MANAonline
China donates 33 tons of maize flour to Malawi
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, November 7, Mana: The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated 33 tons of maize flour worth over MK42 million to households that are food insecure across the country.
Speaking on Thursday, during the official handover of the donation in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumbu in Lilongwe, the Director of Welfare Affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malawi ,Wang Hao ,said the donation is in response to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jimping in China.
Hao said the Government of the People’s Republic of China is prudently aware that in the past years Malawi has suffered a severe impact of natural disasters, other factors resulting to a serious food security crisis.
“As we all know that Malawi is an agricultural country, and the government has put agriculture and food security as top priority of economic development.
“China therefore appreciates the efforts made by the Malawi government under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to respond to the natural disasters and address people’s need for food,” He said.
Hao then said the Government of China will continue supporting African countries including Malawi because of its strong and sound bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
“There is an old Chinese quote, which goes like: Timely help is like sending charcoal in snowy weather. Today’s food donation to the people in hunger is another real reflection of our strong relationship,” He said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, thanked the Chinese government for the timely donation saying many people are in dire need of such support due to their food insecurity.
Kalemba said, apart from the maize flour, the Chinese government will soon support the country with yet another consignment of a donation of rice.
Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Kalumbu urged his subjects to use the donation for the intended purpose and not to sale it.
“There are several people across the country that are in dire need of such donation. It will therefore be unfair to hear that some beneficiaries are selling the donated maize flour,” He said.
Currently, over 2 Million farming households have been affected by hunger due to the effects of the ongoing E-l Nino conditions.
MACRA launches Cyber Security Awareness Month
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe 30 October, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Cyber Security Awareness Month, aimed at enhancing public understanding awareness of cyber security issues.
The launch took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday and will run throughout the month of November with a series of events such as public outreach campaigns to educate and empower citizens on safe online practices.
Speaking during the launch, MACRA’s Board Director Malla Kawale said cyber security has become a critical concern in the digital age, as more Malawians engage with technology in their daily lives.
She said, the rise of internet use presents both opportunities and challenges and therefore it is necessary for individuals, businesses and organizations to understand how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
“As MACRA, we would like to emphasize the importance of this initiative. As we embrace the digital revolution, we must equip our citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online landscape safely,
Cyber security is a shared responsibility and through awareness and education, we can foster a safer digital environment for all Malawians. We therefore encourage all citizens, businesses and organizations to participate actively in cyber security awareness month,” Kawale said.
MACRA’s Consumer Affairs Officer Brave Kaira said 27000 cases of mobile money fraud worth 180 million kwacha have been reported from January to August this year.
He said, 90 percent of the mobile money fraud cases emanate from prisons, especially Zomba Maximum Prison.
Kaira also said it is very important to empower consumers and mobile money agents in order to reduce the number of fraud cases.
“This is the reason the money fraud invasion task force was set up as one of the initiatives to combat mobile money fraud,” he said.
He added that MACRA is hoping to introduce National Identity cards from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to be the one single source of truth and should be linked to biometric data in order to avoid cases of people registering SIM cards using other people’s National IDs.
Food insecure households in Mzuzu to get cash grants
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, October 7, Mana: Project Officer for GiveDirectly, Bahat Ngwira says the organisation intends to roll out unconditional household cash grants to 450 food insecure households in Mzuzu.
Ngwira disclosed this Thursday during a meeting with Mzuzu City Executive Committee members.
She said through the program, called Urban Lean Response Program, each of the households will receive K210,000 delivered in monthly tranches of K70,000, starting from January 2025.
“All the payments will be distributed through mobile money using Airtel as mobile network operator. Airtel was selected on the basis of its market share, reach and experience working on similar projects.
“In order to facilitate mobile payments, all recipients will be provided with an Airtel SIM card through which they will receive their cash grants,” Ngwira said.
She said GiveDirectly will take a universal targeting approach, enrolling every eligible household in all the wards in Mzuzu.
