By Kondwani Magombo

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday donated to Malawi government 48 kits of pediatric severe acute malnutrition (PEDSAM) worth MK62.2m to address the challenges posed by pediatric severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the country.

WHO Country Representative to Malawi, Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, made the donation through the Ministry of Health at a ceremony held at Capitol Hill, Lilongwe.

Kimambo described the donation as “a crucial contribution to Malawi's healthcare system, particularly in addressing the effects of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children in the country.

She said the PEDSAM Kits are meticulously designed to provide essential supplies necessary for the effective treatment and care of children suffering from malnutrition, as well as malaria.

“Enclosed within each kit are vital resources aimed at reaching 50 SAM pediatric cases for three months,” said Kimambo, and she continued: “This provision ensures a sustained effort in combating malnutrition among our nation's children, reflecting our commitment to their well-being.”

The WHO Country Representative to Malawi disclosed the total procurement cost of the donation as US$35,560.56, which translates to approximately MK62, 230,980.00.

“This investment underscores our dedication to improving public health outcomes and ensuring access to essential healthcare resources for all Malawians,” said Kimambo, adding: “As we navigate through the challenges posed by the lean season, WHO is fully committed to facilitating the swift delivery and utilization of these kits to the designated healthcare facilities across the country.”

In her acceptance speech, Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, hailed WHO for the donation, which she described as “timely and very useful for Malawi”.

The minister said the country continues to struggle with a high infant mortality rate and that, of late, there has been progressive reduction owing to Government’s collaboration with development partners.

“The current infant mortality rate for Malawi in 2024 is 31 deaths per 1000 live births, a 4.2 percent decline from 2023; The infant mortality rate for Malawi in 2023 was 33 deaths per 1000 live births, a 5.1 percent decline from 2022,” explained Chiponda.

She noted that cases of severe malnutrition and malaria in children in Malawi highly contribute to the reported high infant mortality rates with malnutrition alone, accounting for at least 30 percent of the deaths.

She, therefore, said any efforts to stop the rise of the infant mortality rate, as WHO has done, is commendable and encouraged to save the lives of the children and the future leaders of Malawi.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, April 8 Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, has reiterated government's commitment in providing affordable and accessible internet connectivity to all Malawians.

Kunkuyu made the remarks Monday at the opening of a two-day International Communication Union (ITU) Regional workshop on cost models for data services and international internet connectivity, organised by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) in Lilongwe.

He said the workshop will serve as a platform to address challenges that developing countries like Malawi are facing with internet connectivity services.

He said   government is committed in ensuring that Malawians have access to affordable internet services.

In his remarks, MACRA's Director General, Daud Suleman said that the workshop will help the regulatory body to ensure that Malawians are connected to the internet, which is one of the enablers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Suleman indicated that due to the emergence of digital technologies in Malawi, the country can venture into a digital economy through the availability of affordable internet connectivity and access to smartphones among Malawians.

“As one of the least developed countries, we require digitalization and this is the only enabler that will allow us as a nation to achieve and attain 70 percent of the Malawi sustainable development goals by 2030

Currently, we are at a position where only a few Malawians are connected to the internet, and connecting to the internet unlocks a potential opportunity since the world has become digital and has also created a globalized market,” he added.

He also disclosed that digitalization will also help the country to have a state of preparedness in case of emergencies such as cyclones and other natural disasters.

“With digitalisation and the use of data, we will be in a better position to predict our crop harvestings statistics and forewarn the nation on what to grow during planting farming season” Suleman said

He also said despite Malawi having cheap data in the African region, government is doing everything possible to ensure that 70 percent of those not connected to the internet grid can connect themselves with cheaper internet connectivity

Vijay Maurce who is the Standardise Bureau Programme Coordinator at ITU said the two-day workshop is approving a platform for knowledge sharing on best practices that can be adopted by different countries.

He also emphasised that affordable internet connectivity drives the socio-economic livelihoods and the development of other industries such as artificial intelligence hence the need for all regional countries to have affordable and accessible internet.

ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), is made up of a membership of 193 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities, and international and regional organisations.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

NKhata Bay, April 8, Mana: Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Raphael Mhone has joined the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), dumping the Peoples Party (PP).

MCP Director of Strategy and Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma officially welcomed Mhone together with several members from PP at district and constituency level during a political rally in the district on Sunday.  

At the rally, Ng'oma said development policies that MCP was implementing on the ground was what was attracting people to leave their parties and join it.  

"In my view, people are joining MCP everyday because of development strategies that we are implementing. You know President Dr Lazurus Chakwera is dwelling on development, he is making sure that Malawi  develops in all districts.

“The K200 million which every MP is accessing as Constituency Development Fund is spearheading development across the country. Those policies are making Chakwera popular and wherever you go, everyone wants to be part of the president’s development plan," he said.

Ng’oma said MCP’s victory in recent Karonga by-elections was a testament that people are appreciating development projects MCP led Tonse Alliance government was implementing in the country. 

"Remember people were saying bad things about MCP on social media, however, we won all seats in the recent by-elections conducted in Karonga.

“You cannot use social media to influence a person who has no gadgets for accessing social media platforms. MCP is on the grassroots not on the social media," he said.

The Director said as strategist for MCP, he would make sure that Nkhata Bay should have more than three MCP MPs in the next general elections.

MCP Northern Region Chairperson, Julius Chavula said the party adheres to open door policy and will follow “meaningful and practical democracy” in its primaries for the constituency where Mhone was likely to battle it out with Ian Lyton Kaunda.

In his remarks, Mhone said he has joined MCP following advice from his supporters across the constituency.

By George Mponda

Karonga, April 8, Mana: Karonga United FC defeated Baka City 1-0 on Sunday to earn the Paramount Chief Kyungu derby bragging rights.

Rookie Blessings Mwalilino scored the winning goal in the second half of the match played at Karonga Stadium.

Mwalilino's heroics also earned him man of the match award in the TNM Super league first game for both teams in the 2024/25 season.

The first half ended 0-0 with nothing much to write about however, in the second half, Mwalilino who was playing his first Superleague game put the ball in the back of the net in the 65th minute, following an assist from Allen Chihana.

Karonga United FC talisman Ellie Kayombo also had sight of goal for the Ingwina Shaku Karonga when they won the ball high up the pitch but his right footed effort struck the crossbar.

After the final whistle, Karonga United's Head Coach, Trevor Kajawa, described the match as an even contest.

"Our team is a mixture of young and experienced players and fans should have patience. We will be bringing in good results. I believe the team is in good shape and the spirit is there among the boys to deliver," Kajawa said.

Baka City's Assistant Coach, Davie Muyombe decried lack of clearances for some of his players who were not used in the derby as having disrupted his game plan.

"We signed some players but we are yet to get clearances from their clubs. That is why we did not use them but I am sure once they are cleared, then we will have a strong side and we will be winning games," Muyombe said.

On his part, Superleague of Malawi (SULOM) executive member, Henry Banda said the league has started on a good note without any violent incidents.

By Tione Andsen

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: New kids on block in the TNM Super League, Creck Sporting club has moved to the summit of the league with a 3-1 win in their maiden game against Mighty Tigers in Lilongwe.

The Lilongwe based outfit had to dislodged, leaders Silver Strikers on goal difference after the Central Bankers had recorded a 2-0 win over Chitipa United at Silver stadium on Saturday.

It is not surprising that the new kids have started on high note owing to the fact that they are not being coached by former Chitipa United mentor, Mc Donald Mtetemera who helped his team to finish fourth on the log table.  

Creck scored through Haji Wali, Dalitso Nahipa and Babaginda while Tigers replied through Msambero Kalua.

Another new comer, FOMO humbled last season’s much improved team, Bangwe All Stars with a 1-0 beating through Hassan Luwembe’s 76^th minute cracker.

