MANAonline
President Chakwera makes strides to address energy challenges in Malawi
By Lily Kampani
Lilongwe, January 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has emphasized that the government will seek to make energy more accessible in the country by increasing from 25 per cent to 75 per cent by 2030.
The President made the remarks in Lilongwe on Monday at the Kamuzu International Airport before he left for Tanzania to attend the Mission 300 Energy summit.
“The World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB) have been real close friends in terms of helping us realize our energy goals.
“I am going to attend this meeting for us to kickstart this huge project concerning the whole continent including Malawi,” he said.
Chakwera added that he believes that issues of food security, jobs and wealth creation in line with agricultural productivity, urbanization and industrialization will be realized because of such projects.
“We need to realize that with all the vision that we have, energy is an enabler, therefore it needs to be readily available,” Chakwera emphasized.
The President will leave today the 27th and return on the 29th of January through Kamuzu International Airport at 09:40 am.
TA Mgulumia of Machinga laid to rest
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, January 26, Mana: Traditional Authority (TA) Mgulumia-born Margret Askim Mlomba was laid to rest on Saturday before thousands of people including government officials, chiefs from surrounding districts, faith leaders and political leaders.
TA Mgulumia, 53, of the Yao tribe, passed away on January 25, 2025, at Likwenu Headquarters, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to her community since her installation on June 9, 2023.
During the eulogy, the secretary for National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture Dr. Elizabeth Gomani-Chindevu hailed the late Mgulumia for her exceptional leadership skills.
"She was a strong-minded and visionary woman who knew how to bring peace among her people,
“She was one of the strongest minds that Machinga District has lost. She was a hardworking and visionary woman worth being a chief,” she added.
The PS also acknowledged TA Mgulumia as the first female TA in Machinga, who defied traditional norms to excel in her duties.
“She was bold, courageous, and an inspiration to others. She could not consider her gender to fail her in carrying out her duties,
“We encourage the deceased’s family to choose the right person to fill the gap so that her good work should continue," she said.
Dr. Gomani-Chindevu therefore encouraged the deceased's family to choose the right person to fill the gap left by TA Mgulumia.
Yao Paramount Chief Kawinga praised the Mgulumia for her selfless service to the community, saying she always put her subjects first in development issues.
“TA Mgulumia served us for a short period, but her contributions to the chieftaincy have been very fruitful. She used to put others first, and we will remember her for that,” he added while encouraging the deceased's family to remain united as it mourned Mgulumia
Machinga District Council chairperson, Simplex Diwa, also paid tribute to TA Mgulumia, describing her as a champion of development who will be deeply missed.
“We are saddened by the loss of TA Mgulumia, who was a champion of development in our district. She had innovative ideas and was always on point when it came to development issues," Diwa added
Diwa said Mgulumia's death left a big gap in the district's traditional leadership, and he expressed hope that the loyal family will choose a perfect replacement to continue with good work.
“I hope there will be peace and unity in the loyal family during the mourning period of our lovely TA. Let us support each other during this difficult time,” he added.
Chiefs from Balaka, Zomba, Mangochi, and other districts attended the funeral of Mgulumia.
TA Mgulumia is survived by four children and two grandchildren.
Certificates of Customary Estate Excites Zomba Communities
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, January 26, Mana: Communities in the area of Senior Chief Mlumbe in Zomba District have commended government for implementing a land reforms programme, which among other things promotes the registration of Customary Land.
The communities made the remarks Saturday at Chilipa primary school in the area of senior chief Mulumbe where the Ministry of Lands issued certificates of customary estate to land owners and smallholder farmers.
Paul Mweta, a beneficiary who hails from Matanga Two in Masula Village, expressed his excitement saying that the certificate he received provides a sense of ownership over his land, which is likely to resolve land-related issues such as encroachment.
"I can now identify boundaries of my land, this development will reduce the problems related to land that people in our area have been struggling with," Mweta said.
He added that initially, he did not understand the programme well thinking that the government might grab his piece of land.
“At first, I was uncertain about registering my land, but when the Ministry of Lands conducted awareness meetings on the importance of registering Customary land, all the fears were not there and that encouraged me to register my land. This customary land was passed on to me by my parents, so I need to protect it, hence registering it,” he added.
Another beneficiary, Maria Maopa, from Masaula Village, said the certificate authenticates ownership of the land and that issues such as selling land to foreigners and inheritance disputes will be a thing of the past.
