MANAonline
Eastern Region vendors hosted at Chikoko Bay
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, July 18, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has assured small-scale business entrepreneurs in Eastern Region of his support to cushion them from unfavourable conditions negatively impacting their businesses.
He made the statement on Thursday evening at Chikoko Bay State Lodge in Mangochi where he hosted the small-scale business community from Eastern Region.
Chakwera acknowledged awareness of external economic situations and climatic weather conditions that have negatively affected small-scale businesses across African region.
The President expressed excitement to be part of the gathering, inviting vendors to share challenges they face.
“I am excited to be amongst you here as I invited you in order to hear for myself challenges that you are facing,” he said,
“However, I am aware of some of these challenges. You may be aware that my government has plans to cushion these challenges and some are waiting for procurement procedures,” Chakwera added.
He said government programmes like the National Economic Empowering Fund, which would continue providing immediate solutions to vendors’ challenges.
The Malawi Leader asked people in the eastern region to continue supporting his government.
Vendors from Zomba, Ntaja, Machinga, Liwonde, Balaka, Nsanama, Mangochi Municipal and Monkey Bay attended the event.
The vendors raised issues like Tropical Cyclone Freddy and drought, which have left them destitute.
Chairperson for Zomba Vendors Union, Ayatu Chidothi expressed excitement for the opportunity to interact with the President, acknowledging previous lack of such access.
He observed the challenges small and medium entrepreneurs were facing due to climatic conditions but thanked the government for providing loans to cushion them from the shocks.
Chidothi requested for revision of the loan conditions to benefit business people and asked local government through councils to construct modern market shelters across the region.
Amended Act to create conducive market environment-CFTA
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, July 18, Mana: Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has said the amendment of Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA) of 1998 to new Act of 2024 will help create and promote a conducive environment for local businesses and consumers in Malawi to enjoy their rights on trading activities.
CFTC Chief Analyst for Consumer Affairs, Augustin Nyirenda said this on Wednesday in Balaka during the awareness engagement meeting with district council stakeholders on the amendment of the CFTA Act.
Nyirenda said the new law which became operational on July 1, 2024 has been established to align with recent developments in the enforcement of competition and consumer protection law; hence, reflecting current market dynamics such as technology.
"Previously, the law had provisions that were difficult to enforce because of their ambiguity and predictability.
"But in the new law, we have brought in several provisions that are trying to adapt with the recent times to ease the business competition and consumer protection in Malawi such that enforcement has been made easier and predictable," he said.
Nyirenda, therefore, urged all businesses to avoid anti-competitive and collusive trading practices, saying this violates consumer rights.
He said: "The new law has also extended to the protection of consumer rights such that it encompasses more categories of consumers.
"For example, some businesses deliberately withhold goods to create scarcity and overpricing, this new law has power to demand a monetary fine of 10 and 5 percent of gross annual turnover from companies and individuals engaging in such misconduct respectively.
Balaka District Council Assistant Trade Officer, Chifundo Kambwembwe thanked CFTC for the development, saying it will help the council to regulate business operations in the district.
Kambwembwe, however, asked the commission to bring in more parties in the awareness of the newly amended Act.
"We do hope that this will not be the first and last time they are coming to enlighten us on this law but that they will be constantly monitoring how traders and consumers are benefiting from this law," she said.
CFTC was established under the CFTA of 1998 mandated to encourage competition, promote efficiency and protect Malawian consumers in the economy and the amendment of the Act is an attempt to meet international standards in the enforcement of competition and consumer protection.
Media plays vital role in social protection- PS
By Leah Malimbasa
Blantyre, July 18, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare, Dr. Nertha Semphere Mgala has said the media plays a crucial role in advancing various interventions on social protection and women empowerment.
Mgala was speaking on Thursday in Blantyre during a media orientation on Social Protection, Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project, a new intervention aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls, ensuring they have better access to social services and economic opportunities.
"Your coverage can bring to light the struggles of beneficiaries and showcase the transformative impact of social protection programmes," said Mgala.
Mgala said by effectively disseminating information about social protection, journalists can mobilize resources and inspire action necessary for the project's sustainability and expansion.
"Through collaborative efforts with the media, we can ensure that these initiatives reach those who need them most," she said.
United Nations Children Fund (Unicef) Social Protection Specialist, Montse Penjuan concurred with Mgala and advised participants to continue being active players in the projects.
One of the participants, District Information Officer for Mulanje, Alex Chitwere said involvement of the media from the early stages of the project is a good approach because it will enable the media follow the implementation of SP- GEAR and collaborate with other stakeholders for the project to succeed.
“This will give us an opportunity to track the impact the project has made and we will be able to bring out positive stories from the beneficiaries.
“It is important that in the course of project implementation they should make deliberate efforts to fund communication activities in the districts where the project is being implemented,” he said.
The Ministry of Gender with support from the European Union and Government of Ireland
through UNICEF, is implementing the SP-GEAR and by integrating gender empowerment into the social protection framework, the project aims at building resilience and create a more equitable society.
Apart from orienting the participants on the new project, the Ministry also presented an overview of other existing social protection programmes.
Minister for labour assures quality workers for Israel
By Naomi Langisi
Lilongwe, 18 July, MANA: Minister of labour, Agness Nyalonje has assured the government of Israel that Malawi will send quality workers to fill the 500 job openings in Israel.
She made the assurance during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the labour deal between Israel and Malawi which took place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Nyalonje expressed gratitude to Israel stakeholders that took part in training Malawian Central Recruitment Team and District Labour officers to offer transparent recruitment during this period.
“They have been trained on various approaches to ensure fair and ethical recruitment of migrant workers for the labour export program.” Nyalonje said.
She the government of Malawi acknowledges that labour export provide employment opportunities for the youths and contributes to the development of countries of origin through investments, skills and technology transfer.
