MANAonline
Mvera Development Corporation unveils vision for innovation smart city
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Mvera Development Corporation Chairperson, Brigadier General John Chaika Junior, has described the Mvera Innovation Smart City as not only a development project but also a national symbol of transformation, which blends modern technology with Malawian identity and human potential.
Speaking during the Mvera Development Corporation Investors breakfast on Friday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Chaika said the event marks a significant step towards realizing smart city project, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Malawi's economic landscape.
"Let's move from conversation to collaboration; from vision to investment; from plans to progress,” he said.
Chaika added that the smart city will feature in digital infrastructure and smart technologies by cutting-edge ICT infrastructure, high-speed internet connectivity, and smart city technologies.
According to Chaika, the project is expected to contribute significantly to Malawi's economic growth, creating over 200,000 jobs and generating revenue from domestic and international sources.
He, therefore, invited investors to become co-creators of this vision, offering access to prime development zones and public-private partnership packages.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General, Daudi Suleman, emphasized the significance of Mvera Innovation City in spearheading the country's development through digitalization.
"The project is expected to bring world-class physical infrastructure and concentrate on digital skills and economy thereby consolidating efforts towards a proper digital economy," he said.
Suleman highlighted benefits of the project saying the innovation city will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure providing a conducive environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
"If we embrace these elements into our service delivery, both public and private, we will become efficient as a country thereby saving a lot of costs. Most importantly, we will build a better economy for our nation," he said.
Mvera Innovation Smart City project aligns with Malawi's long-term development aspirations outlined in Malawi 2063, aiming for a technologically advanced and sustainable nation.
The 207-hactare smart city project has keynote zones of innovation hub, commercial zone, Green Park and recreation, solar farm and solar agriculture centre among others.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Urges Commercial Farming in Machinga
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, May 16, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has urged farmers under the Lingoni Irrigation Scheme at Traditional Authority (TA) Chamba and the Domasi Scheme at TA Mposa in Machinga District to make use of available water resources for commercial farming in order to maximize profits.
Chambo made the remarks during a tour by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Machinga District Council to assess the successes and challenges faced by farmers under the two irrigation schemes.
The Deputy Minister expressed disappointment with the level of community participation in irrigation farming at TA Chamba, where communities have failed to utilize 218 hectares of land under the Lingoni Scheme—constructed with K2.1 billion in funding from the World Bank.
He said the communities were missing opportunities that could help them to alleviate poverty, adding that failure to utilise the land would mean undermining government’s effort in ending hunger.
Chambo noted that Machinga is one of the districts in the country with abundant water reserves, adding, “It is surprising that Machinga has faced hunger in recent years.”
He therefore challenged farmers in the two irrigation schemes to think beyond farming for direct food consumption.
“Think beyond farming for food, let us consider farming as business. Start utilising all the resources available so that we should be producers and suppliers to food manufacturing companies and other districts,
“Government is working tirelessly to provide support through interventions such as irrigation farming. Let us utilise available resources,” the deputy minister added and commended farmers under Domasi Scheme for establishing cooperatives.
“It is interesting to note that farmers at Domasi Scheme are utilising the land available. This shows commitment in contributing to development.
“The cooperatives you have are there to help you brand your produce so that you become big suppliers for manufacturing companies,” he said.
President of Water Users Association (WUA) at Lingoni Scheme, Mary Londola, assured the ministry that farmers were ready to embrace all opportunities provided by government including farm inputs loans to grow variety of crops to realise profits.
“We are ready to make a difference, to grow various crops for business,” Lingoni Scheme WUA president added.
On environmental conservation, TA Chamba urged his subjects to stop producing charcoal, noting that its increasing production in the area is contributing to climate change.
“Cutting down of trees carelessly is destroying the environment, we need to stop charcoal production to protect our water reservoirs. We switch to irrigation farming which is more profitable and environmental friendly,” he said.
Lingoni scheme in TA Chamba, which was constructed in 2022 has 1,024 farmers who shares 218 hectares where as Domasi Scheme in TA Mposa which has been operational for about 50 years has 3,043 farmers who shares 500 hectares where crops like rice, vegetables, maize, being just to mention a few.
BEFIT program reduces school dropout rates in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, May 16, Mana: District Programs Coordinator for Ulalo organization in Likoma, Given Manda, says Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program has helped in reducing school dropout rates in the district.
Manda said this on Thursday at Nkhwazi Primary School during the St. Peter's Zone Open Day Program in Likoma where he emphasized that the school dropout has drastically reduced since the introduction of the program in March this year.
"We have received reports that learners who dropped out of school have returned to their respective schools and absenteeism has reduced. This is showing the positive impact of befit program.
