MANAonline
Police officer dies in Mchinji road accident
By Majona Jabesi
Mchinji, January 24, Mana: A police officer, Constable John Mwenye, has died after a motorcycle hit him while on duty on Thursday in Mchinji.
The accident occurred at around 4 pm at Makiyeli when the rider, Lawrence Mwale, was heading towards the direction of Kamwendo from Mchinji Boma on his unregistered motorcycle using the Mchinji-Lilongwe (M12) road, with a pillion passenger.
According to Mchinji Public Relations Officer, Limbani Mpinganjira, the motorcyclist hit the officer who was standing on the offside of the road, in the line of duty.
"Following the impact, the deceased sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Mchinji District Hospital where he died while receiving treatment," said Mpinganjira.
Mpinganjira also added that both the rider and pillion passenger sustained minor bruises and were also rushed to the same hospital for treatment, adding the motorcycle and its gear lever and handles twisted during the accident.
A 26-year-old Constable Mwenye hailed from Mbedza Village, Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa District.
Until his death, Mwenye was serving as a police officer in Mchinji District.
NEEF to disburse K150 billion worth of loans to 400,000 people this year
By Stanley Nkhondoyachepa
Lilongwe, January 24, Mana: Government through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) says it hopes to disburse a total of K150 billion worth of loan to 400,000 farmers and business people by close of this financial year.
Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu said this on Thursday at Liwonde in Machinga and Namwera in Mangochi when NEEF distributed fertilizers to farmers who successfully applied for farm input loan.
Kunkuyu noted that there has been a substantial increase in the amount of funds allocated to NEEF this financial year as directed by President Lazarus Chakwera to ensure that many people benefit.
“Last year, government allocated K25 billion to NEEF, which benefited 11,000 farmers but the President directed that this year`s NEEF funds be increased to K150 billion to benefit 400,000 people” he said.
Kunkuyu said as Minister of Information and Government spokesperson, he has a responsibility to monitor the distribution exercise so as to ensure that only deserving farmers and not vendors are benefitting from the loans. as well as give feedback to government on how people want the programme implemented.
“We have heard that people are complaining about how the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) is being implemented. Let me assure you that I will inform the President about your concerns,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for fair distribution of the NEEF loans to farmers regardless of political affiliation, saying it is the wish of the President the initiative be nonpolitical.
He challenged the farmers to use the fertilizer in their farms and repay the loan in good time, stressing that a loan needs to be repaid.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, advised the farmers to go into winter cropping so that they realize benefits from the fertilizer loan.
“Since some crops have gone past the fertilizer application stage, I advise you to go into winter cropping, but NEEF has assured us that this year, the distribution exercise will start early,” he said.
Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga asked NEEF to consider giving farmers loans for purchase of modern irrigation equipment as well as cash to enable them buy chemicals, observing that farming is also affected by other factors, such as attack by pests and diseases, beside other expenses.
A loan beneficiaries’ representative at Namwera in Mangochi, Leston Kambwiri, hailed the farm input loan initiative by government, saying this will help the farmers have food throughout the year.
He however asked for timely disbursement of the loans to ensure that government’s and farmers’ objectives are achieved.
Since its inception in 2020, NEEF has so far disbursed K184 billion, benefitting over 200,000 people across the country, according to NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphreys Mdyetseni.
UniPod to reduce over-reliance on exported products
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, January 23, Mana: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has expressed optimism that the commissioning of the UniPod will benefit the country through the innovations taking place at the University, which aim to create import substitutions for various products.
UniPod is a project being implemented by the Malawi government at MUBAS, with funding from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
It supports innovation, creativity, and transformative thinking for both community members and students at the university.
According to the UniPod Manager, Francis Masi, the innovations being conducted at UniPod have the potential to make Malawi a centre of creativity and innovation.
"This development will enable the country to purchase locally produced materials and products such as agriculture and industrial machinery reducing reliance on imports,” said Masi.
Masi stressed that the UniPod serves as a hub for all creators and innovators from various academic institutions, as well as non-student Malawians with the capacity-building initiatives provided by the UniPod to nurture talent and innovation.
He mentioned that they are providing also intellectual property rights for innovators and creators to protect their work from theft.
“We are working with innovators and creators by providing a platform for their intellectual property rights.
“This ensures that their work is recognized as theirs and does not fall into the hands of the wrong people,” he said.