Ngwira added that the organisation is working in close collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs to ensure there are no duplications as well as exclusions of beneficiaries.
Youth Officer responsible for Mzuzu City, Misheck Msokwa asked GiveDirectly to properly mentor the beneficiaries to ensure they don’t use the cash grants for unintended purposes.
“This is a safety net programme intended to help families buy food for household use. However, you find that in some instances, the beneficiaries tend to use such cash grants on some other things not related to food including alcohol,” he said.
In his remarks, Director of Planning and Development for Mzuzu City Council, Philemon Maseko, asked the organization to engage relevant stakeholders including community leaders in the identification of beneficiaries to ensure only deserving households are targeted.
GiveDirectly will implement the programme with funding from Scottish Government Climate Justice Fund.
TNM Super League: A weekend of fireworks
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 7, Mana. As the Malawi Super League enters its 28th week, fans are eagerly awaiting an array of intense matchups that promise competitive action and high stakes.
Among the notable fixtures is the only clash between Chitipa United and Fomo FC, scheduled for Saturday at Karonga Stadium. This arrangement allows supporters to focus on the much-anticipated Airtel Top 8 final between Silver Strikers and Big Bullets at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
The weekend lineup continues on Sunday, featuring a diverse slate of games that span the country’s major venues. Kamuzu Barracks will confront Civil Service United at Civo Stadium, while Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos meet Moyale Barracks.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will face Mighty Tigers, and the action will extend to Mzuzu Stadium, where Mzuzu City Hammers take on Creck Sporting Club.
Speaking to the Vice General Secretary, Donnex Chilonga, at the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) expressed optimism, encouraging fans to expect a high quality of play and to maintain decorum across stadiums to support a safe and engaging football atmosphere.
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos FC head coach echoed the importance of securing a win, highlighting his team’s ambitions to finish within the top eight—a target that would secure them a position in next year’s Airtel Top 8 tournament.
The coach noted that this goal reflects both the team’s dedication and its potential to compete among the elite teams in Malawian football.
With just weeks left in the season, every point gained or lost holds significant implications for the league standings, ensuring an exciting weekend for fans and players alike.
Ministry of Education digitalizing education through BEFIT program
By Hope chimwala
Blantyre, November 7, Mana: Malawi Government through the Ministry of Education has embarked on an innovative journey to digitalize education using the Building Education Foundation through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program.
The digitalization agenda includes electrification of schools, internet access, and provision of at least 40 digital access devices per school, National Open Distance and e-Learning policies among others.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, Public Relations Officer in Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera said that Malawi Government is dedicated to improving the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of primary school learners in standard one up to four through (BEFIT).
“Over 80,000 tablets have already been distributed to 660 primary schools across the country, serving over 410,000 learners. In areas where there is no electricity, the ministry is providing vibrant solar panels,” he said.
Education expert, Steve Shara said in an interview that digitalizing access to education is key to transforming societies, as a lot of people do not have access to education.
“We have two million young Malawians aged 15-19 years old, yet only 538,000 are in school, the rest have no access to education because we do not have enough secondary schools,” he said.
Another education expert, Benedicto Kondowe agreed with Shara, saying that digitalizing education in Malawi is a significant step towards achieving Malawi’s 2026 vision, which prioritizes building a strong human capital foundation through quality and accessible education.
“Digitalizing education is a realistic agenda as learners will be equipped with technological knowledge and skills resulting into a productive society. We are living in a digital world and our learners need to be in line with how the world is working,” he said.
The BEFIT program led by the Malawi Government is embedded within the national curriculum and school timetable and by 2029; all public primary schools are expected to have benefited from the program.
Malawi makes significant strides against HIV and AIDS
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe November 7, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samson Mdolo, says it is encouraging to see Malawi making strides in the fight of HIV and AIDS.
Speaking on Wednesday, in Lilongwe, during a three-day Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting, Mdolo said, there is much progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.