“We are hopeful that in the coming years, literacy and numeracy among learners will greatly improve since the program provides learners with tablets equipped with interactive lessons aligned with the national curriculum in Chichewa," explained Manda.
He said the essence of the open day program was to showcase to parents on what is contained in the tablets thereby appreciating the importance of the program.
A parent from Nkhwazi area in Sub Traditional Authority Mwase in Chizumulu, Martha Banda, thanked government for the program saying her son has been attending school since the inception of the program.
"I had problems with my son when it comes to attending school. Sometimes he could go to the lake with his friends before the program was introduced," said Banda.
Quality Assurance Officer for St. Peter's Zone, Emmanuel Mtawali, said the program has helped in improving punctuality of the learners because they find using tablets interesting and enjoyable.
He then asked government to supply additional tablets to meet the enrollment of learners which is higher than the number of tablets in the district.
The program which is being implemented by government through the Ministry of Education is aimed at enhancing foundation literacy and numeracy skills among learners in standards 1-4 through the use of tablet based learning.
Councillor Chembezi's death, a big loss – MCC Deputy Mayor
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, May 16, Mana: Deputy Mayor for Mzuzu City council (MCC), Monica Simwaka, who represented the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture at the funeral ceremony of the late Councillor Agness Chembezi of Sanga ward in Nkhata Bay South West, described Chembezi's death as a big loss to the ministry.
Simwaka said this on Thursday at Kayuzi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Fukamalaza, where Chembezi was laid to rest.
According to Simwaka Chembezi was one of the hard working female councilors the Ministry had.
"As a country, we have 66 female councillors. It's not easy for females to be found in political positions, and today losing one is heart breaking and a loss to the ministry," she said.
She therefore encouraged the people of Sanga Ward to trust women in the upcoming general elections, citing Chembezi's good work as a testimony of what women are capable of doing when put into decision making positions.
Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Council, Joseph Thula described the late Chembezi as a role model to many women and girls in the area.
"Chembezi was someone who was always willing to lead and served in various positions, including Chairperson for Development Committee. She was a friend to everyone and will miss her advice and generosity," he said.
Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, who is also Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay South West, called upon political leaders to be tolerant for the good of their communities.
"Late Chembezi was a caring and tolerant person who loved to work with everyone despite their political party or religion and this we must emulate," he said.
People's Development Party (PDP) leader, Kondwani Nankhumwa commended government for the support rendered to Chembezi during her illness till the day she was laid to rest.
The late Chembezi, 50, died on Monday evening at Nkhata Bay District Hospital after a short illness.
Until her death, she was PDP’s Director of Women in the northern region.
138 TAs in Malawi attain ODF status
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, May 16, Mana: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe Chapota, says the Malawi Government, in partnership with other stakeholders, has so far enabled around 138 Traditional Authorities (TAs) to attain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across the country.
The Deputy Minister made the remarks while presenting an ODF status certificate to the area of Chief Kapondo in Mchinji District, where the achievement was made possible through interventions led by World Vision Malawi’s (WVM) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project.
Chapota said government is committed to improving sanitation and hygiene as a measure of fighting water and airborne diseases.
“For instance, government demonstrates commitment by instituting a stand-alone Ministry of Water and Sanitation that solely focuses on hygiene and sanitation. The ministry makes sure that issues of hygiene and sanitation are dealt with. Mind you, without improving sanitation it results in a higher prevalence rate of waterborne related diseases in the communities,” she said.
Chapota added that the government is optimistic about achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 of ending open defecation by 2030.
The minister called on other non-governmental organizations to emulate commendable examples demonstrated by the WVM in the country.
World Vision WASH Project Manager, Panganani Njolomole, reaffirmed their organization’s commitment to work with the government in providing potable water, hygiene and sanitary facilities in rural areas across the country.
NJolomole said WVM has set aside K400 million for two area development programmes of Rusa and Bua Mtete catchments in the district.
“WVM has committed to inject funds to ensure that every house has improved climate-resilient latrines. We know that it is easy to achieve ODF status but difficult to maintain it. Therefore, the money will help community members to buy building materials like iron sheets and cement at subsidized prices for their improved toilets,” Njolomole said.
TA Kapondo of Mchinji thanked WVM and the government for working together to attain status in their area.
"I am thankful to all the stakeholders, however, I am also appealing to community leaders in the area to take a leading role in maintaining the ODF status," said the chief.
MACRA engages stakeholders on new sim card registration laws
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 15, Mana: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has engaged various stakeholders including local leaders, church leaders, and civil society organizations on the new SIM card registration laws aimed at combating online fraud.
