By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, February 26, Mana: The World Bank and the Malawi Government have signed a USD45 million (MK80 billion) grant agreement for the implementation of Phase 2 of the Malawi Food Systems Resilience Program under the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) project.

The grant, sourced from a multi-donor trust fund, is funded by Norway, Ireland, the European Union, and the Government of Flanders.

Speaking on Wednesday during the signing ceremony at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, Firas Raad, said the Multi-Donor-Trust funds aim to increase resilience of food systems and the country’s preparedness for food insecurity in project areas and respond to crisis or emergencies.

Raad said the additional funding has come following the successful implementation of AGCOM 1 which focused on resilience of food systems and the country's preparedness for food insecurity.

“We decided to mobilize this support for this program, particularly due to the successful implementation of AGCOM 1. So, this funding will promote the Agricultural commercialization agenda and scale up ongoing activities but also finance new activities to achieve productivity and economic growth,” said Raad.

The Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, described the grant as an economic breather towards achieving productivity to alleviate poverty among Malawians.

He said as government they have Public Financial Management Act and hence they will ensure that the money is put to good use to serve its purpose.

“We are very happy as Malawians to have signed the additional financing to AGCOM 2, from the multi-donor Trust Fund, led by the World Bank, coming from EU, Norway, Ireland and Flanders government.

“This will be implemented by Ministry of Agriculture through AGCOM. It is a matter of commercializing Agriculture, focusing on productivity and over 100,000 farmers will benefit. This support has also gone well with the ATM strategy which is a fundamental pillar towards growth,” said Chithyola.

Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale thanked the world bank and other donors, Ireland, Norway, EU and Flanders for the support towards the agricultural sector.

He said Malawi is facing huge climate change impacts that calls for action and hence the support from the donors through AGCOM is timely.

“The support will empower over 60,000 farmers and increased to over 40 percent yield and promoted agricultural reforms in the first phase. It will further rehabilitate over 60,000 hectares of land from farmers.

“Today, AGCOM 2, will expand climate smart irrigation to ensure all year farming for 100,000 farmers, Drug resistance seeds, Link farmers to markets through unlocking value chains, agricultural technologies, processes and value addition and inclusivity for women and youths,” said Kawale.

He added that as a Minister, he will ensure accountability of the resources and provide real time monitoring to ensure all funds are used prudently so that in the end, there will be no Malawians to die of hunger.

Kawale said the Ministry will also engage private sectors such as banks to provide farmers with friendly soft loans to transform the agricultural sector and make agriculture a commercial entity.

The AGCOM phase 2 project will target over 100, 000 households (approximately 700, 000) beneficiaries.

The AGCOM project was launched in 2023 and will run up to 2029 with a total funding of USD 326 million.

By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, February 26, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed disappointment over accusations that he was dishonest during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 14, 2025.

He was speaking in Parliament on Wednesday when he appeared before the House to respond to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Chakwera said those accusing him of dishonesty are doing so to gain some political mileage. He has however said that he is not immune to mistakes just like everyone else.

“All Data that I presented concerning developments which are taking place in the country are true though some errors where made by the team responsible for these issues,” said Chakwera.

He further said the statement which was made by the Leader of the Opposition must be withdrawn as part of his speech, he accused him of lying to Malawians.

“I am committed to serving Malawians and have no time for lies. As a country, we need to come together to address the challenges Malawians are facing, such as hunger and the rising cost of commodities,” he said.

He stated that he is aware of some individuals who are deliberately sabotaging the country's economy for political gain and to create the impression that his government has failed.

The president highlighted, that he has taken strong measures to address those who are intentionally harming the economy for personal gains.

By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, February 26, Mana: Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Thyolo is set to improve data accuracy and project monitoring through the Geographical and Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) portfolio.

This follows orientation session by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) for District Environmental Sub Committee (DEST) members and District Designated Officers to streamline data collection across various catchments in the district where CS-EPWP participants work in sub projects.  

Speaking on Tuesday on the sidelines of the session, NLGFC Budget Analyst, Jonathan Banda said equipping DEST members and other council officials with GEMS knowledge and skills will improve tracking and monitoring Social Service Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP), specifically activities in catchments.

"Our mission was to train council personnel on how to accurately capture project data within catchment areas.

“This will ensure information is readily available on a digital platform and this will also enable development partners such as World Bank to assess progress remotely,” said Banda.

Banda added that integration of GEMS will reduce frequent physical monitoring visits by stakeholders, as they can access real-time data, including images showcasing assets created by CS-EPWP participants in their catchments.

