MANAonline
MACRA committed towards achieving acceleration of digital literacy
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, August 14, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says it committed towards accelerating digital literacy as one-way of bridging digital divide amongst young people and the nation as a whole.
The remarks were made Wednesday in Mzuzu by MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman during National Youth Conversations Series on the role of youth in bridging digital divide which was organized by National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM).
Suleman said some of the contributing factors to digital divide in the country include limited access to affordable smart digital devices that can connect to internet.
He added that more people in urban areas are connected to internet than in rural areas hence resulting into a wide digital divide due to factors which include lack of digital infrastructure.
Suleman then said the most important to address digital divide to attain universal digitalization where all public posts in both rural and urban areas should have digital services to be accessed by every one for meaningful development.
“There are about 14 million sim cards out of which 1 million are on smart phones that can connect to internet while almost all the 14 million use mobile wallets using digital financial transactions.
This indicates that more people are knowledgeable of financial digital transactions but not connected to internet,” said Suleman.
He added that most of the young people who have smart phones do not use internet facility meaningfully and urged them to utilize the facility in promoting digital innovations, activism and entrepreneurships as opportunities have gone digital.
Suleman however was quick to say that the authority is planning to embark on local device assembly where by the authority will be importing parts of smart phones and be assembled in Malawi.
“This approach will reduce high tax regime on such devices and lowering their cost. The initiative will also be a catalyst in transferring digital skill to the youth as they will be ones assembling the phones.
The end product is that we are going to have affordable digital devices hence improving accessibility to the phones resulting into digital literacy and utilization acceleration,” he said.
The MACRA Director General added the authority has also embarked on a Connect a School Program through which the authority is constructing computer laboratories in all constituencies across the country to accelerate access to digital platforms through internet.
According to Associate Professor, Chomora Mikeka who is also Director of Science, Technologies and Innovations in Ministry of Education, the education sector is striving to have internet connectivity to all schools in 2030.
“Out of 6,954 primary schools, only 140 of them are connected and would like to have all of them all online.
We have many players under Connect a School Program and these players include MACRA, Universal Service Fund, Airtel PLC, Unicef and Digital Malawi Accelerator Project which is targeting to connect 2000 schools with most of them being secondary schools so that we promote digital literacy,” said Mikeka.
Board Chairperson for NYCOM, Duncan Chiyani the council organize a series of conversation for the youth to make tangible contributions towards the development of the country and share their vision of what country they would like to have in various aspects.
“This is the third in a series of conversations and the first one was on youth contributions to food systems and the second one was on young people and elections.
Today’s conversation is ‘Bridging the Digital Divide: Are Malawian Youth Ready to lead in the Digital Revolution towards Malawi 20263’.” said Chiyani.
One of the participants to the conversations, Erick Banda of Nkhata Bay Youth Network appealed to young people to lobby Parliament to consider including Digital Responsive Budget in Constituency Development Fund.
President Chakwera tours Mozambican industrial park
By Fostina Mkandawire
Maputo, August 14, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday toured Mozambican industrial area called Moz Park to appreciate trading activities being implemented by the Mozambican Government.
Speaking after touring Midal Cables International, President Chakwera said the tour was an eye opener and the trading industry in Malawi will benefit.
"The magnitude of manufacturing and exporting activities witnessed today are worth emulating to Malawi, I am impressed by how Midal Cables is conducting it's business," Chakwera said.
Chakwera said it is his vision to have a company that manufactures aluminium, alloy rod and wires the same way that Midal Mozambique is doing and exporting the cables worldwide.
The Moz Park is home to some of Africa’s key players within the manufacturing, industrial, import and export business.
The park is organized as a combined industrial park and free-trade zone and it accommodates over 35 companies employing more than 5,000 people.
Earlier, President Chakwera held bilateral talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and later Memorandums Of Understanding were signed to boost trade and improve the energy sector between the two countries.
The Moz Park is located in the Southern part of Mozambique, two kilometre away from the main highway and 20 km from the port.
Malawi, Mozambique sign trade MOU
By Fostina Mkandawire
Maputo, August 14, Mana: Malawi and Mozambique on Wednesday signed crucial Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) aimed at improving the energy sector and boosting trade of the two countries.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, which took place at the office of the President of Mozambique in Maputo, Chakwera said the signing of the trade agreements between Malawi and Mozambique is key in enhancing the economic relationship between Malawi and Mozambique.
"I am optimistic that the opening up of the Nacala Port to transport fuel and petroleum products from Mozambique to Malawi will reduce transportation costs of petroleum products and also the energy agreement will reduce black outs," Chakwera said.
Chakwera together with his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandums of Understanding on energy being formalized by Energy Ministers of Malawi and Mozambique.
