MANAonline
Youths in Thyolo commend TRADE Project for livelihood improvement
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, January 14, Mana: Youths in Thyolo have commended the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) programme for improving their livelihoods.
The commendation was made during the district council’s supervision visit conducted by TRADE in various Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in the district.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday after a meeting at Goliati Milk Bulking Group Youth Clubs under Matapwata EPA, one of the beneficiaries, Master Jonas said the programme has transformed his life.
“With the introduction of the programme, I have started a business of selling potato chips. I am also a student and the income I earn enables me to pay my school fees independently,” he said.
Another beneficiary, a youthful mother, Aida Mandala, illustrated how the household approach method introduced by the programme has positively contributed to her wellbeing.
“Initially, I didnt understand the importance of working together as a family. But now we collaborate for the benefit of all, regardless of gender roles,” she said.
Mandala added that after being mentored, she set a vision to accomplish certain goals by 2026, many of which have already been achieved.
Jessie Mathiya, an extension worker for Matapwata EPA, hailed TRADE project for equipping the youth with valuable skills and keeping them engaged.
“The project is crucial as it has trained the youth in making cattle feed (silage) to boost milk production, entrepreneurship and managing village savings banks,” Mathiya said.
She encouraged other youths to join similar groups to gain skills and remain active, emphasizing that “the youth need to be proactive, not passive.”
Thyolo District Youth Officer Blessings Major thanked TRADE for the impact it has made on the youth, noting its significant role in uplifting the district's socio-economic profile.
“Under the initiative, the youth are being trained in business management and strategies to increase their income. This instills a spirit of self-reliance and contributes to national development,” he said.
Major, however, emphasized that active youth participation in business and projects reduces unemployment and curbs immoral behaviour stemming from idleness.
Thyolo TRADE Desk Officer Kingsley Masinga disclosed that the programme has trained 15 youths under Goliati Milk Bulking Groups in making cattle feed and other essential skills.
“These trained youths are now running businesses instead of solely relying on employment after school, reflecting a change in mindset,” Masinga said.
The six-year TRADE project is being implemented in Thyolo across four EPAs of Matapwata, Thyolo Central, Dwale and Khonjeni.
Dedza water crisis requires long lasting solution - CRWB
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, January 14, Mana: Central Region Water Board (CRWB) says population growth, deforestation and erratic rains are some of the factors that have contributed to water shortage problem in Dedza.
CRWB Chief Executive Officer John Makwenda said the problem requires a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
Makwenda was speaking on Monday when he engaged Dedza residents who planned a vigil at CRWB Dedza offices, accusing the body of failing to implement an even water supply rationing amid the crisis as per agreed in their first meeting of July 3, 2024.
He said the board’s major source of water is Dedza Mountain, whose supply has dwindled over the years due to loss of vegetation cover amid population growth.
“Dedza Mountain is our major source of water. We lost many trees around the mountain hence the problem. We brought in other measures, such as drilling boreholes and installing water pumps. However, these solutions have met other challenges like inconsistence supply of power,” he said.
Makwenda said the board had presented a comprehensive water supply project proposal to government, suggesting the problem would need over K40 billion and that other districts such as Ntcheu are also in need.
He assured Dedza residents that in the interim the board will intensify the water rationing programme, replace four water pumps at borehole sites by Friday, January 17, and examine and fix pipe lines that are not producing water probably due to blockage or low pressure to mitigate the crisis.
Ministry of Water and Sanitation Director of Water Supply Services, Prince Mleta, promised allocation of a gen-set from the ministry within the week to boost electricity supply for pumping water at Dauya, one of the sites the board had drilled its boreholes.
“On top of the solar panels which are not sufficing the demand and also that at times we experience power outages, the Ministry will provide a standby gen-set at Dauya,” he said.
He further said government is working in collaboration with CRWB to do away with water shortage in the district, saying this needs construction of dams as a reliable source of water, among others.
“CRWB has made plans and requests which have gone through the Ministry of Water, and the Water Ministry is engaging with the Ministry of Finance to have funds released or lobby for donors to have these projects implemented as soon as possible,” he explained.
