MANAonline
Chakwera reaffirms government's commitment to address national challenges
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, October 17, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing people across the country, particularly food insecurity.
Chakwera was responding to a plea from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official, Bab Khamisa, who called for food assistance for hunger-stricken households.
Speaking outside Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Thursday after presiding over the 5th Congregation of the University which saw 610 students graduating, Chakwera reiterated that his administration will not allow anyone to die of hunger.
“We are working tirelessly to tackle these challenges. Our administration is committed to ensuring that all constituencies experience development, regardless of political affiliations,” said Chakwera.
He also praised the peaceful co-existence of people from different tribes, stressing that nepotism has no place in his administration.
The President, however, urged Malawians to remain united to achieve self-sufficiency.
Speaking earlier, Khamisa appealed to the President to consider purchasing idle land owned by estates for distribution to people of Thyolo, who lack sufficient farmland.
“A significant number of people here have no land for cultivation because much of it is occupied by tea estates. This often results in food shortages as people cannot harvest enough to meet their household needs,” said Khamisa.
He also requested the establishment of additional fertilizer distribution centres to reduce the long distances farmers travel to access farm inputs under the affordable farm inputs progranmme.
India- Malawi geared to promote ATM strategy
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 17, Mana: President of India Shrimati Droupadi Murmu has called for increased cooperation between Malawi and India in the areas of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) to achieve the Malawi 2063 vision.
Speaking during the India-Malawi business round table on Thursday in Lilongwe, Murmu said the bilateral trade between India and Malawi has been growing for the past years despite some challenges like COVID-19 19 which affected the economic growth of both countries.
“India is the fastest growing economy as it is currently the fourth largest trading partner of Malawi and one of the largest investors in Malawi with $500 million of investments in different sectors in the country,” said Murmu.
She further said her government is committed to investing heavily in education, health sector and Information communication technology (ICT) among other potential investment sectors.
The President urged the business community in both countries to continue to work in synergy and to better the economic relations between India and Malawi.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe said the India-Malawi relations have helped in fostering various developmental activities in the country.
He however said, Malawi is a beneficiary of the Duty-Free Preferential Trading Scheme India offered to the least-developed countries (LDCs).
“India gave us market access for pigeon peas, and we had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the same in 2020. But there are some challenges which exporters face because they use ports that are In Mozambique for their products”, said Gwengwe.
President of The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Wisely Phiri stated that the meeting was important as they are number of opportunities that they can get from India.
“The business segment in India is growing so we can invest in our country so that we should be exporting goods to India for a better economy,” he said.
India established diplomatic relations with Malawi immediately after its independence in 1964.
Almost 50 percent of Malawians are living in poverty
By Brenda Nkosi.
Blantyre, October 17, Mana: As the country today commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 51.5% of Malawians are still living in poverty, with 20.5% living in extreme poverty.
CONGOMA and World Vision International-Malawi, in partnership with the National Civil Society Taskforce on SDGs, said this on Thursday in Blantyre during a press briefing.
Reading the media statement, World Vision International Advocacy and Communication Manager, Charles Gwengwe said they have united to raise awareness of the progress, challenges, and the need for collective action to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs, particularly as they reflect on the global theme for this year ‘Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
"Malawi has made strides in some areas of development, but the overall progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals has been slow, and we face significant hurdles, particularly in eradicating poverty.
“The SDG 1 which makes sure we do away with poverty is lagging. 51.5% of Malawians are still living in poverty, with 20.5% living in extreme poverty. This high rate of poverty continues to limit access to essential services, including health, education, and nutrition,” he said.
Gwengwe said Malawi cannot afford to leave anyone behind in this race, especially the most vulnerable members of our society —children, women, and rural populations who are excessively affected by poverty.
Programmes Manager at CONGOMA, Simekinali Karuzi said with only six years left to achieve both the SDGs and the milestones set out in Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP)-1 of the Malawi 2063, there was a need to act with urgency and renewed determination.
“We are concerned with the rate at which we are implementing our development goals. We cannot wait for 2030 to find out that we have not done enough. We are calling on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the SDG’s.
“We need to stop hiding behind natural disasters and Covid-19. Other countries experience natural disasters every year but their economy is not going down,” Karuzi stated.
Chakwera dares MUST graduates to master the art of conscientiousness
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, October 17, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has challenged the newly 610 graduates at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to master the art of conscientiousness if they are to excel in life and their respective careers.
Chakwera made the remarks on Thursday at MUST during the 5th congregation, urging the graduates to pay meticulous attention to detail in both their actions and surroundings to avoid missing out on important developments.
“If there has been an important development in the country or the area, you do not want to miss it, because if you do, you won’t be able to see how that development will affect you.
“In this country, important developments are happening all the time that affect your life, but you have to pay attention to know about those developments and see how they will affect you,” said Chakwera, who is also the Chancellor of the University.