Under the agreements, Malawi seeks to negotiate for a convenient border post, simplified trade regimes, equal treatment of transporters, and tightened security to reduce the crossing of boarders using uncharted roots.
President Chakwera said it was pleasing to note that Malawi and Mozambique bilateral ties are now stronger than ever, a development that is beneficial to the people of Mozambique and Malawi.
In his remarks, President Nyusi said the two countries will collaborate to ensure these agreements become practical so that the people of the two countries benefit.
"Key sectors that are crucial to the development of our two countries have been thoroughly scrutinized such as agriculture, energy and transport, much focus has been given to the transport and energy sector," he said.
Nyusi mentioned that the Government of Mozambique will continue supporting the joint project of construction of the 218-kilometre Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector Project and Matambo Substation as part of the Mozambique-Malawi Interconnection Project (MOMA).
The Mozambican President expressed dismay at the current trade volumes between Malawi and Mozambique which are relatively low despite the proximity of major commercial and industrial hubs of the two countries.
“I can confidently say that we have allocated a space at Nacala Port for Malawi to be spearheading transportation of products to minimize traffic and cargo taking too long to reach Malawi," he said.
On this point Nyusi revealed that a one stop boarder post will be operationalized at Mwanza boarder in Malawi to further boost trading activities between the two countries.
While in Mozambique President Chakwera was taken on a learning visit to Boane district to appreciate industrial activities at Beluluane Industrial Park.
People at Kwilasya hail Machinga District Council for new market project
By Martin Chiwanda and Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, August 14: Ward Councilor for Nkoola Ward, Margret Uladi and traders at Kwilasya market at Traditional Authority Nkoola have hailed Machinga District Council for deciding to construct a new market shelter which will cost MK42, 600, 000 through District Development Fund (DDF).
On Tuesday, Machinga District Council handed over a contractor, Ganizani Likhomo Building Contractors and Civil Engineering to the project site at Kwilasya market to start construction of the market shelter.
Uladi said was delighted with construction of the market shelter and expressed hope that the structure will provide good business environment for traders.
“I am happy with this project. I am sure this will really motivate people in this area to do more business in the market,” she said.
The Nkoola Ward Councilor added that the market shelter has come at a right time as an answer to complaints among traders that have been complaining of poor trade environment at Kwilasya market.
“Most of the people here have not been doing business though they wished to do it. This has been the case because the market has not been a better place for business. Construction of the new market shelter has come at a right time and is an answer to the challenges they have been facing,” said Uladi.
One of the traders at the market, Joyce Salani said was delighted with the market shelter construction, saying the structure will help traders to do business in a more conducive environment.
She added that a new market shelter was ideal considering that traders have been doing business in the open, in the scorching sun, windy conditions and sometimes business being disturbed by rains, adding that this becomes unhygienic thereby creating unconducive business environment.
“I am very happy with plans to construct a market shelter. We will be able to sale our commodities under a shelter that will protect us from bad weather conditions which has been our biggest problem,” Salani added.
Group Village head Kwilasya also commended Machinga District Council for deciding to embark on the market project and he pledged to put necessary measures that will ensure successful completion of the project.
“We have been struggling to do business due to poor conditions of the market. We have been given an opportunity to have a market shelter; we will make sure that project equipment is protected during the construction period. We will provide full assistance (if needed) to help our contractor to finish his work in time,” said Group Village head Kwilasya.
Machinga Council’s Environmental District Officer, Andrew Kaitano Hamza called on local leaders and their subjects to collaborate with the contractor to ensure success and timely completion of the project.
Hamza observed that land disputes were some of the issues that affect implementation of development projects.
He therefore expressed hope that chiefs will ensure all issues to do with land are dealt with to ensure dispute-free implementation of the market project.
He encouraged traders in the area to do business under the market shelter once completed, observing that some traders in some parts of the district shun doing business under such market structures at the expense of council’s revenue mobilization.
The contractor is expected to build the market shelter within 90 days.
Thamani Aviation pledges to support girls
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, August 14, Mana: A company responsible for providing flight support in Africa, Thamani Aviation has pledged to provide different support to girls in schools in the country including providing them with sanitary pads in order for them to remain in school and complete their education.
This follows the recent donation of reusable sanitary pads worth MK1.5 million to girls at Yepa Primary School in Lilongwe, which the aviation company made through a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Girl Power for Change (GPC).
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Thamani Aviation Country Representative, Franklin Simbeye said that with their drive the gesture is part of fulfilling their corporate social responsibility in the country.
“We have air craft that pass through Malawi and because they pass through Malawi we make money through the Kamuzu International Airport, since we do business in Malawi our support towards girls is part of complementing our corporate social responsibility,” Simbeye said.
