought a hush over the Palestiner’s banquet, as he earned the prestigious Lali Lubani outfit; finally ending the long wait to overshadow their traditional Accra rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Wanderers sit second in the standings of Malawi’s top-flight league with 16 points and a game in hand, just two points behind league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who have 18 points from seven matches.
MITC-XISE US$5bn investment deal excites investors, economists
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, June 01, Mana: Malawian investors and economists have described the US$5 billion investment deal that the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) has clinched with Chinese firms for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Chipoka, Salima, as "game changer" that will turn Malawi into a regional hub for trade and manufacturing.
MITC announced recently that the Centre's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kruger Phiri, successfully pitched the ambitious investment deal at high-profile Xidian International Stock Exchange (XISE) forum in Changsha, Hunan Province, in China, attracting eight Chinese firms to finance the project.
According to the statement that MITC released recently, the eight Chinese companies formalized cooperation agreements to participate in Chipoka’s development.
"Leading the charge is Liaoning Jingmao Quantum Technology Company Limited, pledging a US$520 million investment in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and mining—with execution starting as early as June 2025. Meanwhile, Kings Group committed US$100 million to establish a state-of-the-art fertilizer plant, further anchoring Malawi’s agri-industrial ambitions," the statement read in part.
It further said other than spotlighting Malawi on the global map, XISE has paved way for strategic alliances that could redefine the country’s economic landscape.
Malawian investor based in the US, Michael Matengula, and UK based Malawian economist, Velli Nyirongo, have since expressed their excitement about the deal, saying it will, among others, "reshape" Malawi's tourism economy when it materializes.
"As an investor with a keen interest in emerging markets, I am both impressed and inspired by the bold steps Malawi is taking to position itself as a competitive destination for global capital," Matengula, who is CEO for Sharp Valley Holdings LLC - US, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) through an emailed questionnaire.
"The US$5 billion investment agreement signed at the XISE forum is not just a financial milestone: it is a visionary leap towards economic transformation," he added.
He further described the deal as a game-changer, and that it signals Malawi's readiness to engage with the world on a new level, one that is strategic, forward-looking, and rooted in sustainable development.
According to Matengula, the commitment from Chinese partners, especially in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and agri-industrial sectors, reflects confidence in Malawi's potential and governance.
He further noted that the investment initiative aligns "seamlessly" with the Malawi 2063, with potential to revolutionize Malawi's economy by diversifying its industrial base, enhancing export capacity, and attracting further foreign direct investment.
Similarly, the UK based Malawian economist, Velli Nyirongo, told MANA via a WhatsApp questionnaire that the deal will provide the "much-needed boost" to the economy through increased capital inflows, job creation, and the rapid growth of both industry and infrastructure.
Nyirongo, who is a consultant and global lead for an organization called Centre for Green Economy in Developing Countries, said the phased nature of the investment, starting with significant early funding, shows strong confidence in Malawi’s potential to become a regional hub for trade and manufacturing.
"This agreement stands out as a milestone in Malawi’s economic history: It shifts the country from diplomatic talks to concrete financial commitments and strong international partnerships.
"The involvement of eight Chinese companies reflects a well-rounded approach to industrialization and value addition, which Malawi urgently needs," said Nyirongo.
He further noted that the deal supports Malawi’s vision of developing secondary cities and that, moving forward, the country should use the existing partnership to drive other key projects, such as further development of the Chipoka area, the Shire-Zambezi Waterway, Cape Maclear, and other strategic locations that, when transformed, can give Malawi a strategic competitive advantage in trade and tourism.
Nyirongo continued that beyond short-term economic benefits, the partnership raises Malawi’s profile on the global investment stage, and he hoped that it will encourage technology transfer, and pave way for more alliances that reshape the economy.
"More than just a financial deal, this agreement is a springboard for Malawi’s long-term growth and a step in the right direction towards deeper integration into global value chains," he added.
Nyirongo's remarks echo MITC CEO's sentiments in the recent statement, which summed the US$5 billion Chipoka investment deal as being about “not just about signing deals,” but about "reshaping Malawi’s future through innovation, infrastructure, and industrial transformation.”
Unity crucial for African developments
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 31, Mana: Minister of foreign affairs, Nancy Tembo has urged African countries to unite and work together in order to transform the continents development.
She made the remarks on Saturday during the African day celebrations that took place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The minister commended all countries that participated in the event, as it has showcased various cultures, food and dances.
“We celebrate the African day to commemorate the day of the Organisation of the African Unity started by our forefathers, with the aim to develop Africa when we were coming from colonialism to independence.
“Africa has to unite and integrate in order to utilise the resources available for transformation of its countries;” she added.
Concurring with the Minister, Moroccan Ambassador to Malawi, Abdelikader Nahi said the day has exposed several resources, activities, dances and foods that can be used to transform countries by sharing and working together with one common goal.