The engagement took place on Thursday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
MACRA’s Deputy Director for Consumer Affairs, Kelias Malenga, explained that involving different community leaders will help effectively disseminate information about the new regulations to citizens within their respective communities.
He further expounded that the new regulations are a form of subordinate laws that have created a comprehensive resume of legal framework that will give details on how the SIM card registration process should be operated in terms of who, how and what documents to use when registering.
“We are planning to remove passports and licenses and only the National Identity card will be used during SIM card registration as it is the most prominent of them all and also it will help to maintain the integrity of the citizens to easily track the real owner if any laws have been misused or abused.
"This will enable real-time connectivity between the mobile operator's registration system and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) database, ensuring that biometric data matches accurately to prevent the submission of false information," he explained.
MACRA has also placed a limit of SIM card registration up to ten times from citizens and thirty times for company registration to it’s members depending on the type of SIM card required by the person.
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Network Chairperson, Herbert Chakwawa—who also works with the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEIN)—acknowledged the significant impact of fraud and scams, noting that criminals have been stealing money from people using SIM cards registered under false identities. He said the introduction of the new regulation brings hope for improved safety in mobile banking.
“This is a very crucial engagement, as it will help dispel misconceptions surrounding SIM card registration and build public trust in digital banking platforms such as Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba for financial transactions.
“A lot of challenges will be addressed concerning SIM cards registration as MACRA has impacted us with knowledge on how this initiative will benefit citizens,” he said.
Senior Chief Kalungu from Lilongwe commended the government through MACRA for the new development that will easily track people electronically thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
“This project will help people in our communities to know and understand the importance of SIM card registration and also it will make them feel safe to use the internet for business and online banking that is free from frauds and scammers,” he explained.
The initiative is set to commence in early July this year.
NICE Trust urges registered voters to verify names
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, May 15, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Thyolo has urged registered voters to verify their names in the second phase of the voter inspection and verification exercise, scheduled for May 21 to May 23 in the district’s centers.
NICE Trust, Programmes Officer for Thyolo, Moses Kaunda said voter inspection and verification offers opportunity for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to correct any errors in the voter’s register and for individuals to confirm their registration in the register.
“Voter inspection and verification is a crucial element of electoral governance that promotes transparency and accountability. People should not take it lightly,
“They must visit their voter registration centers to verify their details,” said Kaunda.
NICE will carry out a series of rallies, announcements, and road shows to raise public awareness on the importance of voter inspection and verification.
“It is important to check whether a registered voter’s name is correctly captured. If errors are found on the voting day, it will be difficult to correct them,” he added.
Kaunda said NICE Trust has sent letters to religious leaders for them to encourage their registered members to visit centers to verify their names, saying failure to do so could affect voting on the polling day.
A business person at Thyolo Boma market, James Kapenga said NICE Trust’s appeal for verification of voters details was necessary and timely.
“I urge fellow business owners, vendors, and community members that registered in the voters roll to take heed of what NICE Trust is saying. There is need to take part in the verification exercise.
“This is the only way to be sure if one’s name is correctly recorded in the voter’s register for September 16 general election,” added Kapenga.
Registered voters can also verify their details using the USSD code *2509# by entering their voter registration number or National ID number starting with the letter 'G'.
Minister calls for strong family bond
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, May 15, Mana: Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has called on Malawians to protect and strengthen the family unit, describing it as “the heart of our society and the first school of love, values, and resilience.”
She was speaking during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe to commemorate the International Day of Families.
The minister observed that a nurturing home is a child’s first sanctuary.
“A peaceful home is where a child learns kindness, respect, and courage, it is where they are shaped into the citizens our country needs.
“This year’s theme, “Families and Urbanization,” reflects the urgent need to adapt to modern challenges. As cities expand and life becomes faster, families often face pressures that pull them apart” she said.
Sendeza said government is addressing these challenges through various initiatives including counselling, child protection services and family-based care, among others.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Enock Bonongwe, appealed to parents, especially fathers, to play their role.
“Children don’t need perfect parents. They just need both parents to show up since raising a child is a duty of both parents,” he said.
As the world marked the International Day of Families, Malawi’s message was clear: a nation is only as strong as the families that hold it up.
Digital sector Stakeholders urged to involve rural masses
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, has challenged stakeholders in the digital sector to involve people in rural communities in their digital conversations.
The minister made the call on Thursday in Lilongwe when he officially launched Digital Readiness Assessment Report, noting that 80 percent of Malawian population live in rural areas where they do not have access to digital services.
“If there is no connectivity in the rural areas, and if there is no affordability to gadgets, then the conversation ends with us here in town,” said Kunkuyu, adding: “4G and 5G network coverage is not expanding into rural areas: it's only in urban areas.”