Chairperson for Concerned CRWB Water Users Group, which planned the vigil, Medson Gova, expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s resolutions.
“Failure to implement these resolutions will prompt us to take another action. In fact, our plan today was to conduct a peaceful vigil at Dedza CRWB offices,” he said.
During the meeting, residents claimed Dedza Roadblock area did not have access to water for close to two years.
They also bemoaned monthly payment of service fee to the board as injustice to households that never accessed water from the board for many months to which Makwenda said it is legally binding and hard for the board to promise a consideration.
CRWB has over 5,000 clients in Dedza and has updated its rationing programme attributed to erratic rains. The board has advised its clients that the rationing schedule may be affected by power outages, pipe breakdowns and other factors.
Dedza District Council mediated the meeting between the board and the residents.
Councils benefit from new World Bank funded climate resilience programme
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, January 14, Mana: Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture on Tuesday signed grant agreement with 28 district councils which will see the local authorities benefiting from a five-year Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Climate Resilience Programme 2 (RCRP 2) in improving resilience to water related climate shocks, among others.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda presided over the RCRP 2 signing agreement at Armyllis Hotel in Blantyre on top of launching Local Authorities Financial Management Sanction guidelines for proper utilization of funds and adherence to proper procurement procedures.
Chimwendo Banda said the RCPR 2 in Malawi was an indication of donor confidence in the country and stressed that his ministry will continue enforcing all necessary measures that shall ensure proper finance prudence and other fiscal measures in local authorities to maintain donor trust.
“Let us utilize resources prudently. The resources are meant for the communities, we are only custodians,” the minister appealed to district commissioners.
He further cautioned local authorities against mismanagement of financial resources and other forms of fiscal indiscipline that have potential of limiting funding at the expense of Malawians in their respective councils.
“Financial mismanagement, procurement malpractices, abuse of resources and underperformance in councils will not be tolerated at any cost,” said Chimwendo Banda who was accompanied by the ministry's newly appointed Deputy Minister Joyce Chitsulo.
The district councils received dummy cheques with amounts ranging from about K295 million to about K1.3 billion in the first cycle of January to June 2025.
Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga said he was happy that Thyolo Council received K1.1 billion in the first cycle.
He indicated that this will be used to rehabilitate a number of destroyed infrastructures, ranging from schools to health posts in the district.
Gwengwe urges legume cooperatives to engage in crop diversification
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, January 14, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe has urged legume cooperatives to embark on crop production diversification, as legumes have readily available markets.
Gwengwe was speaking Monday when he interacted with members of Team North Cooperative Society which is based in Mzimba North District.
He said the existence of international companies that use raw soya beans, groundnuts and beans for production of various commodities like cooking oil and therapeutic products is an indication that Malawi has great potential in agriculture production.
“I therefore urge all legume cooperatives across the country to consider growing more legumes. Malawi signed a trade protocol with China through which Malawi will be exporting soya beans.
“Bakhresa Malawi Limited, in a few coming months, will be inaugurating its 500 metric ton soya beans crashing plant and this is an indication to other companies and individuals who use soya for various products that soya beans has the market,” said Gwengwe.
He then advised cooperatives to embrace use of modern farming technologies for improved productivity on small pieces of land, considering that farming land is shrinking due to population boom and construction.
“Use of modern technologies in farming will lead to production of more produce from small pieces of land and enhanced value addition for produce to compete on both local and international markets,” he said.
Chairperson for Team North Cooperative Society, Chimwemwe Sibale, said the organization has secured a market for beans in Kenya and applauded Ministry of Trade and Industry for facilitating the achievement.
“We thank Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) Project for providing a grant of about K131 million with the society’s 10 percent contribution totaling to about K188 million.
“This grant was invested in farming productive asserts which include Massey Ferguson Tractor and its accessories such as plough, harrower, ridger and planter, besides using the money for procuring multipurpose thresher and part of it was used to build a warehouse,” said Sibale.
The 56 membership society envisions to realize K210 million and K300 million from sales of beans and soya beans respectively in the current growing season.