“Celebrating African day crucial to all Africans as it has the potential to transform the countries by sharing and utilising the available resources which includes minerals, lakes, mountains and others.
“This day reminds us that we need to join efforts and work together to develop each other;” he said.
The day has been celebrated this year under the theme “Justice for Africans and people of African descendants through reparations”
The day is celebrated on May 25 every year.
Mwanza stadium construction nears completion
By Cassandra Mangulama and Memory Chulu
Mwanza, May 31, Mana: Construction of Mwanza Stadium which now nears completion is expected to improve sports development and other social activities related to sports in the district.
Speaking in an interview this week, Director of Lands and Public Works for Mwanza, Eric Nyekanyeka said the stadium will engage young people into sporting activities thereby improving physical fitness besides improving social interaction.
“The facility will not only benefit our youths but also support the district’s economic activities. It will help the council to generate financial resources through gate collections and we are expecting this to improve local revenue generation. This will also create business opportunities for vendors, restaurants and lodges among others during events,” he said.
During a visit to the site, Bonongwe Construction Service Manager, Maliseni Mtondera Tchire said that construction works of the stadium which started early this year is in its last phase.
“The project started with building of a perimeter brick fence and preparing the ground. Following government instructions to make the stadium unique, we made sure that we do quality works and we constructed a two storey VIP section which is now completed,” added Tchire.
He said the stadium`s ground floor has dressing and shower rooms, players’ toilets and a medic’s office while the upper floor includes VIP section and toilets, a conference room and sports administrator’s office.
The youths in Mwanza have welcomed the construction of the stadium describing it a positive development.
One of the youths in the district, Joel Gombwa said he will take advantage of the stadium to grow his football talent.
Maria Tailosi, a business lady said she was also looking forward to the completion of the Stadium and anticipated good business from those that will come to watch football and other events.
A visit to the project site shows that apart from football and netball grounds, the stadium has basketball and volleyball courts with other facilities such as public toilets and ticket offices at each corner completed.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera launched construction work of the Stadium in January last year,
Farmers asked to adopt modern farming practices
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 31, Mana: Centre for Agriculture Transformation (CAT) says farmers in the country should adopt more modern farming practices, including improved seed technologies for them to realize high yields and value for their crops.
CAT Agronomist Philip Mpauka said this on Friday during a farmers' field day held at Katutu Ground in Msenjere Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the area of Senior Chief Kanyenda in Nkhotakota district.
Mpauka urged more smallholder farmers to embrace resilient crops like cassava, especially in Nkhotakota to boost yields amid climate change challenges.
Meanwhile, Nkhotakota District Council Director of Agriculture Services, Dennis Zingeni, commended the field day where Kamphoni farmer club displayed different varieties of cassava they are cultivating.
“I pledge continued technical support to stakeholders working with farmers in the district for the benefit of the farmers and communities,” said Zingeni.
Chief Executive Officer of Africa Agriculture Holdings Limited (AAHL), Olipa Nyasulu Thole, said government should consider directing the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) towards cassava farming in districts like Nkhotakota citing its flexibility and year-round planting potential.
Political parties urged to promote tolerance ahead of September elections
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, May 31, Mana: Police in the Northern Region have called upon political party directors of youth to promote tolerance ahead of the September 16, 2025 general elections.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for the region, Glinton Mitayi made the call on Friday when he met leaders of nine political parties at the Senior Officers Mess.
"It is possible to conduct political campaigns without violence," he said adding that leaders should strive to promote coexistence with members of different political parties.
Mitayi said the police will ensure that peace exist even during political party campaigns.
He bemoaned use of hate speech among politicians which he said provoke others to resort to violence.
Said Mitayi: "This meeting has been organized to set the pace for us to be engaging and interacting as we approach the elections."
He said political party members should desist from taking the law into their hands saying the law will not spare anyone engaging in acts of violence in the name of political freedom.
Speaking earlier, Regional Community Policing Coordinator, Superintendent Alexander Ngwala said Northern Region has not reported any cases of political violence this far adding that it was important to capitalize on this to foster political tolerance among parties.
He stated political violence is often associated with young people and therefore Youth Directors from all political parties are important to guide their followers on the need to cultivate peaceful political coexistence.
One of the participants who is chairperson for Freedom Party, Frazer Chunga commended police for the engagement saying it has come at the right time.
He said being a member of a political party should not make one an enemy of the other person belonging to another party.
He asked the police to ensure that all political parties are given equal service when need arises.
Nine political parties were represented at the interaction including Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Freedom Party (FP), UTM, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Democratic Front (UDF) and People's Party (PP) just to mention a few.
Journalists urged to counteract disinformation
By George Bulombola
Mana, Mzuzu, May 31: Chairperson for Nyika Media Club, Feston Malekezo, has urged members of the club to be disseminating information that is true and factual and to not propagate malice amongst electoral players ahead of the September 16 General Elections.