Both Creck and FOMO have a task ahead of them to make sure that they continue collecting maximum points in order to finish the season on better positions and avoid relegation battles.

The third debutant of the league, Baka City suffered a setback after they were beaten by rivals, Karonga United 1-0 which was scored by Blessings Mwalilino.

They have taken off on a bad start, but still have opportunity to recollect their situation in their next fixtures.

Back City is now being coached by Davie Miyombe after sudden departure of their head coach, Oscar Kaunda who is reported to have joined Karonga United as an assistant coach.

However, 2023 TNM defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets had a tough weekend in Dedza where they were forced to a 1-1 draw against Dedza Dynamos.

Bullets striker, Ephraim Kondowe put his team a head in the 38^th minute. while Dedza’s Promised Kamwendo cancelled the lead in the 65^th minute.

Bullets continue their record of not losing games during the opening of the season, but still struggled to record a win against Dedza Dynamos at their backyard.  

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on Sunday shared spoils with Kamuzu Barracks (KB) when they settled for a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Wanderers took the lead through Christopher Kumwembe in the 29^th minute while KB equalized in the 72^nd minute through Zeliati Nkhoma.

The other teams that have won their first games are Moyale 2 Mafco 1, Mzuzu City Hammerers 1- Civil Service United 0.

By Kondwani Magombo

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: It is majestically taking shape on 3.271 hectares of land on the courtyards of the historical Lilongwe Golf Course, promising the elegance that many a guest, world over, would be contented with.   

The K88.8 billion (US$52.8 million) Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls is Blantyre Hotels plc (BHL) project, signaling the expansion of the company's portfolio of hotels beyond Protea Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre to the capital city, Lilongwe.

The new hotel is being developed to 4-star grade and it will, among others, boast 180 rooms, conferencing facilities with a capacity to hold up to 350 participants, and a health & fitness complex that will incorporate a spa and gym facilities.

To seal the mark of excellency, when completed, a globally known luxury hotel management company, Marriott International, will be operating the hotel under the banner, Protea Hotel by Marriott, according to BHL General Manager, Farrukh Maqbool.

“Marriott International is a globally recognized hotel brand known for its high standards of service and quality,” explains Maqbool through a questionnaire. “Operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand will help the new hotel establish credibility and attract guests who are familiar with, and trust, the Marriott name.”

Maqbool describes Protea Hotel by Marriott as one of the 31 brands offered by Marriott International, adding that the Marriott Loyalty programme, BONVOY, which has recently hit a membership of over 200 million globally, is an award winning loyalty programme where members enjoy exclusive rates, and unlimited travel possibilities.

The BHL General Manager also believes that, as part of the Marriott International network, the hotel will benefit from a global distribution system, making it easier to reach potential guests around the world, and drive bookings.

“Overall, operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand is likely to bring significant value to the new hotel, helping it establish a strong presence in Lilongwe's hospitality market and attract a loyal customer base,” Maqbool sums it up.

According to the BHL general Manager, the expansion to Lilongwe has been influenced by market demand for a high-end international hotel in the city; the desire to fulfill the company's strategic expansion plan to increase its footprint in key markets; and the urge to contribute to the economic growth and development of the city, among other factors.

BHL is not a sole player in the project. Other investors include ICON Properties plc (a subsidiary of NICO Holdings plc), Public Service Pension Trust Fund, SUCOMA Group Pension Scheme, Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Limited Pension Fund, and Associated Pension Trust Limited.

The investors are developing the hotel building through the project company, Oasis Hospitality Limited, according to NICO Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vizenge Kumwenda.

As a shareholding entity in the project, NICO Holdings marvels at the so many opportunities that the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls avails both at development and operation stages.

“On average, the project has this far maintained an employment number of 350 people for the past 14 months in the first phase, and this number is expected to double in the second phase,” explains Kumwenda.