He added that with their move as a company they will make sure that girls in the country are always going to school.
“We will make sure that no school in Malawi should have girls who are failing to go to school whilst we are here.
“We will work with teachers and chiefs in supporting these girls, the more we do our business in Malawi we will ensure that we support these girls based on their need,” he said.
In a separate interview, GPC Vice Board Chairperson, Maryrose Ikumi commended Thamani Aviation for its gesture saying that it would motivate and encourage girls to remain in school and complete their education.
She also called upon other well-wishers including companies and organization to emulate Thamani Aviation’s drive especially on the distribution of sanitary pads to the girls in schools so that girls should not miss classes when they are doing their menstrual period.
“If many well-wishers can come together to donate sanitary pads to the girls then all the girls in Malawi will have sanitary pads and we will not have a problem of a girls not going to school because they are on period,” Ikumi said.
Also commenting on the same, Yepa Primary School Deputy Head Teacher, Gladys Mpoya also hailed Thamani Aviation for their commitment to support girls in schools saying that the gesture would alleviate some of the challenges that hinder girls’ education in the country.
Scaling up nutrition from the backyard
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 14, Mana: A 30-year-old Mwayi Nalitsiro is a mother of two who hails from Masinde 2 village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chigaru in Blantyre. Nalistiro recalls that before the German KFW funded project which has an Integrated Homestead Farming (IHF) component, her children were malnourished.
The IHF is a type of household farming that comprises different enterprises that are dependent on each other solely for food security at household level.
Together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), the KFW project is transforming lives of people in the area and complementing government in the fight against malnutrition.
Nalitsiro has a backyard garden now and she is able to produce fruits and vegetables for her family.
“This project has assisted my family since our nutrition intake has improved because we are able to eat fruits and vegetables fresh from our garden,” Nalitsiro said.
Apart from the backyard garden, Nalitsiro also has livestock and with expertise from FUM, she uses manure from the livestock to apply to her garden; thereby, increasing yields.
“This project has been transformative, now I know the benefits of having livestock such as chickens from where we get meat, eggs and of course manure,” she added.
Nutritional facilitator for T/A Chigalu, Victor Kanjuchi who works for FUM, indicated that the IHF component has proved to be successful in the area.
“There was a knowledge gap on issues of nutrition before we started implementing this project, people did not know the importance of having a backyard garden and livestock farming but now the story has changed because we have equipped them with skills,” said Kanjuchi.
According to Kanjuchi, the status of nutrition for most children in the area has improved because mothers are taught how to prepare porridge that contains the six food groups.
“We have been helping lactating mothers and those with under five children to make nutritious meals, more women have healthy babies now,” he said.
Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator, Precious Kalua said that government is impressed with the impact the project has made in T/A Chigaru.
“The role of this project in eradicating malnutrition cannot be overemphasized, farmers are able to sell their produce but also reserve some food for their families and that is commendable,” Kaluwa noted.
Kaluwa, however, disclosed that government provides technical know-how and coordinate activities to ensure they are being implemented according to standard guidelines, adding that the area is prone to dry spells but the knowledge that FUM is imparting to farmers will still help in realising bumper yields.
The KFW project started in 2021, aside the IHF, the project also promotes water, sanitation and hygiene practices as well as early childhood development activities.
Minister calls on political parties to create enabling environment
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 14, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has urged political party secretary generals to ensure that female aspiring councilors and parliamentarians are provided with timely and right information in pursuance of their political careers.
Sendeza said this on Tuesday during the 2024 - 2030 National Strategy on Political Empowerment of Women launch in Dedza district.
The document succeeds the 2019 - 2023 strategy which failed to address the issue of political parties sidelining and underutilizing the potential of women in their parties, contributing to the low participation of women in politics.
The minister said while other players such as government and the Civil Society promote women in attaining political positions, political parties take a contrary approach.
She cited an example where a woman aspirant would be directed to a wrong venue for primary elections to ensure that she does not participate in the contest.
Delegation of the European Union to Malawi Team Leader for Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section, Michele Crimera said the European Union has a broader programme supporting the democratic process in Malawi.
“The launch today is part of a programme called Boma Lathu which has broader components that include supporting Civil Society to improve the participation of women and marginalized groups. There is also support for Civic education through the National Initiative for Civic Education and Ministry of Local Government,” he said.
Oxfam Malawi Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa said the organization with other stakeholders invested in information gathering on what needed to be done differently to get women viable as candidates, aspirants and voters.
“The strategy gives a clue as to what is our narrative as we campaign for women and address political parties. Our database indicates that there are 400 women that are vying for parliamentary seat and also there are hundreds women vying for position of councilor,” she said.
