By Charles Nkhoma

Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have officially signed funding agreements with eight grantees under the Small Grants Programme, committing $312,202 (approximately MWK 547 million) to support community-led initiatives across Malawi. 

The signing event, which took place on Tuesday at the UNDP Office in Lilongwe, marks a significant step in backing grassroots projects that address key environmental and development challenges. 

These initiatives aim to tackle crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and the promotion of sustainable energy use, aligning with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP Malawi Portfolio Manager for Resilience and Sustainable Growth, Rabi Narayan Gaudo, highlighted the programme’s vision and the crucial role of grantees. 

"Today is a remarkable moment in our shared journey toward sustainable development and building resilience.

This initiative is more than just financial support—it reflects our commitment to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and driving lasting change from the grassroots level," he stated.   

National Steering Committee (NSC) Chairperson, Dorothy Tembo Nhlema, who also serves as Programme Manager for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, underscored the importance of collaboration and the rigorous selection process. Out of 93 proposals submitted, only eight projects were ultimately selected for funding. 

"We encourage government and council stakeholders to closely collaborate with grantees to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, allocating resources for monitoring is essential so that the NSC and relevant officials can provide timely feedback on project progress. 

The Committee aims to support initiatives that not only deliver tangible results but also drive meaningful change within communities," she added. 

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, January 28, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika on Monday disclosed of deployment of Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) soldiers to Zomba Plateau as an immediate measure to protect depletion of forest and other natural resources.

Chomanika said this at Sunbird Kuchawe during Zomba plantation stakeholders meeting which was organized to, among others, find solution to alarming illegal harvest of trees from the plateau’s forests.

He said the ministry has noticed with sadness the rate at which illegal sawyers were harvesting trees from the plantation, posing a threat to the future generation.

“This challenging situation in Zomba should have been curtailed by us the stakeholders but it seems we are also the direct beneficiaries of this illegal act. As an immediate solution, from next week, we will be deploying the MDF and the police who will be here for months or years,” the minister said.

Chomanika said MDF will be given all the powers to deal with anyone found encroaching the plantation to illegally harvest timber.

During the meeting, the minister also announced about revocation of licenses to some concessioners whom he said were also contributors to the massive harvesting of young trees from the plateau.

“We can't sit and watch some players who claim to be our stakeholders being in forefront promoting the malpractice. Today, I wish to announce that we have revoked license for Chivumbe Cooperatives,” he said.

The minister said another contributing factor to the malpractice was corruption amongst stakeholder who included the forest officers, police officers and cooperatives working in the Zomba Plateau.

He however said drastic measures would be taken on whosoever dares to destroy natural resources in the country.

“If the act involves politicians who claim to be powerful, let us know; we will deal with them decisively,” he warned.

Some of the participants at the meeting proposed proper timber market licensing and suspension of sales of timber products in the district during off-season.

Senior Chief Mlumbe concurred with the minister, saying a lot of damage has happened to Zomba Plateau, and he promised to support the ministry in protecting the plantation.

“Getting the MDF into the forest is the rightful decision and we fully welcome it,” the chief added.

Southern Region Water Board Chief Executive Officer Duncan Chimphamba said the board is willing to take over 1,000 hectares of the plantation which it can manage by employing its own forest guards to “guard it jealously.”

The stakeholders meeting in Zomba came amidst public outcry as concerned stakeholders expressed worry over massive destruction of the forest through irresponsible tree harvest for timber.

Last week, hundreds of people were seen carrying logs of trees and timber from the forest into Zomba City unconcerned of the consequences of the depletion of the forest and future of water supply from Mulunguzi Dam.

By Rose Cross Mahorya and George Bulombola

Mzuzu, January 28, Mana:  Senior Chief Mpherembe of Mzimba District has applauded government for increasing access to farm inputs through the provision of farm inputs, especially fertilizer, on loan which is provided by National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to smallholder farmers across the country.

Speaking Monday during a distribution exercise of 400 bags of fertilizer worth K42.2 million at his headquarters, Senior Chief Mpherembe said the agriculture loan facility has inspired households in his area to venture into large scale farming.

He said that the initiative will go a long way in averting food insecurity hence enhancing development in rural areas.

“Previously, most households were doing their farming on small parcels of land because they could not afford to buy fertilizer. Now, we are seeing more people expanding their farming areas because they have access to this loan.

 “We are therefore optimistic that with this intervention, food insecurity will be history in this area,” said Mpherembe.

He then advised those who have benefited from the facility to use the fertilizer prudently so that they realize bumper yield out of which they can sell the surplus to pay back the loan.

“May I ask NEEF to consider processing the loans in time so that people can get the inputs on time before rainy season approaches,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo, who presided over the ceremony, said government has put in place various strategies in ensuring food security.