“We have made a good progress as a country as far as the fight against HIV and AIDS is concerned. Although there are some difficulties, in the country in fighting the pandemic, but we are making so much progress and our goal is to reduce new infection incidences by 2030.
“As a country we have managed to achieve the new UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, though when we dig deep we still have some sections, we are not doing so well. That is the reason why we have organized this annual review meeting, in order to still assess the progress,” he said.
Mdolo also commended the government of Malawi for showing commitment to the fight by increasing 2024/2025 financial budget for the health sector, saying it is only health people who can positively contribute to the development of the country.
Chairperson of Health Donor Group, Susanne Meltl, congratulated Ministry of Health for doing well in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and pledged that the donor community will continue to support the ministry in its operations.
“As a donor community, we just want to congratulate the Ministry of Health and National Aids Commission (NAC) for conducting a joint review meeting for the first time.
“And we are delighted to see that there has been a progress towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets and we would like to encourage the ministry to further put efforts, and they will have our support,” she said.
In 2022/23, the prevalence of HIV among adults in Malawi was 8.9 percent, which corresponds to approximately 946,000 adults living with HIV. HIV prevalence was higher among women (10.5%) than among men (7.1%).
Tobacco farmers urged to embrace new tobacco practices
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, November 7, MANA: Director of Crop Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Elida Kazira has appealed to all tobacco industry stakeholders to embrace the implementation of new tobacco practices, saying it is critical in transforming the tobacco industry and the country`s economy.
Kazira was speaking during the official opening of the 2024 Tobacco Industry Conference in Lilongwe on Thursday, which is being held under the theme “Learning from our success and challenges to improve the future” emphasizing that tobacco industry plays a vital role to ensure the sustainability of forex in the country.
In her address, Kazira highlighted the need to reflect on labour practices in tobacco industry stating the implementation of the Agriculture Labour Practice Code which was launched recently in an effort to eliminate child labour in the tobacco industry.
The Director also stressed the need for proper management and interest in tobacco production acknowledging the increased tobacco production in 2023/2024 growing season.
She noted that as of 31st October 2024, the Tobacco Commission had licensed 230 million kilogrammes compared to the 133 million kilogrammes licensed during the last season for the benefit of the country.
“It is sobering to note that the conference in not just looking at lessons from success but from challenges as well” she said. “There is an opportunity to learn from the delayed payment of proceeds to tobacco growers in the 2023/2024 selling season.
Commissioner for Tobacco Commission Dr. Godfrey Chapola appealed for collective efforts and collaboration among tobacco stakeholders to ensure there is a platform for tobacco players in the industry to learn, share knowledge and experience as well as address challenges faced in the tobacco industry
“This gathering here is to share experience and to share knowledge so that we can map and forge forward as an industry.,” he added.
Chairperson for Tobacco Processers Association(TPA) Moffat Hamilton Gama, who is also the Managing Director for Japan Tobacco International(JTI) advised tobacco growers in the country to consider optimal production to ensure they offer global market a quality product.
Among other stakeholders, the Tobacco Industry Conference has attracted key players from Tobacco Growers Association(TGA), Banker's Association of Malawi(BAM), Auction Holdings Limited(AHL), Agriculture Research Extension Trust(ARET) and Japan Tobac
Committees impressed with CAS Project
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, November 7, Mana: Parliamentary Committees for Education and Media, Information, and Communication have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the construction of the state-of-the-art computer laboratory at Ndirande Hills Secondary, courtesy of the Connect A School (CAS) project.
Speaking in Blantyre on Thursday after inspecting the project, Education Committee Vice Chairperson, Ephraim Nayeja, said the committees are impressed with the quality of work and the progress made against the project completion timeline.
"The quality of the infrastructure is of high standard and as a committee we will continue to monitor the project to ensure that the quality is maintained up to the finishing," he said.
Vice Chair for Media, Information and Communication in Parliament, Ishmael Grant, said based on the progress made in the construction, he is optimistic that the laboratory will be ready by next month.