In addition, Gift Kunyungwi, a leading mechanical engineer at the industrial park involved in the installation of equipment, highlighted that through the UniPod, they can modernize the equipment at the industrial site.
“The industrial park can produce meat products, soya finished products and other essential products, presenting advantageous opportunities for import substitution in the country,” he stated.
He noted that most of the equipment at the site was fully donated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while some were refurbished by the UniPod.
“With the help of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, we received the equipment that allowed us to open this industrial site.
“It is currently being implemented at the old cafeteria, but our plan is ambitious; we want to ensure that the industrial park grows to its fullest potential,” he said.
In his remarks, Waheed Mia, an engineer leading a team developing a local handheld tractor, stated that the UniPod has improved the performance of the prototype produced at the university.
He mentioned that the tractor is part of the Malawi government’s first-year implementation plan, which focuses on agricultural mechanization and industrialization.
“Our dream is to support government in achieving the Malawi 2063 vision through the production of locally manufactured tractors, reducing import costs for Malawians,” he said.
He added that the tractor is expected to benefit smallholder farmers who wish to use the machinery.
Mia stated that the UniPod will greatly benefit students enrolled in the faculty of engineering, helping them nurture their talents more effectively.
Mphatso Nkuonera, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education, indicated that the UniPod will indeed transform Malawi in various ways.
He stated that the core purpose of the UniPod is to create import substitutions, thereby easing the burden that Malawians face when it comes to innovation and creativity in the country.
MACRA told to improve NAS signposts in Karonga
By Temwa Kalea
Karonga, January 23, Mana: Chiefs in Karonga have asked Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to make stronger and high-quality signposts for the National Addressing System (NAS) Initiative.
The chiefs made the request Wednesday during a NAS awareness meeting held for chiefs and religious leaders in Karonga.
Senior Traditional Authority Karonga, representing Paramount Chief Kyungu, said that some signposts which are made with cement have not been strong enough and have developed cracks and crashed before they could even be used.
"We are ready to help our people understand how important the NAS is for our communities," Karonga stated.
He urged people to stop vandalizing the signposts, which will help ensure quick responses from authorities during emergencies.
Deputy Director for Postal Services at MACRA Burnet Namacha, assured the chiefs and faith leaders that MACRA is committed to build and maintain durable signposts.
He however expressed worry about the vandalism of the erected signposts saying it is retrogressive to the purpose of the initiative.
"Vandalism undermines what we are trying to achieve with the NAS. The signposts will show postcodes for homes and facilities, helping provide quick responses in emergencies and improving transportation," Namacha said.
Chairperson of the Pastors Fraternal in Karonga Reverend, Grevazio Cosmas Liwewe emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the NAS within his congregation.
"As a man of God, I will share this important message with our church members so they can understand where our country is heading. The community needs to be aware of the new addressing system because it will help them navigate their surroundings better.
"This initiative is not just about signposts; it is about building a more organized and responsive community that can work together for the common good,” said Liwewe.
Minister Mumba commends Lotus Africa Limited’s labour practices
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, January 23, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba has praised Lotus Africa Limited for its commitment to safety standards and fair labour practices.
Speaking during a visit to the company’s headquarters at Kayerekera in Karonga District on Wednesday, Mumba highlighted the importance of fostering safe workplaces to drive economic growth and social progress.
He also expressed satisfaction with the company’s commitment to support the local community.
“I commend the management and staff of Lotus Africa Limited for their dedication to upholding the highest standards. This commitment to excellence is a testament to the company’s values and leadership,” Mumba said.
The minister therefore urged other companies to follow Lotus Africa Limited’s lead, emphasizing the need for sustainable labour practices across industries.
“I urge other companies, to take a leaf from Lotus Africa Limited’s book. These exemplary practices demonstrated by this company are important in upholding safety standards,” he said.
Lotus Africa Limited’s Managing Director, Colin du Plessis, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming the company’s commitment to its employees.
“We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to the success of the organization,” du Plessis said.
He said the company was honoured to have the minister visit the mining site and witness firsthand operations.
To this end, du Plessis said the company will remain steadfast in its efforts to uphold high standards of safety and labour practices.
“This visit has not only allowed us to showcase our operations but also demonstrate our commitment to responsible and suitable mining practices,” he said.
Lotus Africa Limited, an Australian company, acquired Kayerekera Uranium mine from Paladin Energy in 2020 and owns 85 percent stakes in the mine.
