MANAonline
Africa to Embrace Science, Technology and Evidence-Informed
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 6, Mana: Minister of Higher Education Dr.Jessie Kabwila has called on African countries to fully embrace science, technology, innovation, and evidence-informed decision-making as essential pillars of development.
In her remarks at the 2025, Evidence for Development (Evi4Dev) conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Kabwila emphasized the need for African leaders and development stakeholders to take ownership of the continent's transformation agenda by investing in locally grounded solutions based on data and innovation.
“Africa is facing severe climate impacts, fragile health system, youth unemployment, rising debt, and diminishing international development finance.
“The continent has a lower higher education enrollment rate of just 9%, compared to a global average of 38%, and limited investment in research and development, standing at around 0.5% of GDP,” she said.
Kabwila also emphasized that data and evidence are essential for building institutions that deliver for the people and respond to their real needs.
“By embracing evidence-informed decision-making, Africans can create wealth and achieve responsive governance”, she said.
She, therefore, highlighted the need to address the gender and women's question, ensuring that development methods are engendered and inclusive.
"The future of Africa must be shaped by African knowledge, African solutions, and African resolve.
“Higher education is not just a path to jobs, it is the engine of Africa's development,” said Kabwila.
The Evi4Dev Conference brings together researchers, policymakers, development agencies, and civil society leaders from across the continent and beyond to discuss the role of data, evidence, and innovations in Africa's development.
Amref Health Africa embarks on Cholera response project in Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, May 6, Mana: Amref Health Africa has introduced a four-month Cholera response project in Chitipa District.
Speaking Tuesday when he briefed Chitipa District Health Management Committee and Public Health Emergency Management Committee, Project Manager for Amref Health Africa, responsible for Cholera Response Project Phase 2, Young Samanyika, said the project seeks to prevent future Cholera outbreaks in the district.
Samanyika said the intervention is aligned to Malawi National Cholera Plan (NCP) and the Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III).
He said, among others, the project aims at enhancing the district's capacity in preparing and handling public health emergencies.
“This project will run for four months but we appreciate that there are also other public priorities such as MPox at the moment and we will take advantage of the resources meant for this project to control MPox,” said Samanyika.
Director of Health and Social Services for Chitipa District Council, Dr. Jollings Kasondo, described the project as timely when the district is struggling with a spate of Cholera outbreaks.
"We are very grateful for this project as it will contribute to enhance disease surveillance,” said Kasondo.
The district has since September 16, 2024 reported 62 Cholera cases with two deaths.
The US$ 100,000 (approximately K175 million) project is funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation through Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and will be implemented in Chitipa and Karonga districts.
Nkhata Bay District Council provides relief food to disaster survivors
By Janet Masamba
NKhata Bay, May 6, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Council on Tuesday distributed bags of maize to 50 households, which were affected by heavy rainstorm, which hit the district since Saturday damaging houses and property.
According to Spokesperson for Nkhata Bay District Council, Chisomo Kambandanga, the affected households are located in various areas under Senior Chief Mkumbira in the district.
Kambandanga said the initiative aims at mitigating some of the challenges that affected households are facing as they strive to cope up with the situation and return to normal life.
"Upon receiving reports of the damage, we conducted an assessment and verification exercise and established that about 50 households were affected in this area.
“These households had their houses damaged and lost food stuff in the process, hence the intervention through which we are providing a 50 kilogram bag of maize, plastic pails and plates,” said Kambandanga.
He said the Council also received reports of damaged crop fields from the areas of senior chiefs Timbiri and Mkumbira, traditional authorities Fukamalaza and Kabunduli and results on the extent of the damage would be released soon.
One of the beneficiaries of the relief food, Magret Mkandawire, was thankful to the Council for turning to their rescue.
Another beneficiary, Robert Msiska, commended the Council for the intervention, saying the maize would help sustain food supply during the difficult time.
Chairperson for Mkumbira Area Development Committee, Mavuto Kaunda, said the support will go a long way in helping the affected households recover from the devastating effects of the disaster.
MRCS flag week to mobilize resources for disaster response
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, May 7, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society Director of Programs and Development, Gloria Kunyenga, has announced that the Society will conduct a Flag Week aimed at mobilizing resources to respond to different disasters that happen in the country.
She made the remarks at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a press briefing.
"It is a week that aims at mobilizing resources to help the Society carry out its work throughout the country.
“We are going to roll out activities such as blood donation to raise money to support us covering some issues such as transport when distributing items to vulnerable communities,” she added.
She said the funds raised will also support government's efforts in responding to disasters in a timely and efficient manner.