He further said, for instance, if another a cyclone of the magnitude of Freddy hit today, learners in the urban areas could be able to attend classes using a phone while those in the rural could not.
“Let us make sure that these conversations are now expanding and including, those people that are in the remote areas, otherwise, we will always come here and look at a very beautiful report, yet with nothing to show on the ground,” He added.
The minister further said the government of Malawi is committed to empowering the youth, women, and marginalized communities to participate actively in the digital economy.
“We aim to establish innovation hubs that nurture start-ups, encourage digital entrepreneurship, and leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence to transform sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and public services," he said.
UNDP Resident Representative, Fenella Frost, said the Digital Readiness Assessment Report is “more than just a diagnostic tool” as it is a road map to bridge the divide between the current reality and the immense potential of digital empowerment in Malawi.
She said it provides a clear-eyed analysis of Malawi digital ecosystem, revealing the strength, such as the growing mobile money usage, as well as urgent gaps such as the need for affordable and accessible broadband in rural schools and clinics.
“Crucially, it calls on all of us, the private sector, public sector, as well as international partners and civil society, as well as universities and other academic institutions to make strategic investments in digital infrastructure, digital skills, digital governance, to ensure that no Malawian is left behind,” she said.
Frost further commended the government of Malawi for prioritizing digitalization as a driver of progress in line with Malawi's National Digital Economic Strategy, and Malawi 2063.
Feature: Salima communities lead on Climate Action with LIFE-AR
By Yankho Kandio
SALIMA, MANA: In the sun-baked plains of Salima District, where dry spells stretch longer each year and rainfall has grown increasingly unpredictable, something remarkable is happening. Other than waiting for assistance from elsewhere, communities are taking positions to confront climate change with home-grown solutions.
At the heart of this grassroots movement is the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR).
Launched globally during COP25 in 2019 and currently being piloted in Malawi’s Salima, Rumphi, and Mangochi districts, the initiative marks a shift from traditional top-down climate responses.
Instead, it prioritizes long-term, locally led planning, giving communities the power and resources to design their own adaptation strategies.
In Salima, the results are already visible: Villagers, who were once at the mercy of degrading landscapes and failed harvests, are now leading efforts to restore their environment and protect their livelihoods through tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and forest-friendly income-generating activities.
Group Village Head Chifuchambewa, also known as Medison Kholole, recalls years of unanswered pleas for climate assistance until LIFE-AR arrived.
“For a long time we have been asking for help through the council; When this project came, the community felt a long-awaited sense of recognition,” he says.
Under the initiative, residents have planted mango, banana, and bamboo trees, selected not just for their environmental benefits, but also for their potential to provide food and income.
A Farmer from Chifuchambewa area, Bester Chikaonda, one of the project’s participants, says the mango trees have brought hope to his household.
“Planting these mango trees means I can fight climate change while improving the surrounding of my household: In a few years, I will not only have shade and fruit, but I’ll also be part of restoring the land,” says Chikaonda.
Another smallholder farmer, Lyca Paul, applauds the project for the provision of banana suckers, which, according to the farmers, came at a critical time.
“Rainfall has become unreliable: we plant and wait, and then the crops wither. But these banana plants will help us with food and income. They are more resilient, and that gives me hope,” she explains.
Behind these efforts is a commitment to inclusivity. LIFE-AR ensures the participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups, making sure that all voices are heard and everyone has a role in climate action.
According to Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment for Salima district council, Adam Jason, the community-led model has proven to be highly effective in tackling Salima’s environmental challenges.
“The LIFE-AR initiative is demand-driven: Communities were supported to come up with their own investment proposals, identifying the solutions that work best for their unique challenges. We are now seeing action on the ground and the energy is coming directly from the people,” explains Jason.
One of the major concerns in the district has been environmental degradation, largely fueled by deforestation. As households struggle to meet energy needs and replace failed crops, trees are cut down at an alarming rate.
This, in turn, worsens flooding, reduces river capacity, and dries up water tables, with even fish breeding grounds suffering from increased siltation.
In response, the government and partners are promoting forest and landscape restoration, through the use of energy-saving cooking stoves, and alternative livelihoods such as piggery.
Despite the progress, challenges persist: Crop failures continue due to irregular weather, and hunger is an ever-present threat.
GVH Chifuchambewa emphasizes the need for urgent investment in irrigation to help communities farm throughout the year.
“We are asking government to help us speed up the establishment of irrigation schemes so we can farm in the dry season too,” he says.
The transformation underway in Salima stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when communities are empowered to lead.
Through LIFE-AR, the communities are not just adapting to climate change, they are reclaiming, and restoring hope in the face of an uncertain future.