4 arrested for theft of motorcycles
By Aubrey Ghambi
Nkhata Bay, January 14, Mana: Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested four men suspected to have stolen motorbikes in the areas of Chikale, Mpamba and Mkondezi in the district.
According to Nkhata Bay Police spokesperson Kondwani James, the suspects were arrested following investigations after complaints were instituted by the victims.
James identified the four as Brighton Mbewe, aged 31, of Muwanga Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwaulambya in Chitipa District, Nickson Simpungwe, 27, of Chapema Village, T/A Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District, 31-year-old Lazaro Ndhlovu of Maleni Village, T/A Mzukuzuku and 19-year-old Chimwemwe Chizumira of Kathazi Village of T/A Kampingosibande in Mzimba District.
“The four were arrested in Mzuzu on January 13 this year," said James.
James added that the suspects then led the investigators to a place where they had hidden the motorcycles which were successfully recovered with their engine and chasis numbers tampered with to conceal their identity.
He said the suspects have been charged with burglary and theft and that they will soon appear in the court.
Police in the district are, therefore, urging communities to enhance security around their homes as a way of safeguarding properties.
MDF commits to enhance military studies
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, January 14, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) says it will continue to review and improve the standards of courses being offered to military officers with an aim of effectively instilling leadership skills that will assist in solving challenges in high pressure situations.
Major General Swithun Mchungula, Commander of the Malawi Maritime Force, made the remarks Monday at MDF's Command and Staff College during the opening of the 4th cohort of Senior Command and Staff Course in Salima District.
"The course is challenging and needs resilience to navigate through. We prepare the officers to be leaders in the Malawi Defence Force and beyond. The skills and knowledge acquired through this course empower the officers to tackle the complexities of modern military operations," Mchungula said.
He emphasized that the course meaningfully assists the officers to contribute to regional and global security as it was tailored to push officers to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence.
"Through this course, we want officers who can command and control but also contribute significantly to the overall functioning of our militaries. Our goal is to uphold the highest intellectual and professional standards, ensuring that we are well-prepared to defend our national interests," explained Mchungula.
Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Enock Ntonya, said that after each cohort, the courses and modules undergo stringent review with an aim of reviewing and advancing the whole curriculum so that it matches with emerging issues in global military dynamics.
"Some of the modules engage with international relations, leadership, and critical thinking. These are not merely academic exercises; they are the bedrock upon which effective military leadership is built," Ntonya explained.
He said during the training period, the students will undergo rigorous and thought-provoking studies that will equip them with complex security, problem-solving and decision-making skills, adding that the training calls for total discipline of adhering to the values of the college.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Mdzalimbo, who is one of the students, said the course will enhance their decision-making abilities while improving their skills and knowledge in their respective roles.
The 45-week course is expected to have 30 students from within the country and allied countries of Uganda, Botswana, Rwanda, South Africa and Eswatin, among others.
The college trains officers from the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel and full colonel. Before the college was in operation, officers were being trained outside the country.
Ministry opened to receive pre-budget suggestions - Chithyola Banda
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, January 14, Mana: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda has assured Malawians that his ministry will take seriously recommendations and proposals provided during pre-budget consultations meeting in coming up with 2025/26 National Budget.
Speaking in Mzuzu during pre-budget consultations meeting, Chithyola Banda said the door is opened for people to suggest to the ministry on how the country can generate own income locally to restore the economy.
“No one will come to develop our nation, hence we need to find ways of how we can utilize available resources for our economic benefit,” he said, adding that the 2025/26 budget will likely depend on locally generated revenue.
Chithyola Banda was responding to remarks by president of Nyika Institute, Moses Mkandawire, who made a presentation on behalf of Civil Society Organizations in the north.
Mkandawire had accused the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for allegedly taking stakeholder contributions for granted, claiming that the 2024/25 National Budget was not a true reflection of what stakeholders had contributed during similar consultations last year.
“Honorable minister, I must be honest with you. As stakeholders, we do not have trust in these consultation meetings. Last year we presented ideas and recommendations, but to our surprise, none was reflected in the budget which was presented to Parliament.