"As a farmer, I will be working on my piece of land freely without fearing that someone would come and grab my land away. This will enable me to use the land productively,” she said.
A member of Masaula Customary Land Committee Jafali Thombo remarked that the exercise has been impactful and significant, as it has allowed people in the area to have true ownership of their land.
He appealed government to expedite scaling up the land registration process to other areas stating that registered land gives people the confidence to work on it freely.
Senior Chief Mlumbe commended the government for implementing the land reform programme saying it has reduced land disputes, which chiefs have been grappling with for years in the area.
He therefore urged his subordinates to fully support the programme by exercising fairness when handling land issues.
He urged them to ensure that only indigenous Malawi should register customary land in their respective areas.
Commenting on the development, Anthony Mzima, Deputy Commissioner for Lands, stated that the initiative is crucial for effective land management and highlighted that it is a priority for the ministry to ensure that everyone registers their customary land across the country.
He indicated that the initiative began as a pilot project in Karonga, Kasungu, Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Nsanje districts.
Mzima further said the ministry is collaborating with the district land registry at the district council to ensure that all individuals who registered have received their certificates.
K267 million health centre construction starts in KK
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota January 26, Mana: Nkhotakota District Council through its District Health Office over the weekend handed over Awonenji Building contractors to construct the much-awaited K267 Million Mwala Wa Tongole Health Centre at Group Village Man Makhanjera, Senior Chief Mphonde in Nkhotakota District.
Speaking during the handover, the Director of Health services for the district Dr Jacob Kafulafula said the facility is expected to improve the work of delivering quality health services in the district and help to reach people from hard-to-reach areas like the Mwalawatongole area.
"This infrastructure is very crucial for the community who have been travelling long distances to get medical services from Nkhotakota District hospital, so this facility will be beneficial to the community because they will be able to access health services at the nearest facility," said Kafulafula.
In his remarks, Chairperson for Nkhotakota District Council, Counsellor Charles Chimzukuzuku said the Heath Centre project is timely as the community will be able to access quality health services in time.
The project contractor, Awonenji has assured District Council officials and people in the area that they will construct a quality and long-lasting health centre that will conform to contract standards within 120 days as per agreement.
The council has also handed over a Market Shed to the community at Msenjere Trading Centre under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project with funding from the World Bank.
Senior Group Village Headman Aaron James Kahambe expressed his gratitude for the great market shed project saying vendors along the road will now be transferred to the market.
NLGFC advises Karonga District Council to utilise property rates
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 24, Mana: The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has advised officials at Karonga District Council to diversify their local revenue collection strategies by among others utilizing property rates.
Executive Director for NLGFC, Dr. Kondwani Santhe gave the advice while speaking at a budget hearing session for the 2025/26 fiscal year at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.
"Property rates are a type of tax levied by local governments, such as district councils or municipalities, on properties within their jurisdiction. The revenue generated from property rates can be used to fund various local government services and infrastructure projects, such as waste management and sanitation, water, and sewage services, public safety and security and community development projects," Santhe said.
"Intensifying the use of property rates, as referred to in the Local Government Act, is crucial for local governments to generate a stable source of revenue. This revenue can then be channeled towards promoting local economic growth and development," he added.
The Executive Director went on to advise Karonga District Council to diversify local revenue collection instead of relying on donor projects and government funding saying the whole country is a planned area with potential to make councils to become financially stable and efficient in delivery of services to residents.
"Have your money, make your money and spend it on services you are unable to at the moment in the way you want in provision of quality services for the Karonga people," Santhe advised.
Meanwhile, Karonga District Council (KDC) presented plans to collect MK372,061,120.66 from local revenue in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Acting Director of Finance for KDC, Joyce Chindenga said this while outlining a MK30, 358, 978, 500 billion for 2025/26 for Karonga District Council of which over MK372 million is intended to be raised from local revenue collection.
“We will employ multiple strategies to achieve these targeted outcomes. These will include engaging stakeholders in joint business license campaigns, involving political leaders such as Members of Parliament and Councillors, to minimize issues of political interference in revenue collection.
"Additionally, we plan to recruit an Assistant Internal Auditor to strengthen our internal controls. We will also regularly update our business register to ensure all new businesses are registered.
“Furthermore, we will hold intensive sensitization meetings with market committees, empowering them to support progress and development by actively participating in revenue collection campaigns. This increased revenue will enable us to provide quality services to the residents of Karonga,” said Chindenga.