The remaining 15 percent is owned by the Government of Malawi.
MEC describes first phase supplementary voter registration exercise successful
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, January 23, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has described the first phase of the supplementary voter registration exercise that commenced on Tuesday, January 21 to Wednesday, January 22, 2025, as successful.
MEC was conducting a two-day supplementary voter registration exercise for eligible Malawians who could not register during the initial phases.
The first phase of the exercise was conducted in Mzimba, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe District, Mangochi Municipal, Mangochi District, Mwanza, Chikwawa and Nsanje.
Speaking in an interview during the closure of the exercise at St. Augustine 3 Primary School in Mangochi on Wednesday, Director of Media and Public Relations for the Commission, Sangwani Mwafulirwa said that apart from deploying all necessary resources to designated centres, the Commission also reminded the eligible citizens through different means of communication, to exercise their right of registering.
"As a Commission, we managed to remind the eligible voters in respective districts to come out, through different communication channels such as phone short messages, and all the centres remained operational throughout the period hence the satisfaction comes in that perspective.
‘‘Our target for this supplementary exercise is to register about 271,000 people nationwide, hence we do not expect to have long queues of people similar to the initial voter registration exercise simply because we are targeting a small number of people who registered their national IDs from October 2024 to January 4, 2025," said Mwafulirwa.
He therefore appealed to all political parties in the country to encourage their supporters to register so that they can vote come September 16 this year.
A monitor for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Brunnot Patrick Eliya urged the Electoral Commission to continue intensifying community sensitization in the remaining phases to ensure the targeted number of registrations is achieved.
The second phase of the supplementary voter registration exercise is scheduled from January 27 to 28 and will cover districts such as Blantyre, Zomba, Kasungu, Nkhatabay, Rumphi, Likoma, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntcheu, Thyolo as well as Blantyre City, Zomba City, Kasungu and Luncheza Manucipality.
Government to boost cooperatives’ global market access
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 23, Mana: Director of Small Medium Enterprises, Cooperatives and Value Addition in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Limbikani Kachiwaya has reaffirmed government's commitment to empower local businesses for them to penetrate the global market.
He said this Wednesday in Karonga when he visited Twitule Community Savings and Investment Promotion (COMSIP) Cooperative Wine Production.
"Government has put a number of initiatives to make sure that cooperatives utilize opportunities to add value to their products. Through the National Economic Empowerment Fund and Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) project, there are specific loans for cooperatives to boost their businesses.
“We want to make sure that the products they make are meeting the quality and standards which can satisfy our local market as well as compete on the global market and hence ably contribute to the economic development of our country," said Kachiwaya.
On his part, COMSIP's Cooperative Development and Investment Officer Paul Kamwendo said they have launched a marketing strategy aimed at linking local cooperatives with the international market.
"COMSIP trains people in cooperatives from different areas to change their mindsets and enable them to start up income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods.
"This cooperative was registered in 2012, and we have been assisting them with training and initiatives towards certifying their wine product, so we are very happy that today, they are producing this fine wine which can also go on the international market," said Kamwendo.
Chairperson for Twitule COMSIP Cooperative Wine Production, Eliness Mwakabanga said they have plans to expand the cooperative into a fully-fledged factory.
"We also need support in order for the Malawi Bureau of Standards to certify our product so that it should be found in local and international stores. We are also struggling to get materials especially bottles," Mwakabanga said.
Kabwila tours MUBAS and MCA
By Petro Mkandawire and Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, January 23, Mana: Minister of Higher Education Dr Jessie Kabwila has emphasized the importance of adopting professionalism and ethical conduct in the education sector, citing that they play a crucial role in building a well-functioning educational system.
Kabwila said this on Wednesday during a tour of Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) and Malawi University of Business and Applied Science (MUBAS) in Blantyre which aimed at appreciating the condition and situation in higher learning institutions.
She said improved education can be achieved through investing in education ethics, teacher training, implementation of technology-enhanced learning, fostering a culture of innovation among students and providing access to quality resources to students.
"I am urging the tertiary sector to prioritize the modernization of accountancy and science practices by ensuring that they align with global minimum standards of education. In this era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), our institutions must equip students with the modern skills of education," said Kabwila.
Kabwila added that producing wealthy graduates is crucial for a country's economic growth and prosperity, adding that by fostering a culture of wealth education, graduates become key contributors to the economy.