Thyolo District CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Francis Yohane said the orientation was crucial in standardising data collection across catchments.

“This has given us responsibility to gather uniform and high-quality information. With a well-structured system in place, we anticipate improved efficiency and reliability in our reporting," he added.

Extension worker from Lomola Catchment, Traditional Authority Nanseta’s area, Emmanuel Muhekiwa commended NLGFC for the initiative, stating that it will improve project evaluation as it will provide insights into both successes and challenges encountered in different catchments.

The orientation session concluded with a practical exercise at Lomola Catchment, where participants applied their newly acquired data collection skills.

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, February 26, Mana: Karonga District fisheries office has hailed the Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management project (SFAD-WM) for promoting best fisheries management practices and enforcement of fishing laws and regulations in the district.

District fisheries officer for Karonga, Trasicio Ngulube said this on Tuesday in Karonga during a documentation exercise targeting activities that have been implemented under the SFAD-WM project.

Ngulube said; "The SFAD-WM project has been instrumental in ensuring that many fishing communities are properly registered and that their fishing tools are certified and licensed by the fisheries department.

“The project helped us to conduct land, and water patrols as part of enforcement of fishing laws and regulations in ensuring that all fishing communities have their fishing gears licensed. All unlicensed fish gears were confiscated.”

He further said through the resources provided under the project, over six fishponds that were destroyed by floods have been rehabilitated which has helped fish farmers to maximize fish harvest.

Ngulube said the project has also promoted fisheries management and preservation of sanctuaries including the establishment of Beach Village Committees (BVC) which have been instrumental in protecting breeding areas for fish.

“Before the project’s intervention, the districts fish stocks were low due to poorly protected breeding areas, however with the projects support the district has seen improvements in fisheries management and conservation,” he explained.

In his remarks, Deputy Director in the department of land and resource conservation McPherson Nthara hailed the success of the SFAD-WM project in conserving catchments and promoting sustainable fisheries.

“We have been working with SFAD-WM for the last two years to enhance the protection of catchment areas which have been degraded due to soil erosion, loss of vegetation and gully formation,” said Nthara.

He added that under the project, several catchment areas’ conservation interventions have been implemented such as construction of check dams, water harvesting, infiltration ponds, and tree planting among others.

Village head man Chakwela applauded the SFAD-WM project implementation strategy which he said encouraged the active participation of local communities in the implementation of various project activities.

He said the involvement of local communities in the implementation of project activities will help in the sustenance of project achievements even after donor support has been exhausted.

The Sustainable Capture Fisheries, Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management Project (SFADWMP) is a government of Malawi project which is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDP).

The overall strategic objective of the project is to increase fish production in order to contribute to the well-being of Malawians, improve on food security and nutrition sensitive diets, reduce on poverty levels through employment opportunities and enhance adaptive capacity of value chain enterprises.

By Doricah Mkwapatira

Machinga, February 26, Mana: Self Help Africa has disbursed cash to over 1,290 households that are currently affected by El-Nino induced hunger in Machinga District with each selected vulnerable household receiving K92,000, for January and February, to buy food.

Self Help Africa Project Manager, Rosemary Kabanga, said the organisation felt obliged to take part in addressing the current food situation in the district following the dry spell.

Kabanga said this at Traditional Authority (TA) Liwonde headquarters during the cash disbursement to beneficiaries of the safety net programme.

“The financial support is meant to cushion vulnerable households against hunger for three months,” she said.

Machinga District Council Disaster Risk Management Officer, Shepherd Jere, hailed Self Help Africa for responding to government’s appeal to local and international organisations for humanitarian food assistance following declaration of disaster in 23 districts in Malawi.

“The Council is grateful that Self Help Africa responded to government’s appeal for food assistance. In three months, Machinga will be relieved from hunger,” Jere said.

He urged beneficiaries to put their money in village saving banks and invest in small businesses to ensure a continuous cash flow in their homes.

“This is a lot of money considering that many other organisations are providing food assistance. I urge everyone to try and join Village Savings and Loan groups and start small businesses for economic stability even after this project phases out," he advised.

Violet Sakalani from Njahito Village, said the cash is a life changing opportunity as she could not manage to feed her big family in the hunger situation.

“I am grateful to be included in this cash transfer programme. I will now be able to buy food and various basic needs to help me and my six children throughout this lean season.

“I could not even afford anything to sustain my family since the death of my husband," she said.

Group Village head Liwonde, who spoke on behalf of TA Liwonde, hailed Self Help Africa for disbursing cash to vulnerable households in the area.

“Hunger is at its peak in Machinga and during such difficult times many lives go without food. This money will deliver the recipient households from many uncertainties,” he said.