“We are promoting Mega Farm initiative, we also have Agriculture Input Program and this one, through which smallholder farmers are provided with farm inputs on loan through NEEF,” said Chambo.

One of the clients who has benefited from the loan facility, Lisa Chasiya Mbewa, who got K12 million worth of fertilizer for her 24 hectares of maize farm land, said that access to agricultural inputs is hard in the area hence commended NEEF for taking the fertilizers to their door step.

 “By bringing the inputs to our area, they have cut down transport costs which we would have incurred if we were to get the fertilizer from elsewhere, such as Mzuzu and Rumphi as we do not have many agricultural dealers in our area,” said Mbewa.

NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni assured people in the area that NEEF will make sure that the loans are provide just before the commencement of farming season for maximum utilization of the inputs.

By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, January 28, Mana: It is a Friday night and Kasungu Town is pulsating with nocturnal life. The party mood has been activated and drinking joints are filled to capacity with patrons enjoying their night, emptying bottle by bottle.

At American Filling Station Bar, the dance floor is a busy arena as the drunken patrons – both males and females – surrender their bodies to the blasting sound.

A 16-year-old boy, covering his head with a cowboy hat and sunglasses, sneaks in, defying a signpost restricting under-aged children to enter the bar. The signpost reads: “Ana ochepela zaka 18 asalowe muno” or “persons under the age of 18 are not allowed in these premises”.

He is however quickly noticed and flashed out.

“We do not want children here under any circumstances. We are always alert and we easily identify them when they try to sneak in.

“They will never be successful. They are chased before they do anything inside here because we quickly identify them,” says Gift Rabson a bartender at the drinking joint.

He says the bar ensures at all times – day or night – that under-aged children do not patronize the premises.

“They try to sneak in to buy beers but they are not served. We actually flush them out. We are well aware that this is against the law and that we have a duty to protect children,” he says.

Section 74 of the Liquor Act criminalizes selling alcohol to persons below the age of 18.

At another famous spot, two young girls also unsuccessfully attempt to get into the bar in search of men.

As they try to enter, one of the sex workers hovering in the room notices them and blocks their way in before calling a guard who chases the girls away.

We followed the two girls to inquire about what they intended to do in the bar.

“We stay on our own and do not have any one to support us. So we visit bars searching for men. That is our easy means to surviving,” says one of the girls.

“I am 16 years; my friend is 15. We both live in a rented room. We have to pay rent, buy food and clothes. Where do we get the money?” she wonders.

The younger girl reveals that she resorted to go to the streets after her parents divorced, leaving her with her jobless mother who cannot meet her needs while the other one says she was chased after she refused to be forced into marriage.

“We know we should not be doing this because we are young, but what can we do in these circumstances?” they say.

The girls say life for them has been difficult because they are denied entry into most of the popular joints where they feel they can find better customers.

“Access to most of the bars is difficult because we are chased away. On a lucky day we meet the customers in the streets. But we could be making more money if we had easy access to drinking joints,” they say.

As an agricultural district, Kasungu is a busy agribusiness centre with high circulation of money throughout the year.

Alinafe Phiri of Ndife Amodzi Liquor Shop says besides being a crime, selling alcohol to minors is not good for the general behaviour in the societies.

He says bar owners and attendants must not relax chasing the minors away to protect the good image of the liquor business.

“It must not just be about fearing the law. It must also be about being responsible. We must be responsible enough ensuring that we don’t entertain minors in our premises,” Alinafe says.

A campaign by authorities in the district, in conjunction with owners of drinking joints, to protect children through restrictions in vulnerable places seems to be bearing fruits.

The campaign, which is largely about sensitization and awareness, has seen drinking places pasting messages warning children not to patronize their places. 

Child Protection Coordinator at Kasungu District Council Social Welfare Office, Sam Kamalonda, says the campaign involves various stakeholders including the police, bar owners, parents, pastors and the children themselves to make sure that minors are protected.

“We have intensified this campaign and made sure that every drinking joint has a sign post in front that it does not allow persons below the age of 18 to patronize the premises.

“We expect the bar owners not to sell liquor to children under whatever circumstance. So the efforts go beyond the signposts and so far, our assessment shows the efforts are bearing fruits,” Kamalonda says.

He says the campaign will help contain various cases of child abuse which are rampant in the district.

Kamalonda adds that allowing children in drinking joints exposes them to dangers such as defilement, trafficking and teenage pregnancies.

In 2024, Kasungu recorded 639 cases of sexual abuse against children of which 568 were against females and 71 against males.

According to the Social Welfare Office, the district also registered over 10,000 teenage pregnancies and at least 269 cases of physical abuse against children.

Child marriages were also high at 2,086, child neglect at 2,381 and at least 290 cases of child trafficking were recorded. 