He adds: “Beyond the construction workers, the project is also providing employment to local contractors, landscapers, foremen, electricians, plumbers, masons, welders, architects, interior designers, attorneys, engineers, suppliers, hardware store workers, etc.”

Kumwenda further observes that the project has provided artisans an opportunity to practice skills acquired at technical and vocational schools on a professionally managed site.

At operational stage, the CEO also observes that the hotel will provide permanent employment to both skilled and no skilled labour, thus contributing to job creation in the country where unemployment is high.

The Lilongwe Golf Course site is another factor that makes the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls a giant to reckon with in the tourism industry.

“The site has a strong golfing legacy,” observes Kumwenda. “The Lilongwe Golf Course is the only 18-hole PGA rated golf course in the country, with well-kept fairways and greens framed by century old trees.

“The hotel will transform the landscape of the city. The concept pulls the landscape into the building to connect the interior to the natural surroundings. The facilities of the hotel are centred around landscaped courtyards and create a peaceful environment for relaxation and leisure activities.”

Kumwenda also views the emerging hotel as a huge contribution to the development and growth of the tourism industry in Malawi, a view also strongly held by the Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, and the Lilongwe City Council, through its publicist, Tamara Chafunya.

Kantukule describes the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls as a positive development that will address the limited high-end accommodation options in Lilongwe, providing more variety, and attracting a wider range of tourists to the city.

The minister also envisages more benefits beyond just quality hospitality services, as the hotel will stimulate a chain of economic activities around it through related sectors such as transportation and souvenir shops, which will attract more tourists, bringing in foreign currency while boosting government revenue through taxes.

“In addition, the new hotel's positive impact extends beyond economic benefits: its association with a respected brand, Marriott International, could elevate Malawi's image as a refined tourist destination, attracting new high-spending visitors and fostering the hospitality industry's growth,” says the minister.

Similarly, Chafunya says the Lilongwe City Council finds pride in the hotel project as “it will raise the bar in a number of aspects.”

She observes that, with its location, the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls will offer patrons a choice of where to go to for high quality services if the city Centre might not be a site of their preference.

Chafunya adds that the theme facility (golf course) also offers befitting destination for international visitors during international tournaments should the course qualify for such events.

“Competition is good as it breeds improvement in not only quality of infrastructure, but also the services that are offered within the city,” she says.

“Such high quality infrastructure has a potential to stimulate urban renewal process in the area and the city as a whole, as those with old, dilapidated or compromised infrastructure may feel left out in attracting patronage of similar standards that would prefer high quality infrastructure, coupled with good service, which we believe Marriott will bring — given their international track record.”

According to Chafunya, the city council aims to work with the investors and support them appropriately as part of providing an enabling environment for such businesses to thrive.

The hotel project at the Lilongwe Golf Club has not missed the attention of the National Planning Commission (NPC), which has since described the emerging infrastructure as a development in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision.

According to the Commission's spokesperson Thomson Khanje, the project supports the development of tourism as one of the strategic sectors of the country for the creation of jobs, generation of government revenue through taxes, as well as for earning of foreign exchange for the country through tourist inflows.

“The project falls under Malawi 2063 — Pillar III, which is Urbanization, with tourism as a key focus area,” explains Khanje, adding: “It also supports the realization of the Malawi 2063 Enabler 3 on Private Sector Dynamism since the project has been championed by the private sector, which is expected to lead the wealth creation agenda of the Malawi 2063.”

Khanje further notes that the hotel project will enhance the functionality of the Lilongwe Golf Club as one stop leisure resort within the city of Lilongwe, encompassing golf, food and beverages services, as well as lodging.

The new Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls, under the Protea Hotel by Marriott banner will, undoubtedly, rake in the much needed forex, if what is contained in BHL’s concept for the new Lilongwe project is anything to go by.

The concept notes that “BHL has historically earned 55.4 percent of its accommodation revenue in foreign currency over the past eight years, enabling it to partially offset rising costs triggered by local currency depreciation.”