“We represent people; the recommendations are meant to offer solutions to current challenges, hence we expected to see at least some of them being adopted,” said Mkandawire.
In his presentation, Mkandawire appealed to the ministry to include construction of M’mbelwa University, Choma Campus of Mzuzu University and Mzuzu International Airport in the 2025/26 budget.
Various contributors suggested plausible strategies for the country to enhance its local revenue generation, and some of the strategies included investing in mining and establishing local market for minerals besides erecting tollgates on the M1-Road in the north.
President Chakwera arrives in Blantyre
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, January 14, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera arrived in Blantyre on Tuesday from Lilongwe, where he is expected to fulfil several official engagements.
Among others, President Chakwera is scheduled to attend this year's commemoration of John Chilembwe Day and a service of worship at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu.
Chakwera and the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera arrived through Chileka International Airport.
Upon arrival, the Malawi leader was welcomed by government and political party officials.
Other notable faces present were Moses Kumkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitalization; Abida Mia, Minister of Water and Sanitation; traditional leaders; and other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, many people lined up in the streets of Blantyre to give the Malawian leader a thunderous welcome to the southern region, with notable crowds forming at the Clock Tower Roundabout.
Red Cross donates to asylum seekers in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, January 14, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) on Monday donated kitchen utensils and hygiene kits to 1,000 female asylum seekers at Nyamithuthu Camp in Nsanje District.
MRCS Nsanje District Coordinator Jerome Chide said the donation was aimed at easing challenges female asylum seekers face in the camps.
"These people came from Mozambique without anything. They need a lot of support in all aspects of life. As we know, hygiene kit is very paramount to females," he said.
Chide said MRCS is committed to supporting asylum seekers in the district, adding it is planning to reach out to other camps.
He further said the donation was supported by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Nsanje District Health Environmental Officer Chisomo Chalemera praised MRCS for supporting the asylum seekers.
"Female hygiene kits and kitchen utensils are a very critical element of sanitation and hygiene, especially in crowded places where disease prevention is crucial," he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Julian Juwaki from Mulumbala District in Mozambique, said the donation came timely as she had no means to find sanitary pads and kitchen utensils.
She therefore hailed the MRCS for the support.
Nsanje is hosting asylum seekers from Mozambique, following post-election political violence in Mozambique.
Kunkuyu impressed with NEEF successes
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, January 14, Mana: Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has expressed satisfaction with the successes National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has made so far.
Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of fertilizer distribution at Thunder in Zomba, Kunkuyu said since the establishment of the fund, over 200,000 Malawians have benefited through various projects.
The minister said NEEF has, among others, provided financial support to Malawians to establish small scale businesses as a way of improving their well-being.
"NEEF was established in 2020 and over the years, we have seen how Malawians have benefited from it. This is why government finds it necessary to provide more financial support so that more Malawians are reached out," he said.
On the fertilizer loan project, the minister said it is the wish of the government to ensure that the country is food secure.
He said most farmers in the country have difficulties in acquiring farming material, a situation that affects their agricultural produce.
"Go and make use of the fertilizer so that the country has enough food. This initiative will continue and reach out to more farmers," Kunkuyu said.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni said since the launch of fertilizer distribution, over 40,000 farmers have benefited from the programme and that over K32 billion has been spent.
Mdyetseni said following the presidential directive that more farmers are reached out, his organization is fully committed to ensure all districts benefit, regardless of region or political affiliation.
He said through the loan, Malawi stands a chance to produce more food, end poverty and spur economic activities.
The CEO has since appealed to the programme's beneficiaries to desist from selling the fertilizer, as that would be against the purpose of the initiative.
"We will follow you up and ensure that the fertilizer has been applied in farms. Should we discover that someone has sold the fertilizer, we will arrest them and entirely close the group," he warned.
Senior Chief Mlumbe hailed government for the programme, observing that many farmers in the country have land to cultivate but fertilizer is the major challenge.
About 789 farmers are expected to benefit from the fertilizer loan programme in Zomba.