Maintain human agency at the centre of technological advancements-DC
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, January 25, Mana: Mchinji District Commissioner, Lucia Chidalengwa has underscored the importance of maintaining human agency at the centre of technological advancements as communities and individuals harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Chidalengwa made the remarks on Saturday during the commemoration of International Education Day in Mchinji, emphasizing the dual role of AI in supporting learning and fostering development while urging caution against over-reliance on it.
“AI can play a transformative role in education by enabling students and teachers to access information faster and more efficiently. However, as we embrace AI, we must ensure it complements, rather than replaces. When humans think it enhances brain development,” said Chidalengwa.
The event, organized by the Girls Activists Youth Organization (GAYO), brought together primary and secondary schools to explore the theme, "AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation."
The celebrations featured performances and discussions highlighting the interplay between technology and education.
GAYO Executive Director, Richard Batchi echoed Chidalengwa’s sentiments, saying education must be the vehicle for ensuring that AI serves humanity rather than undermining it.
“As we witness unprecedented advancements in AI and automation, we must ask ourselves, how do we ensure these innovations serve humanity rather than replace it? AI is reshaping industries, redefining job markets, and influencing decision-making processes, but it must not erode the essence of human creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment. Education must empower us to navigate and influence these technological advancements for the betterment of society,” said Batch.
One of the learners, Tapiwa Luka from Kamuzu Primary School, said she was excited that these days there is AI which can also influence learning, however, she said there is a need to be cautious.
“AI has made it easier for me to understand and develop concepts, which enhances my creativity. But we must also be cautious because AI can sometimes spread misinformation, and we need to learn how to differentiate between facts and falsehoods,” said Luka.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education in peace and development, but in Mchinji it was commemorated on January 25 while nationally it will be commemorated on January 31 in Mzuzu.
Paramount Chief Kaduya calls for environment conservation
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, January 25, Mana: Phalombe District Council has launched 2024/2025 forestry season with a call from Lhomwe Paramount Chief Kaduya, urging people in Phalombe to plant and care for tree seedlings to ensure good survival rate for better vegetative cover against land degradation and other environmental related challenges.
In an interview after the district launch on Saturday at Sub-Traditional Authority Nyambalo Headquarters, Paramount Kaduya said the district can overcome effects of climate change if adequate trees were planted and protected from destruction.
“We are now faced with flood and mudslides because we have cut down trees in our mountains and hills, so this tree planting season should remind us what our ancestors left for us. We need to do the same for the next generation to benefit what we shall plant today,” she said.
Paramount Chief Kaduya added that government through Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and World Vision Malawi through Food for Assert (FFA) programme mobilize communities to plant and protect trees for better livelihood.
Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, James Banda said the district plan to plant 2 million tree seedlings in the current forestry season, but will strive to surpass the target by 600,000 tree seedlings.
He said that his office will work with the surrounding communities through extension workers to ensure good survival rate from 85 per cent previous forestry season to 90 per cent this current season.
The forestry season began on December 15, 2024 and will end on April 15, 2025 under the theme; Restore forest and land to secure food production.
543 households benefit from relief maize in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, January 24, Mana: Director of Administration and Human Resource for Likoma District Council, Moses Jere says 543 households have benefitted from relief maize which is under 2024/2025 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Program in Likoma District.
Jere said this on Friday at Chizumulu Island on the sideline of the distribution exercise of the relief maize to Chizumulu Island beneficiaries as one way of reducing hunger to the families where each household went away with two bags of 50 Kgs of maize.
“The purpose of this maize distribution exercise is for the people to benefit including their families. They must consume at family levels, this means that they will be very productive not only at community level but even at national level,” said Jere.
A beneficiary of the exercise at Chizumulu, James Mfaume said he was grateful to government for the maize saying it will help in reducing hunger in many families.
“Personally, I am thankful for this program, you know many people are starving because they do not have food in their homes, I am lucky to be part of this program, if possible, government should increase the number of people to benefit from the program,” said Mfaume.
He then asked fellow beneficiaries to use the maize for its intended purpose saying the two bags if taken care of can cover the families for two months.
Ward Councilor for Chizumulu island, Barnabus Sambamo said the distribution exercise has come at the right time as many people have been stricken by hunger on the Island.
"The distribution of maize is very important to us here on Chizumulu Island. We truly appreciate receiving it, especially given the hunger that often affects the island. Most of the time, people experience food shortages between January and March. This maize will provide much-needed relief,” said Sambamo.