Principal for Malawi College of Accountancy, Christina Chithila commended Kabwila for the visit, saying the Malawi government is helping their institution in various programmes and the recent visit demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the institution and its endeavours.
"The visit will have a positive impact on MCA as it will help to improve both professional and academic programmes, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and training provided to students.
“By showing interest and investing time in the institution, the Ministry is sending a strong message about its dedication to fostering excellence in accounting education, which is essential for producing skilled and competent professionals who can contribute to the country's economic growth," said Chithila.
The minister also visited the University of Malawi and Domasi College of Education in Zomba this week.
Government assures Malawians of food security during lean season
By Salome Gangire
Neno, January 23, Mana: Government has reaffirmed its commitment to address food insecurity during this year’s lean season, pledging to provide food and financial assistance to vulnerable households across the country.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, said this on Wednesday at Chifunga Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli in Neno where she presided over the distribution of maize under the Lean Season Response Programme for December.
She said government is committed to ensure that no Malawian should die of hunger during this year’s lean season.
“No one will die of hunger here as the government is doing everything possible to distribute maize and provide financial assistance to food-insecure households,” Chisulo said.
Chitsulo highlighted that the food relief effort in Neno District covers six months from October 2024 to March 2025, ensuring that food-insecure households receive the necessary assistance.
Neno District Commissioner, Rosemary Nawasha expressed gratitude for the programme, noting there is a high demand for food in the district due to prolonged dry spells in the last growing season.
“The food response programme, launched in October 2024 has been a lifeline for people in the district. Without it, many would struggle to survive,” Nawasha said.
She said 13,869 beneficiaries are benefiting in the 2024-2025 lean season response programme in the district and the food assistance is being delivered through two modalities: cash transfers for social cash transfer (SCT) beneficiaries who have received K70, 000 representing a vertical expansion and in-kind maize distribution for others.
“Beneficiaries of SCT have received lump sum payments of K210,000 for three months, from December to February funded by the European Union (EU) and others are receiving a 50 kilogrammes bag of maize,” said the District Commissioner.
A beneficiary from Feremu Village, Traditional Authority Mlauli, Flora Chemtulo thanked government for the maize distribution saying it will go a long way in averting the hunger situation at her household.
“I am so grateful to the government for the timely maize distribution under the programme which has come at the right time as I ran out of maize flour and my household was facing hunger,” she said.
The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) identified 5.6 million people across 28 districts and four cities as requiring food assistance for three to six months during the 2024/25 consumption year.
In Neno, 13,869 households are affected, with 3,088 receiving cash transfers and the rest relying on in-kind maize distribution.
Access to NEEF farm input loans Nonpolitical-Government
By Stanley Nkhondoyachepa
Lilongwe, January 23, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization Moses Kunkuyu has said the government, through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), is giving fertilizer loans to farmers without considering their political affiliations.
He said this on Wednesday at Lizulu in Ntcheu and Balaka, when NEEF awarded fertilizer loans to farmers who successfully applied for them.
Kunkuyu who is also government spokesperson said any person who is a farmer and has farmland is eligible to apply and get the loan.
He said the distribution of fertilizer to farmers across the country fulfils the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government pledge made during the campaign period.
“It is the wish of the president that this programme be non-partisan, that it should distribute inputs and loans regardless of tribal regional and political affiliations,” he said.
The minister hailed the impact the programme is making since its inception last year where over 11,000 farmers benefited.
He expressed hope that with the increase in the budget and number of beneficiaries this year, more households will attain food sufficiency, consequently alleviating hunger.
However, the minister challenged the beneficiaries to use the fertilizer in their farms and should not sell it.
He also urged them to repay the loans on time so that more farmers could benefit from the initiative in the subsequent years.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo urged NEEF to find ways of helping farmers venture into agro-processing so that their farm produce can add value.
Speaking earlier, Ikosi ya Makosi Gomani V hailed the NEEF input loan initiative describing it as a much better solution to end hunger.
He encouraged his subjects to repay the loan in time so that they could have a chance to borrow more and that others should also benefit from the initiative.
Precious Musicha of Traditional Authority Sawali in Balaka thanked the government for the input loan, saying it would help farmers harvest more.
He however appealed NEEF to make timely distribution of fertilizer next year, observing late distribution negatively affects crop yield.
Currently, NEEF has reached out to over 35,000 people with over K35 billion worth of cash and fertilizer distributed to beneficiaries across the country, according to NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni.