He hailed Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for implementing CAS project, saying it aligns perfectly with government's vision of providing students with the essential tools and skills needed to thrive in the digital era.
"This initiative does not only bridge the digital divide but also fosters an inclusive and forward-thinking environment, thereby laying a robust foundation for Malawi's socioeconomic growth and ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital era," he said.
Ndirande Hills Secondary School Head Teacher, Wyson Phiri, said the laboratory will ease challenges faced by the students in accessing modern tools, resources and opportunities for studies and career development.
He pledged to take care of the facility to ensure that it benefits students now and years to come.
About 75 schools across the country are expected to benefit from the CAS project through Universal Service Fund in its first phase of implementation, which will end by December this year.
Each laboratory built in the schools will be provided with 20 computers and each school will be connected to the internet for three years.
QECH hails MYU feeding programme
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, November 7, Mana: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) has praised the Muslim Youth United (MYU) weekly feeding programme, which provides meals and hygiene supplies to 1,200 patients every Wednesday.
The programme, which was established in 2019, provides packets of Chiponde (RUTF), Likuni Phala, cooking oil, milk, maize flour, soya pieces and eggs and has proved essential in meeting critical nutritional needs for patients and alleviating some of the hospital’s resource challenges.
QECH Hospital Administrator, Sipho Nyasulu, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday that the collaboration with MYU has been vital since the programme began.
“This initiative bridges the nutrition gap for our patients. We work hand-in-hand with MYU to identify beneficiaries and ensure resources are distributed effectively,” Nyasulu said.
He said their role in the project is more than just receiving donation but also overseeing that these resources truly reach those in need.
According to Nyasulu, the programme initially targeted only two wards; pediatrics and orthopedics, but now covers most of the wards.
"When the programme was launched, it was limited in scope, but it has since expanded, helping us support a broader range of patients,” he said.
He said the hospital still struggles to meet the dietary requirements of patients with specific illnesses that call for high-protein or therapeutic meals.
"Certain patients require special meals tailored to their illnesses, which are costly. We rely on feeding programmes like these to bridge the gap as the demand far exceeds our capacity to supply," he said.
Nyasulu called on stakeholders and well-wishers to step in and support specialized nutritional needs programmes saying while government supports them, demand is still high for them to meet it alone.
In a separate interview, MYU Feeding Programme Coordinator Wadson Banda said the programme has been impactful, aligning with Islamic values of helping the needy and the sick.
"Our Prophet Muhammad encourages us to always assist those in need, especially the sick. This feeding programme helps us fulfill that duty," Banda said.
He explained that since its launch in 2019, the programme has evolved to address immediate needs.
In addition to food, MYU provides hygiene supplies to improve hospital conditions and prevent illnesses.
He said the initiative has also fostered personal and spiritual growth among MYU youth volunteers who engage directly with patients during their visits.
Banda encouraged Muslims across Malawi to establish similar feeding programmes at hospitals nationwide.
QECH receives support amounting to K3 million every six months and K25 million per year from the initiative.
Advancing E-payment in Social Protection Programmes
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, November 7, Mana: 44 year-old Mercy Sontho had already planned how she would meaningfully use that month’s Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) stipend.
To the contrary, unknown assailants, three in total, attacked her on her way home, foiling all her expectations.
This left her with many thoughts on how she would recover from the ruthless incident that occurred on March 6, 2021.
“I vividly recall that they threatened me with sharp knives for the money I got from the pay point or risk losing my life.
“Since I was engulfed with fear, I surrendered the money amounting to K42, 000. Immediately I complied, they disappeared into the nearby bush," recalls the soft-spoken Sontho, who lost her husband years back.
Today, apart from piecework, Sontho relies on SCTP monthly stipends to feed her five-member family.
Popularly known as Mtukula Pakhomo, SCTP is a Malawi Government initiative under the Social Protection Programme targeting the bottom 10 percent of the poverty strata who are ultra-poor and labor constrained according to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, the government arm implementing the programme.