He then thanked government for considering people from Chizumulu as well as Likoma Islands to be part of the program.
Government optimistic with IPPs
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 24, Mana: Government has expressed satisfaction with Independent power producers (IPPs) as they are at the center of improving livelihoods and achieving Malawi’s 2063 vision in the energy sector.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency ( MANA) , Spokesperson for Ministry of Energy, Austin Theu highlighted the importance of IPPs saying they bring much-needed investment, innovation and expertise to expand the generation capacity, diversify energy sources and improve energy access.
He said by 2030, Malawi's estimated electricity demand is projected to reach approximately 774MW, while the expected generation capacity for the same year is forecasted to be around 1,500MW; this significant surplus in generation capacity creates an ideal opportunity for power exports, which could provide a new revenue stream and foreign exchange earnings for the country.
“The power sector in Malawi is getting interconnected, digitalised and decentralised. This complements government efforts and accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy sector helping the country to move towards the energy goal,” he said.
Theu further articulated that IPPs’ investment in renewable energy projects help to diversify the energy mix and ensure supply resilience against climate-related disruptions.
“IPPs are playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between demand and supply of electricity, reducing load shedding and enabling the electrification of more areas, “ he stated.
In his remarks, an energy expert, Grain Malunga has urged government to increase energy investment to meet energy demand in the country.
“Reaching the energy target capacity government alone or Electricity Supply Cooperation of Malawi (ESCOM) can not meet so it is important for the IPPs to be given a room to be investing in the energy sector,” said Malunga.
Currently, Malawi has three operational IPPs such as Mulanje Hydro Limited with 8.2MW from hydropower; JCM Matswani with 60MW from solar in Salima and 20MW from solar energy with battery storage in Golomoti; and Serengeti Solar in Nkhotakota with 21MW.
Dedza partners commended for community financial inclusion
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, January 25, Mana: Dedza District Council Community Development Officer, Thanira Gondwe, has commended partners who were implementing a two-year Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise (FARMSE) programme for positively uplifting lives of some communities in the district.
Among other things, the Implementing Partners (IPs) implemented several programmes under Community-Based Financial Support, thereby promoting Village Saving Loans groups and other forms of community-based financial organizations.
The programme also had a third component under innovative outreach activity where FARMSE reached out to formal financial institutions through agency banking and linkage of the financial institutions to the Community Based Financial Organizations (CBFOs) and other rural inhabitants where they would not normally reach in their normal business.
Gondwe said on Friday, at the end of the review meeting with the district IPs, that the session was a wake-up call to what’s happening on the ground.
“And looking at what they have presented; it clearly shows that they have done a lot of work on the ground about VSL groups.
“The most important thing that I have also seen is that these people have been on the ground capacitating the groups on the savings and also telling them the importance of starting small businesses, which would help assist the communities in developing economically,” said Gondwe.
According to Gondwe, the savings and how much the members shared by the end of the year demonstrated that people’s livelihoods have significantly changed.
“You know these people are complementing the government’s efforts. Of course, we are already doing it but then they came in with more resources which made us reach out to more groups. We will continue to encourage the beneficiaries to work on those groups and also to continue doing the small-scale businesses because a lot of them have benefited from the initiative,” he pointed out.
On his part, Brown Phulusa, FARMSE District Coordinating Officer, said he is impressed with the outcome of the review meeting.
“Looking at all activities I am impressed because when you look at a sampled number of households under ultra-poor graduation most of them have moved within a short period having received their seed money and currently most of them have three times what they got.
“Their livelihoods have changed. They have got a lot of productive assets. So, I would say by combining seed capital with technical expertise many lives would change,” indicated Phulusa.
According to Phulusa, the three major operative components of the programme have greatly improved the lives of the targeted communities, citing numerous savings and shares under the CBFOs' support, the ultra-poor graduations, and the placement of agents either under FDH or NBS in every corner of the district under the innovative component, where people are no longer travelling long distances to get banking services as expected by the programme.
“It is impressive to see communities having a lot of productive assets which have seen their lives greatly improved and this has also brought in some capacity building where they are producing more in the agriculture sector ensuring their food and nutrition capacity,” said Phulusa.
Some of the partners who participated in implementing the programme include the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), Action Aid Malawi, FINCOOP, FDH, and NBS banks.
FARMSE is a government of Malawi programme housed under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
It is being implemented in all 28 districts through some NGOs, private implementing partners and departments as well as agencies.