She further said that although the Society receives support from different donors and partners, the money raised serves as a startup in responding to emergencies.
The society is expecting to raise at least K200 million during the Flag Week.
Malawi has been experiencing different emergencies such as floods, drought and COVID-19.
Kunyenga, therefore, expressed gratitude to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, who is MRCS patron for his support to the society.
The flag week will be held from May 8 to May 17, 2025 under the theme "On the side of Humility".
President Chakwera is expected to launch the flag week on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Malawi, UAE sign MOU on mining, education, diplomacy and trade
By sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 6, Mana: Malawi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mining, trade, education and diplomatic training as one way of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the signing on Tuesday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Speaking after the signing of the agreements, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, said the MoU signifies Malawi’s 2063 for the country to have a stable economic growth.
She said, Malawi and UEA have good relations from which the two countries would benefit from each other.
“The President has been engaging with different countries on how they can develop this country; so, the signing of these agreements shows the commitment which the President has to make Malawi a better country,” she said.
Tembo further stated that government will ensure that all these MoUs are properly worked out on ground not just on paper.
The visit of the Prime Minister follows President Chakwera's trip to the UEA last year.
While in UAE Chakwera engaged with various government officials where he took advantage of the discussions to sell the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy to them.
UAE's economy is the 3rd largest in the Middle East with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$415 billion.
Court adjourns Kaliati’s case
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, May 6, Mana: The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Court has adjourned to May 26, 2025, the case involving Patricia Kaliati, an advisor to the United Transformation Movement (UTM) President. Kaliati is facing charges of conspiring to assassinate President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
In an interview on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda said the state has brought forward 15 witnesses, two of whom have already testified, while the remaining are expected to do so on May 26, when the case has been adjourned.
“The first witness’s testimony was found lacking in credibility, as the court noted the individual appeared to be aligned with the accused and therefore may not have been truthful,” said Banda. “However, the second witness provided credible evidence, having recorded a conversation with Kaliati during a meeting at her residence in Area 44.”
Additionally, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer McLucky Kamphandila, who testified as the second witness on behalf of the state prosecutor, stated that in mid-October 2024, he received information alleging that a group of individuals, led by Patricia Kaliati, were plotting to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera.
Kamphandila revealed that Patricia Kaliati had close proximity to President Lazarus Chakwera, as they were part of the same government, which, in his view, could have made it easier to carry out an assassination. After following up on the matter and finding the information credible, he summoned Kaliati to his superior, where she was alleged to have planned the assassination between February and June 2024, in Area 44, where she resides.
Kaliati, who is currently out on bail, pleaded not guilty on April 8 to charges of conspiring to assassinate President Chakwera. She was arrested in October 2024 in connection with the alleged plot.
Malawi needs USD1.4 billion to recover from effects of disasters
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, May 6, Mana: Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response in the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Reverend Moses Owen Chimphepo, says the country needs around $1.4 billion to recover from damages caused by disasters in the past four years.
He was speaking on Monday at Chikho Hotel in Mponela during the opening of a two-day Capacity Building training on Disaster Risk Management Communication which targeted journalists from various media houses.
He said the country's vulnerability to hazards has been worsening due to population growth, urbanization and environmental degradation, which has impacted various sectors like food, energy, health, water, infrastructure and others.
"As a country, over the years we have been experiencing frequent disasters, and cumulatively we have a loss of property of around $921 billion. But for us to recover and replace the losses, we need $1.4 billion. That is the situation we are in.
"For example you have seen how the road infrastructure has been damaged but we have not managed to recover because as we try to replace those infrastructure, another disaster comes and damages again. That is why accumulatively there are such huge numbers," he said.
He however said much as it will take time to fully recover, government in conjunction with development partners is replacing lost infrastructure like bridges, roads and school blocks.
He however said there is need to build a country that is resilient to disasters.
"This is where this training comes in because you are crucial in every step of disaster risk management cycle, from preparedness, response and recovery.
"You are our partner in raising awareness on potential disasters and what precautionary measures to take, helping the department know what is happening and affecting a community. But also helping raising the need on building resilient communities and nation," said Chimphepo.
One of the participants Chancy Namadzunda of The Atlas Malawi said the training was an eye opener.
"There are a lot of things we have learnt like our role in raising awareness on potential disasters, effective reporting during disasters, and also spreading important precautionary information like need for relocation from disaster prone areas.
"Also overview and legal frameworks in Disaster Risk Management in Malawi, and functions and responsibilities of various government agencies and other partners," said Namadzunda.
The training was sponsored by Concern Worldwide.