The cash transfer programme is funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO HIP) working in eight districts through a consortium of eight partners of Self Help Africa, CARE, Foundation for Community and Capacity Development (FOCCAD), Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD), Eagles Relief, Youth Network and Counseling (YONECO, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) and Save the Children

By George Mponda

Karonga, February 25, Mana: The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has said the Geo-Enabling Initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) mapping is essential in enhancing the effectiveness of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Karonga.

NLGFC's Cluster Coordinator for the Northern Region and Nkhotakota, Duncan Magwira said this on Tuesday in Karonga during an orientation on the GEMS portfolio mapping tools for the District Environment Subcommittee (DESC) and Designated Officers for CSEPWP in the district.

Magwira said; "GEMS enables real time monitoring and supervision of project activities. The initiative provides a platform for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and making informed decisions thereby enabling us to respond quickly to challenges and make adjustments to the implementation strategy of CSEPWP.”

"The objective of the questionnaire used is to obtain critical data about the implementation of development activities financed by the World Bank, African Development Bank and their partners. It uses geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to collect and analyze data on project activities which is then used by decision makers and ensure that project resources are utilized effectively", he added.

On his part, District Programme Facilitator for Karonga, Austin Kafere said the use of GEMS in the climate smart programme will enhance transparency and accountability.

"The initiative provides a platform for stakeholders to track project progress and access information on project activities. This will help to build trust among stakeholders and ensure that project resources are used for their intended purpose," Kafere said.

According to Kafere, the CSEPWP in Karonga has 16, 417 participants who are working on soil and water conservation in 18 catchments around the district.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, February 26, mana: Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) Mzimba Chapter Chairperson, Dan Kaunda, has challenged fish farmers in the district to join the union to benefit from working collaborations with other farmers and also from various business opportunities and expertise that the farmers grouping facilitates.

Kaunda was speaking on Tuesday in Mzimba during a meeting with fish farmers drawn from Mzimba Boma.

He said there is great potential in farming if farmers work jointly to exploit joint business opportunities that lay unexploited.

‘‘There is a huge demand for fish in Mzimba but only few farmers are able to match the supply side. We need to work jointly as farmers and grow fish production so that we jointly meet the market demand,” said Kaunda.

He also said there is a need for farmers to join the farmers’ union to benefit from various business opportunities such as business linkages that the union facilitates.

‘‘As FUM, we believe if we can be serious as farmers in working together we will be able to form cooperatives which will enable us to be attending agricultural fairs where we will be getting business linkages beneficial to us all.

“If we grow more fish it would be easier to sell some in the bordering countries like Zambia after satisfying local demands,” said Kaunda.

Speaking during the meeting, District Fisheries Officer for Mzimba, Andrew Saukani said there is need for working collaboration among fish farmers and his office for the farmers to benefit from the expertise that his office provides.

‘‘As an office we are ready and willing to provide extension services to all farmers. Our office is there to assist farmers in fish farming so get orgarnised so that we should start working with you. This extends to both existing farmers and those aspiring. We are here to help you maximise potential from the fishing business,” said Saukani.

He said Mzimba South leads in terms of fish farmers as it has 499 fish farmers unlike Mzimba North which has 210 farmers.

‘‘We have a shortage of fish on the market all the time yet this is an area that provides an opportunity for fish farmers to exploit and make money. I therefore urge you all farmers to look into growing the sector by setting and establishing fish ponds. Our office will help you with the expertise,” he said.

One of the fish farmers, William Kachale from Engalaweni said the training on fish farming has been an eye opener as he looks to setting up fish ponds.

‘‘All along I have been a fish farmer but I had problems with where to get fingerlings and also where to get expertise on fish production but with this training I have now realised the expertise is just nearby. All we will be doing is consult fisheries department for extension services,” said Kachale.

Another farmer, John Pemba hailed the training as it enabled them appreciate how beneficial the fish sector is.

‘‘We now realise how readily available the market for fish farming is in Mzimba. This training by Farmers Union of Malawi is beneficial in the sense that we now realise the potential of the fish sector if one takes it seriously to invest in it,” said Pemba.

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, February 26, Mana: Young Urban Women (YUW) Network in Mchinji has raised concerns about the impact of debt and taxation on women’s livelihoods.

The concern was made on Tuesday during a multi-sector engagement where they interacted with government officials, chiefs, councillors, and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) network.

The network urged stakeholders to take action on issues affecting them, particularly debt and tax justice, decent work, unpaid care work, and ending gender-based violence.