Chakwera also emphasized the need for graduates to pay attention to opportunities by training their minds to see one to avoid the risk of missing out on such occasions.
“If you do not train your mind to see opportunities where others only see problems, you are going to miss them.
“The irony about opportunities is that no one tells you that something is an opportunity. Very often you have to turn a situation into an opportunity by thinking outside the box, thinking quickly on your feet and thinking way ahead of everyone else.
“So, I encourage you to pay attention to important opportunities, because they are all around you if that’s what you train your mind to see and look for,” said Chakwera.
The President, therefore, dared the fresh graduates to pay attention to errors that need to be rectified.
“If you submit a paper without proofreading it, you will submit it with errors that will cost you and the same thing applies to all the work you will do for the rest of your life," he said.
Adding: “So, if you must develop any skill, develop the skill of conscientiousness because it is the mark of excellence in any career and it is what will set you apart from everyone else in any field”.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of MUST, Professor Address Malata said MUST is poised to inspire an era of lasting impact by playing a critical role in the national development of the country and beyond.
Professor Malata said the institution will remain steadfast in the fulfillment of its pillars of education excellence, research excellence, technology, innovation and industry, people and society as well as creating an enabling environment.
“We commit to continue serving the society, leverage education and looking at the needs of the surrounding communities,” said Malata.
The 5th Congregation comprises graduates from various disciplines from the Malawi Institute of Technology, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Bingu School of Culture and Heritage as well as the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Senior Group Village Headman arrested for defilement
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 17, Mana: Police in Dowa on Wednesday arrested Senior Group Village Headman Ngwere for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl at Chezi.
Dowa police station Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima said the suspect, real name Christopher Dyson, 39, of Ngwere Village, Traditional Authority Nkukula, in Dowa district, is suspected to have committed the offence in September this year.
She said the victim had reported to Chezi police that the suspect had some time ago, asked her if she had reached puberty and if she had ever had sex with a man, a thing she said made her uncomfortable.
"Then, on September 20, at around 1 pm, Dyson visited the victim's house and asked the girl if her father was around, to which she replied that her father was inside the house sleeping. But the suspect expressed disbelief arguing that there were no shoes on the doorstep.
"The chief then grabbed the victim, took her into her brother's bedroom, forcibly undressed her, and had unprotected sex with her," said Sitima.
She added saying the suspect offered the victim K5000 in K1000 banknotes, instructing her not to tell anyone of the issue. But having refused it, the suspect shoved the money inside her blouse and left.
Subsequently, the victim revealed of her ordeal on October 15, 2024.
"Police referred the victim to a hospital for medical examinations, whose results revealed an abnormal vaginal discharge and a ruptured hymen.
"The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting court proceedings," said Sitima.
By Prisca Promise Mashushu Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President D
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera that aims at strengthening international relations with the Republic of Malawi while celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malawi
The plane carrying the president touched down at exactly 8:40 on Thursday where she was welcomed by Vice President Michael Usi, Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Collen Zamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Minister of lands Deus Gumba, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia and other top government officials.
Upon arrival at KIA, the Indian leader inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Malawi Defence Force.
During the three-day visit, Murmu is expected to hold several official engagements which include bilateral talks with the state president Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, and a memorial visit at the Kamuzu mausoleum among other engagements.
Man arrested for illegally cultivating Indian hemp
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 16, Mana: Police in Dowa on Tuesday arrested a 25-year-old man at Lirambwe village for allegedly cultivating Indian hemp popularly known as Chamba without a license.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima has identified the suspect as Timothy Banda of Lirambwe Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Nkukula in the district.
Sitima said police received a tip-off from concerned citizens that Banda was cultivating Indian hemp but did not have a license for that.
"Through the Criminal Investigation Department, police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect.
"Banda admitted to having cultivated Indian hemp on his quarter-acre farm, located approximately five kilometres from his village, along the Chaliwe Dambo River.
"During the time of arrest, he was on the verge of harvesting around 4000 plants which have since been destroyed by the police," said Sitima.
She said the suspect will soon appear in court to face a charge related to illegal cultivation of Indian hemp.
President lauds role of NGOs in national development
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 16, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has applauded Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country for their contribution to national development and compliance to regulations governing the NGO sector.
The president was speaking on Wednesday during the commemoration of NGOs Day at Sanjika Mini Stadium in Blantyre under the theme: “Strengthening partnership and capacity in the NGO sector: Panacea for achieving Malawi 2063.”
Chakwera expressed gratitude that over the years there has been increased NGO accountability as well as compliance to various pieces of legislation governing the sector.
“I am pleased to hear that 498 NGOs have submitted their reports to Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA from 432 which did so last year which is a sign of growth and transparency in the localization agenda,” he said.
He, therefore, encouraged the NGOs to continue working in collaboration with government, saying both government and NGOs have one goal of serving people.