The strategy’s specific goals are to promote successful participation of women in Presidential and Vice President elections and increase the proportion of women in Parliament and Local Government Elections to at least 35 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2030 Malawi General Elections.
Woman dies in Dedza road accident
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 14, Mana: A woman has died while seven other people have sustained injuries following a collision of four cars near Linthipe in Dedza District.
Dedza Police Station Publicist, Beatrice Jefita said the accident happened on Tuesday and identified the deceased as Thoko Chambwinga, 23, from Chanthunya village in Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.
Jefita said the accident occurred after a driver of a motor vehicle registration number MH 6983 Nissan UD, driving from Dedza Roadblock direction to Lilongwe, lost control of his motor vehicle due to over-speeding.
“Upon arrival at Pinji village near Linthipe 3, he lost control of his motor vehicle due to speeding, as a result, he hit the front motor vehicle registration number BZ 11647 Nissan Extrail and it went further and hit other two motor vehicles,” she said.
Dedza District Hospital Publicist, Mwayi Liabunya, said the deceased was pronounced dead upon arrival at the facility.
He said five of the injured passengers are receiving treatment while two were treated as outpatients.
Kasungu households receive relief maize
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, August 14, Mana: Kasungu based non-governmental organization, K2 Tigwiranemanja Aids Support Organization (K2 TASO) on Tuesday distributed maize and soybean to 210 families affected by hunger at Kapyanga in Traditional Authority Wimbe in the district.
Director for the organization Peter Minjale said people of Kapyanga have been heavily affected by hunger owing to erratic rainfall pattern experienced in the 2023/24 growing season.
"We are an organization that promotes livelihood security in communities ensuring that people have access to clean water, good nutrition, income, education and a general good environment.
"This nutritional support we have provided today is part of our wide range of social support that we provide to communities especially to vulnerable families," Minjale said.
He said the organization has so far secured about K50 million from Bridges To Malawi, a charity organization based in the United States of America, which will be used to purchase relief items for vulnerable families.
People living with HIV/Aids, the elderly, persons with disabilities, community based child care centres, care givers and groups involved in land conservation activities were some of the recipients of the 5.3 tonnes consignment valued at K7 million with each household receiving 25 kilogrammes.
Group Village Headman Kapyanga said his area is one of the most hit by hunger pointing out that most families have been without food since April.
"We have had a very bad rainfall season, one of the shortest in many years. Fields dried up before the crops were ready for harvesting, a development that left many of us without food.
"Rivers are dry such that we are not doing any irrigation farming meaning that we will remain without food until the next harvest in March or April," Kapyanga said.
While thanking K2 TASO for the donation, the traditional leader asked government to come in quickly with more relief maize in the area.
Kasungu is one of the 23 districts which President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in March this year following the devastating effects of El Nino weather phenomenon which affected about 750 000 hectares of maize representing 44.3 per cent of crop area countrywide.
With an estimated two million farming households affected, at least 600 000 metric tonnes are required to plug food deficits this year.
President Chakwera arrives in Maputo, Mozambique
By Fostina Mkandawire
Maputo, August 14, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique where he is expected to hold bilateral talks and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to foster economic activities between the two countries.
President Chakwera landed on Wednesday at exactly 9AM, through Maputo International Airport and was welcomed by Mozambican Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Hermenigildo Caitano, Malawi High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique Wezi Moyo and High Commissioner of Mozambique to Malawi Alexander Manjati and other top Government officials.
The President who is in the company of First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, was later accompanied to Polana Serene Hotel, before proceeding to the Office of the President of Mozambique where Presidential and Ministerial bilateral talks were held.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency earlier, in Maputo Mozambique, Moyo underscored the importance of the President's Official trip for the people of the two countries.
She said while in Mozambique, President Dr. Chakwera will hold several critical engagements aimed at fostering trade such as an improvement in movement of people and goods which will boost import and export activities.
"President Chakwera together with his counterpart, Filipe Nyusi, will hold bilateral talks and sign Memorandum Of Understandings (MOU) on several areas of cooperation," she said.
The High Commissioner said among important aspects of the MOU, will be strengthening the interconnection of the 41 megawatts of power that was commenced in 2022 between the two countries and also transportation of petroleum products will be formalized.
As one way of recognizing President Chakwera's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, Joaquim Chissano University will confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree in international Relations and Leadership.
In 2022, President Chakwera facilitated the signing of MOU's between the Agency of Promotion and Investments and Appiex IP of Mozambique and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre as well as the Mozambique Cereals Institute ICM and the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC).
Therefore, the renewed ties will among other things enable trade, the establishment of the Mozambique Malawi electricity interconnection deal, refurbishment of the Nacala railway line, as well as free movement of people between the two countries.