Chairperson of the Mchinji YUW network, Nellie Pulumuka, said there is a serious bearing of government debt and taxation on women’s livelihoods, since when debt rises, development projects that could benefit women are hindered.

She said, in addition, heavy taxation on goods and services affects small-scale businesses, which many young women rely on for income.

“As women, we strongly feel that government debts and taxes in the country should not impact us negatively. Considering the state of the economy now, it is women who suffer the most. We are the ones who shoulder all the burdens, including caring for children and the sick, especially when our businesses struggle or collapse,” Pulumuka said.

CSO representative, Gilbert M'bwana, concurred with the young women saying civil society has a role in advocating for economic justice for women.

“When government debt increases, it affects development initiatives that could empower women. Many young women run small scale businesses, and high government debt and taxes negatively impact them.

“Additionally, when debts affect the economy, companies struggle to create jobs, resulting in lack of decent work that women can take up,” said M'bwana.

Mchinji Council Chairperson, Dorothy Musa, said the active engagement by young women is a positive step towards women empowerment.

“I am happy to see young women coming out to voice their concerns. This is a good sign of empowerment. Mchinji is a district that is making strides in promoting women in leadership and when women rise into leadership positions, their voices will be heard,” she said.

Young Urban Women Movement also known as Feminist Hub builds the capacity of young women on macro-economic policies.

The Mchinji movement is under the Valuing Women’s Work Project implemented by Action Aid Malawi with support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, February 26, Mana: Young Urban Women (YUW) Network in Mchinji has raised concerns about the impact of debt and taxation on women’s livelihoods.

The concern was made on Tuesday during a multi-sector engagement where they interacted with government officials, chiefs, councillors, and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) network.

The network urged stakeholders to take action on issues affecting them, particularly debt and tax justice, decent work, unpaid care work, and ending gender-based violence.

Chairperson of the Mchinji YUW network, Nellie Pulumuka, said there is a serious bearing of government debt and taxation on women’s livelihoods, since when debt rises, development projects that could benefit women are hindered.

She said, in addition, heavy taxation on goods and services affects small-scale businesses, which many young women rely on for income.

“As women, we strongly feel that government debts and taxes in the country should not impact us negatively. Considering the state of the economy now, it is women who suffer the most. We are the ones who shoulder all the burdens, including caring for children and the sick, especially when our businesses struggle or collapse,” Pulumuka said.

CSO representative, Gilbert M'bwana, concurred with the young women saying civil society has a role in advocating for economic justice for women.

“When government debt increases, it affects development initiatives that could empower women. Many young women run small scale businesses, and high government debt and taxes negatively impact them.

“Additionally, when debts affect the economy, companies struggle to create jobs, resulting in lack of decent work that women can take up,” said M'bwana.

Mchinji Council Chairperson, Dorothy Musa, said the active engagement by young women is a positive step towards women empowerment.

“I am happy to see young women coming out to voice their concerns. This is a good sign of empowerment. Mchinji is a district that is making strides in promoting women in leadership and when women rise into leadership positions, their voices will be heard,” she said.

Young Urban Women Movement also known as Feminist Hub builds the capacity of young women on macro-economic policies.

The Mchinji movement is under the Valuing Women’s Work Project implemented by Action Aid Malawi with support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

By Milcah Mathias

Blantyre, February 25, Mana: Kabula Diaries is set to host Kell Kay's Acapella Sunday at Chichiri Underground Cinema Room in blantyre on March 2, 2025 to create a unique and memorable experience that portrays the beauty and power of acapella music. 

In an interview, Kabula Diaries Project Manager, Desire Mtosa, said the creative events platform decided to bring Kell Kay in March as the month is dedicated to bring unique entertainment and recreation to Blantyre residents.

“Music has a way of bringing people together. We felt that Kell Kay is an incredible talent and he is the perfect artist to perform acapella music.

“The audience should expect a  beautiful afternoon filled with acapella music by Kell Kay and an energetic atmosphere, a live performance and a beautiful time,” he said.

One of Kell Kay's fans and acapella music lover, Madalitso Banda, expects a heartwarming afternoon to listen to good acapella music from the artist who always preaches love through his music.

“I have always been a fan of Kell Kay because of his touch of acapella music. I cannot wait to attend and watch his live performance. It is going to be a great experience for me and my beloved ones,” said Banda.

Kelvin Kambwiri, best known as Kell Kay, is a multi award winning RnB singer and songwriter with hits like Mr Yesu, Loss, Muchedwa, Bwana Pwanya.

He collaborated with Great Angels Choir on a song titled Hallelujah (Inuyo).