Malekezo was speaking on Friday in Mzuzu during the Club`s Annual General meeting at which media practitioners under the club voted for an officer to fill a vacant post of the grouping’s vice chairperson.
The meeting also reviewed the club’s performance during the previous year, besides making some amendments to some clauses of the club’s constitution, among others.
He said people’s trust will be on the mainstream media for credible and factual information as the nation prepares for the General Elections.
“There are rumours and fake news peddlers who utilize various social media platforms, so as journalists, we should prove to be professional so that the society distinguishes between a real journalist and social media fanatics.
If we spread information that will promotes malice, our work would comprise efforts by electoral stakeholders to have credible, free and fair elections, as such, lets write our stories as they are,” said Malekezo.
NICE Trust Programmes officer for Mzuzu City and Mzimba North, Freency Mapanga advised the journalists to refrain from spreading news before fact checking and analyzing.
“Journalists are conspicuous people in the society therefore, you should make sure that you do away with fake news when disseminating information especially this time when the nation is heading towards general elections,” said Mapanga.
On elections for the post of vice chairperson of the club, Towera Katswiri scooped 87 votes against her contender, Isaac Chawinga who secured 16 votes, hence emerging the holder of the mantle.
The meeting was spiced up by presentations by University of Livingstonia (Kaning’ina Campus) and Mzuzu University.
NCD Alliance to raise awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases in Mangochi
By Prisca Kasache
Mangochi, May 31, Mana: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance Malawi, a national civil society network, has unveiled a project called, scaling up Implementation Capacity of NCD, aimed at strengthening prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in Mangochi.
The NCD Alliance Malawi presented details of the project to District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting in Mangochi on Friday.
Project Coordinator, Esther Nyirenda said the network will provide a platform to raise awareness about non communicable diseases by working with various stakeholders, including the media, to share information, prevent non communicable diseases and promote healthy wellbeing of those with non-communicable diseases in Mangochi.
Nyirenda said that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, kidney and liver failure are public health concern as they are killing many people in the country.
‘‘Non-communicable diseases are now a public health concern in Malawi, as they account for 32 percent of all deaths. There is need for urgent action for prevention,
“To reduce avoidable deaths due to NCDs, we want to raise awareness about the diseases. Among other issues, we will strengthen advocacy through collaboration, identifying and working with patients, engaging the media by building their capacity, as well as disseminating crucial information about NCDs and their impact to the public’’ added Nyirenda.
She therefore called for government to enforce regulations that should ensure that companies are producing or importing food products that do not cause non communicable diseases.
The NCD Alliance Malawi project which will run until May 2027, has a total budget of K40 Million for Mangochi, with funding from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) through Partners in Health.
In his remarks, NCD Coordinator for Mangochi District Hospital, George Goshe commended NCD Alliance for the project, expressing hope that it will bridge knowledge gab that exists on non-communicable diseases.
He said non communicable disease situation in Mangochi is currently at an alarming rate, as cases of hypertension, cancer and kidney failure continue to rise.
“We are grateful to NCD Alliance Malawi for involving the media in this project. Their participation will help raise public awareness and promote prevention of these conditions,” said Goshe.
He said many people in Mangochi were not aware of the severity of non-communicable diseases, saying such issues are often sidelined by both the public and the media.
Blantyre commemorates menstrual hygiene day
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, May 31, Mana: Blantyre District Council has called for concerted effort among school authorities and parents to ensure that adolescent girls do not drop out of school or fail to attend classes due to menstrual hygiene issues.
Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elson Mdumuka made the call on Friday at Chikuli Primary School at Senior Chief Kunthembwe’s area during the commemoration of 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day organized by Israeli development partner, IsraAID.
“It is by nature that every girl child has to pass through this stage, but what matters most is for mother groups, school authorities, parents, and guardians to help them understand this biological stage and how they can take care of themselves both at school and home,” he said.
Mdumuka encouraged people, irrespective of gender, to dispel myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Officer for IsraAID, Vitumibiko Mbulo, said the organization will continue to promote best menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls through awareness campaigns.
“We believe that by encouraging girls practice menstrual hygiene will help to promote their health, well-being, and dignity, thereby boosting their self-esteem and confidence,” she said.
A standard 6 girls at Chikuli Primary School, Chisomo Mseko, said she was among many girls that used to be absent from school every time she was menstruating.
She said the awareness during the World Menstrual Hygiene Day changed her perception and built confidence in her that menstruation should not prevent girls from attending classes or be a demotivating factor to girls’ overall well-being.
At the function, IsraAID and Malawi Red Cross Society donated plastic buckets and sanitary pads to learners at Dzunga and Chikuli primary schools.