Linga Dam communities engaged in proactive emergency preparedness
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, May 6, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Council on Monday engaged communities surrounding Linga Dam in the district on emergency preparedness in the event that the dam breaches or overflows.
Senior Irrigation Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Stewart Chauluka, described the engagement as important saying some villages are prone to floods if the dam ruptures.
According to Chauluka, the council aimed at educating communities on identifying potential threats, such as cracks and water overflow and on life saving measures in emergencies.
"This dam holds about 15 million cubic metres of water which is a huge volume and a breach could lead to significant damage. That's why we've taken steps to prepare these communities,” said Chauluka.
Village Head Chakunda commended the Council for the initiative which, she said, will provide valuable tips on what to do in case of danger hence reducing potential damages.
"We're grateful for these safety drills. Considering the dam’s capacity, a breach could be catastrophic. I, therefore, urge people to abide by these drills to mitigate risks which emanate from the dam," said Chakunda.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rachael Kamanga, said the council will continue engaging stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the district.
Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Raphael Mkisi, advised communities to protect the environment and avoid activities that could lead to dam siltation and reduced rainfall.
The dam was constructed under the Agriculture Infrastructure and Youth in Agribusiness Project (AIYAP) with the goal of increasing agricultural productivity and income for households in the project area through irrigation.
Mining industry a key to the country’s development - Usi
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 6, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi says mining is the golden key that will unlock double-digit economic growth for Malawi come 2030.
Speaking during the official launch of the mining delivery lab at Bingu International Convection Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Usi emphasized that mining alone has the power to lift Malawi into the middle-income bracket inline with President Chakwera’s vision.
He eemphasized on the need for stakeholders to work together to utilise the availability of minerals in the country.
“I urge everyone to participate fully by bringing the best ideas because Malawi needs everyone now more than ever to ignite our economy and give our people the hope they deserve.
“Let us make mining the engine that powers our rise. Let us move with unity, with urgency, and with transparency. And above all, let us deliver—because our people are watching, and they are counting on us,” explained Usi.
Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, explained that mining is a game changer to economic development as it plays a crucial role in various sectors of the government.
He said mining holds enormous potential as the sector is a game changer for Malawi’s economy, which can contribute 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current one percent within the next two years.
“It is, therefore, a must to involve the strategic and meaningful participation of our youth and women in this robust mining sector where we anticipate serious job creation and the attraction of genuine investors who will make our economy move from the usual growth and sustainable economy to a robust money economy repositioning Malawi from a subsistence economy to a vibrant, industrialised, and middle income economy,” he explained.
British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, reaffirmed British commitment to supporting the mining industry in the country saying it is key in development.
“The future of energy across the world is free and we are interested in green energy solutions which means that securing of global supply of critical minerals that are available in Malawi.
“United Kingdom cares about Malawi’s future in economic growth, prosperity and development through mining,” she explained.
Kasungu farmers hail K96 million irrigation equipment
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, May 6, Mana: Chairperson for Khamalathu Micro-irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Santhe in Kasungu District says the K96 million irrigation equipment received from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) will help to avert hunger that threatens hundreds of households in the area.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Laston Mwale said changing climatic patterns have resulted in poor rains such that many households in the area have failed to harvest enough produce.
“This is why we thank government through NEEF for giving us a loan in form of irrigation equipment and inputs so that we get down to work this winter.
“We have a lot of water in the Bua River and alluvial soils on its beds but the challenge has been that we had no means to pump the water up to our gardens,” he said.
Mwale said the equipment will enable the 56-member group to cultivate the entire 46-hectare land along the Bua stretch in Group Village Head Chimbalame and produce at least 150, 000 metric tonnes of maize in the initial year.
Last week, NEEF handed over two pumps and 1,720-watt solar panels to the group in a loan package that also includes fertiliser, seed and chemicals.
Chief Executive Officer for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni said crops to be produced under irrigation can help plug the 1 million ton food deficit the country is facing this year.
“Due to the insufficient production under the rain-fed season, government has commissioned a number of irrigation programmes and NEEF is one of those entities orchestrating the initiatives.
“We are targeting 200, 000 farmers in the eight months before the end of the year and with each cultivating a minimum of one acre, we can hit between 500 000 at worst to 1 million tons which resonates well with the gap that we have in the country,” Mdyetseni said.
He said the fund has already reached out to 500 farmers with micro-irrigation support, spending at least K300 million.
“To reach 200, 000 farmers, we will have to spend between K70 billion to K100 billion in loans. But that’s the most effective way of utilising our famers or they will remain idle until the next rains,” he said.
Senior Chief Santhe expressed gratitude to government saying she will ensure the equipment is put to good use and achieve food security for the communities.