“These statistics are worrying. We need to continue monitoring in all trading centres in the district and thus urge all that are selling alcohol to register their businesses for easy monitoring

“Parents on their part should not run away from responsibility. Some of these children that suffer in streets have their parents alive. Some children will resort to such dangerous routes because the parents are not there for them,” he says.

On his part, District Gender and Development Officer Humphrey Chawezi Longwe says his office has supported the campaign by raising awareness on gender-based violence, including child prostitution and early marriages.

“It is our duty to ensure that the girl child lives a comfortable life. That is why in collaboration with the Municipal Council, we have organized interface meetings with bar and guesthouse owners, market committee chairs and relevant stakeholders.

“These meetings aim at educating and cautioning them against child prostitution and allowing minors to access their premises. We managed to persuade bar owners to display signs at the entrances to restrict the minors from entering in there,” Longwe says.

Longwe adds that the campaign has shown some positive impact in the sense that it has created a spirit of accountability among bar owners and other stakeholders.

“Most bar owners actively ensure that minors do not access their premises. Additionally, outreach exercises organized by Civil Society Organizations, the Police and the Victim Support Unit have reinforced this effort.

“However, we require collective responsibility from all stakeholders and the community at large for us to be fully successful,” he says.

Longwe says his office has also been working towards enforcing child care, protection and justice, aligning efforts with national and district-level gender policies that aim at protecting minors and prevent exploitation.

Public Relations Officer for Kasungu Police, Joseph Kachikho, sends a reminder that selling alcohol to minors is punishable by the laws of Malawi, warning that the law enforcers will not hesitate to make arrests in cases of violation.

By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, January 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and the First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, have arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to attend the M300 for Africa summit.

Upon arrival, the first couple was warmly welcomed by various dignitaries, including Zanzibar's Minister of Finance and Planning, Saada Mkuya, Malawi's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Andrew Kumwenda, and Malawi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo.

The summit aims to reach 300 million people with energy in Africa by 2030, an initiative sponsored by the World Bank, African Development Bank, and other financial institutions.

The welcoming ceremony also drew government officials from both Malawi and Tanzania, as well as ordinary Tanzanians.

The M300 for Africa summit is a significant event, bringing together leaders from across the continent to discuss strategies for increasing access to energy.

Malawi is among the 11 countries in the pilot phase and is expected to benefit greatly from this initiative.

According to the information, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released, the Energy Summit will be held in Dar es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania, on 27th and 28th January 2025.

The Summit will be convened by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank.

The statement further said the meeting will bring together 13 African Heads of State and other partners to advance Mission 300’s initiative to scale energy access and accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition under the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration that will be adopted by Heads of State attending the Summit.

During the high-level event, the President will preside over the signing of a US$300 million compact that the World Bank Board has recently approved for Malawi’s efforts to achieve universal energy and electricity access by 2030.

“So far, since taking office, President Chakwera has increased electricity access among Malawians from 9 to 25 percent, and the World Bank compact to be signed in Dar es Salaam is part of his plan to increase that further to 70 percent over the next few years and generate enough electricity to power the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy for creating wealth,” reads the statement in part.

The president is scheduled to return on Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

By Wellington Sibale

Neno, January 27, Mana: The much-anticipated FAM Cup was officially launched in Neno District on Sunday at the Neno Community Ground with a thrilling opening match between Neno United and Hungry Hunters that ended in a 1-all stalemate. 

The tournament features 14 teams divided into three zones: Ligowe Zone with four teams, Chikonde Zone with four teams, and Lisungwi Zone with six teams. Each zone will host matches every weekend as teams battle for district supremacy.

Speaking during the launch, Neno District Football Association (NDFA) General Secretary, Austin Kumwenda expressed satisfaction with the start of the tournament.

"For us, we are happy that the games here in Chikonde have started. The games already started in Lisungwi zone and they are in the second week of the FAM Cup, but here in Chikonde, this is our first week. In Ligowe, we are going to kick off the games this weekend," said Kumwenda.

He further emphasized the importance of community support, urging residents to attend the matches.

“The FAM Cup is being played in three zones, Lisungwi, Ligowe, and Chikonde, and people should expect games every weekend. We hope to have a successful season, free from violence and produce good players who can play for big teams and we appeal to the communities to patronize these games," Kumwenda said.

He said the stakes are high, with the district champion set to take home MK1 million in prize money and the runner-up will receive MK400,000, while the third-place team will get MK300,000.

Kumwenda expressed optimism about the competition's positive impact, adding that no violence has been recorded so far.

Despite a late start in Neno due to delayed communication and initial reluctance from some teams, Kumwenda is confident that the district will catch up with others already deep into the tournament.

He said with matches lined up every weekend across the three zones, the FAM Cup promises to deliver thrilling football action in Neno District while fostering talent and unity among the local communities.