“As we look back to the progress registered last year, I am pleased to report the remarkable progress that has indeed been made today particularly in the area of NGOs compliance and accountability.
“Statics speak for themselves, in 2023 we had 77 NGOs registered under Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) and am glad that this year, the number has more than doubled to 148,” he added.
Chakwera said government established the NGO Fund which was launched in August this year to help in building the capacity of NGOs and a more responsive NGO sector.
However, the Malawian leader said government is committed to ensuring that it creates a viable environment for the civil society to operate in.
Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda said in line with this year’s theme, NGOs are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that they support government.
"As seen during the pavilions, NGOs are investing in various sectors which are education, agriculture, health and many more. NGOs have now accepted that their role is to support government and making sure that together we transform Malawi," he said.
Board Chairperson for Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA), George Jobe said NGOs are committed to align their programmes and work within the Malawi 2063 Agenda.
"CONGOMA coordinates the work of NGOs in the country and we commit to work with government and ready to comply with laws of Malawi including getting licensed through NGORA.
“We commit to work as the representative of local NGOs and with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure that violence is condemned in all its forms especially against women aspirants in the 2025 general elections,” Jobe who is also Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network said.
Academia, Business community, Media sensitized on digital trade protocol
By: Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha
Lilongwe, October 16, Mana: In preparation for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, the Ministry of Trade and Industry through Digital Financial Inclusion Competitiveness (DFIC) project is sensitizing the academia, business community and the Media on Digital Protocol and Trade.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday in Lilongwe, Director of ICT at Ministry of Trade, Patrick Machika, said there are enormous opportunities for Malawians in terms of market, as the Protocol seeks to boost intra- African trade and Integration through digital trade transactions.
“What this means is that we now have markets beyond Malawi and can now reach all the 53 countries that makes Africa. This also offers consumers an opportunity to choose from a wider market.
“Through the awareness being conducted, we are also soliciting views, so that issues Malawians feel should be taken on board, can be gathered. We are negotiating relevant issues, mainly emphasizing on cyber security,” said Machika.
In her remarks one of the ESAMI-trapca facilitators, Dr. Chengetai Mangunje, said the course aims to sensitize the target group on the key concepts in digital trade, particularly those arising from AfCFTA, Digital Trade Protocol and their potential opportunities for Malawi.
“We are also assessing the substantial issues regarding the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol that are critical to Malawi and analyzing areas under Malawi’s regulatory framework that can be utilized,” said Dr. Mangunje.
According to DFIC Project Coordinator, Golden Nyasulu, the sensitizations are being conducted with financial assistance from DFIC project, sponsored by African Development Bank Group (AFDB).
“We are supporting the Ministry of Trade to improve access to digital financial services and strengthen the competitiveness of the Malawian economy through digitalization,” said Nyasulu.
At a continental level, African countries that are parties to the AfCFTA have adopted a Digital Trade Protocol which recognizes issues of cross boarder data flows, data localization, and online consumer protection and privacy.
EU resumes budgetary support to Malawi after 10-year hiatus
By Lily Kampani
Lilongwe, October 16, Mana: The European Union (EU) has committed to renewing its partnership with Malawi to help accelerate the achievement of sustainable solutions by introducing a new budget support programme of EUR 55 million.
The Budget programme, ‘Malawi State and Resilience Building Programme,’ will target the education sector and Public Finance Management (PFM).
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the signing of the financing agreement with the government of Malawi, EU ambassador, Rune Skinnebach said the event is a powerful symbol of renewed collaboration and commitment to shared goals of stability, progress and inclusive development in Malawi.
“The EU believes that effective PFM will help safeguard public resources, build stronger governance systems and create fiscal space necessary for targeted investments in critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.
“Investing in secondary education is investing in the future of Malawi. It is about expanding opportunities for the next generation, equipping young people with the skills they need, and creating an environment where every student has a fair chance to succeed,” he explained.
Skinnebach called on the government to improve PFM and meet a series of indicators including Integrated Financial Information Management Systems (IFIMS) but also in education where current expenditure levels must be increased, to maintain the programme.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola said the Malawi budget had been run with a huge deficit because they could not get enough resources to implement several programs, after a decade without donor budget support.
“The coming in of such a huge sum of money as budget support is an indication of the degree of confidence and trust, in Malawi's leadership and reform programs,” said Chithyola.
Chithyola said their ministry will ensure the use of the resources for their intended purposes and appealed to implementers to practice prudence but also financial probity.
In her remarks, Minister of Education, Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa thanked the EU for the continued support in the education sector for over 10 years.
“the program will support reforms in several areas including ensuring secondary bursary schemes are more efficient and transparent, reforms aimed at improved teacher management and strategies and reforms for ensuring effective models for teacher education sector budget.
The new program aligns with the government of Malawi's priorities under Malawi 2063, as well as the European Union's Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to support a strong inclusive, green and digital transformation in the country while enhancing living standards and promoting long-term, inclusive growth.