A native of Traditional Authority (TA) Chigaru in Blantyre, Sontho values the monthly stipend, knowing how transformative it is.
Seemingly, little, considering the current economic landscape, at that time, Sontho says she could use the money to buy necessities for her five-member family.
“It was sad because the situation left me in a dilemma. I had planned to use the money to beef up the income generated from vegetable sales to buy foodstuffs,” she laments.
Desperate, Sontho took solace in some foodstuffs that sympathetic community members brought in support of her household.
Her experience reflects the risks posed by the cash payment system used in some social protection programmes like Mtukula Pakhomo. Beneficiaries may lose money that they could have used to alleviate their plight.
Springing from such risks, government introduced the electronic payment system (e-payment) to replace traditional cash payments to protect people like Sontho, with Blantyre being one of the 21 beneficiary districts.
The e-payment system is a digital infrastructure that enables the electronic transfer of funds between individuals or entities.
Sontho today receives her monthly stipends via a mobile wallet on her phone. With this, she feels safe.
“At first, I was hesitant to register for a mobile wallet through Telekom Network Malawi (TNM) Mpamba, but after being sensitized about its benefits, one of which is the security of my money, I accepted,” she says.
Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Kumbukeni Kauwa, says in Blantyre close to 7,804 beneficiaries under the programme graduated from manual (cash) payments to electronic payments in 2022.
Apart from the e-payment system being used in SCTP, it is also being utilized in processing payments for the participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), another component under the Social Support for Resilience Livelihood Project (SSRLP), funded by the World Bank and other multi-donor trust funds in the district.
District Project Facilitator for Blantyre, Aubrey Jazza, says CS-EPWP, which was introduced in 2022, focuses on creating visible, durable, and quality assets within micro-catchments that will assist in improving household resilience to shocks among others.
He says to date, the programme has close to 17,000 participants who work in 15 catchment areas of Chilambalare, Mgawa, Lirangwi 2, Mlombozi, Mikundi, Somba, Milare, Mabala, Kamwendo, Likhubula, Masinde, Linjemesi, Nazombe and Zemba.
“The participants receive pay through an E-payment system after working for 30 days. The payment service provider is TNM,” says Jazza.
Shadreck Batamosi, one of the CS-EPWP participants from Linjemesi catchment area, hails the e-payment system, saying it reduces the challenges people face with cash payments.
He cites: “E-payment has reduced the time of waiting at pay points for beneficiaries after walking long distances, and also one is assured of maximum security of his/her money because when they receive the money, it's only them who know."
Overall, electronic transaction has simplified the payment process under the social protection programmes such as SCTP and CS-EPWP being implemented by Blantyre District Council.
Principal Information, Communication Technology Officer for Blantyre, Bengula Mhone, attests to the fact that payment of transfers is done in bulk and everyone receives the money at the same time.
In addition, he says the inclusion of ghost households is easily detected, and only eligible and deserving households are taken on board through the Know Your Customer registration process.
Project Manager for TNM Mpamba, Tsimikizo Chikoya, hails the collaboration that exists between Blantyre District Council and the telecom company in the implementation of social protection programs, particularly on the e-payment system.
He advises beneficiaries to make sure that they don't disclose password of their mobile wallet to other people to avoid being duped.
E-payment aims to prepare the country's economy for the adoption of Digital Financial Services (DFS).
Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) first quarter 2024 report issued on September 4 regarding the national payment system, states that DFS remain the most widely used payment method compared to cash withdrawals and cheques.
Non-bank mobile payments (mobile money services) continue to help millions of Malawians like Sontho, Batamasi and others to receive social cash transfers and CS-EPWP payments from government and other development partners.
The RBM report says: "As of the end of March 2024, the number of non-bank mobile money service subscribers stood at 13.0 million, representing a 2.7 percent increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
This shows that Malawi is making good strides in using mobile money services, which are key drivers of financial inclusion and catalysts for economic growth and development."