Israel`s Director of Bilateral Agreements and Foreign Workers Administration, Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), Raisin Sasson Shirley encouraged Malawian agricultural workers to utilize the opportunity, saying they will be receiving same benefits as Israel workers.
“The gross salary is $1500 per month, this is without social benefits that the workers receive and we encourage people to come and learn high methods of agriculture” She said.
Shirley emphasized that recruitment will be free from illegal fees and people should only pay the fees that appears on the website of ministry of labour in Malawi which was agreed between the two countries, adding only the best workers will be selected.
The government of Malawi through ministry of labour will conduct a country wide full scale interviews of shortlisted candidates from 22nd to 26th July 2024.
Mwanza One Stop Border Post to fast track international trade
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, July 18, Mana: Government has renewed its commitment to ensuring that international traders do not spend much time to transact trade and process travelling documents at the country’s border posts to effectively grow the country’s economy through cross-border trade.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe was speaking in Mwanza on Wednesday during the handover of Mwanza One Stop Border Post (OSBP) from National Roads Authority (NRA) to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“The main objective of constructing this facility is to facilitate speedy service delivery particularly clearance of goods and travellers entering or exiting the country through the border,” said Gwengwe.
he expressed optimism for quality service delivery and dedication of members of staff at the OSBP because of the state-of-the-art working environment furnished with modern equipment.
Six government departments and agencies such as the MRA, Immigration, Malawi Bureau of Standards, agriculture, police and health with Trade and Industry as lead ministry are housed under one modern structure to enhance coordination.
The K5.5 billion OSBP facility is a World Bank funded project facilitated by the government and construction work commenced by a Chinese - China Geo Engineering Company through the NRA in 2021.
In an interview, Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Bellon Kasambwe said the appearance of the district has been transformed because of the facility.
“Mwanza is a major entry point into the country; therefore, there is need for modern facilities like the one opened today,” said Kasambwe.
A seasonal cross-border business person from Mangochi, Ali M’bwana commended government for facilitating the construction of the facility, saying it matches with modern times requirement for better time management as this is crucial in trade.
“I am grateful because in the past I used to spend a lot of money on food and accommodation here waiting for clearance but now it is time saving as everything will be conducted under one roof as is the case in our neighbouring countries,” said M’bwana.
Earlier, Senior Chief Nthache hailed government, saying the construction of the facility created employment opportunity for community members in his area.
“Some people will be selling their commodities to those who will be working here that will promote economic empowerment among the community surrounding this area,” said Nthache, pledging to safeguard the facility through creating awareness to his subjects against vandalism.
NCD alliance calls for greater media coverage
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 18 - The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance has called on the media to play a more significant role in raising awareness about NCDs in Malawi.
Speaking at a media workshop in Lilongwe, Dingaan Mithi, a representative of the alliance, emphasized the need for increased media coverage on NCDs, its causes, and dangers.
"There is a huge role that the media has to play in bridging the information gap on NCDs, causes, and dangers, by reaching a wider audience in the country," said Mithi.
He said the media has a critical role in advocating for effective policies and preventive measures.
"As the media, there is need to advocate for effective NCD policies and preventive measures amongst Malawians in the communities where we come from." Said Mithi.
Virinyu Dzimbiri, a journalist from Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay, said the workshop was enlightening and plans to incorporate NCD topics into her future programming. "
To most of us journalists present here, the issue about NCDs was new, but after this training, we will be able to put emphasis on NCDs since we now have an understanding of such.
"For example, apart from writing stories for radio, I also produce programs that feature women and the youth, and with this new information, it means I will be adding NCD topics to my future programming,” Dzimbiri said.
The NCD Alliance, is funded by the World Diabetes Foundation and other partners in health and works with the Ministry of Health to address the growing concern of NCDs in Malawi.
High price of fish feed, a challenge in fish farming
By Janet Mkonongo
Mzuzu, July 18, Mana: Fisheries Research Officer at Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, one of the government’s flagship projects, Silvester Jambo, Monday said the centre’s target of 5 Million fingerlings annually is hampered by high cost of feed, and cold weather, among others
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Jambo said the centre only manages to raise a million fingerlings due to the challenges.
“To overcome the weather related challenge, we raise some of the fish for breeding in green houses where the temperatures are warm for continuous breeding.
“Most people take it that green houses are meant for vegetable production, but here, we use them to cover ponds for warm temperature which is vital for fish breeding,” said Jambo.
He added that the centre has among other innovations fish feed milling machines and constructed large ponds to boost production.
“The centre has been a beacon of progress since its establishment in 1987 as a research centre in aquaculture, fingerling production and distribution to fish farmers.
“Mostly the research is done in fish breeding, feed formulation, quality and adaptability of fish in different water temperatures to suit effects of climate change and other fisheries scientific areas with results disseminated to fish farmers for adoption,” he said.
He added that the centres also offer training and advice to fish farmers and that students from various schools visit the place for education purposes whilst other people consider the site as a tourism centre.
According to head of the centre, David Mbamba, aquaculture industry faces challenges due to high cost of feed which he said reduces profit margin for fish farmers.
“Aquaculture requires huge capital investment in construction of the ponds, among others. however, it’s difficult for farmers to access loans from lending institutions because banks are not sure of the returns and feel it’s risky for them to invest their money in fish farming business,” said Mbamba.
He observed that aquaculture contributes 70 percent of animal proteins consumed for balanced nutrition across the country.
“This industry provides opportunity for income generation for communities and individuals,” he said,” he said.
One of the fish farmers from Gesha in Mzuzu City, Evergrace Kachali said buying fingerlings for fishing production from the centre is beneficial since through its extension workers, farmers are visited and advised on fisheries and how to develop into business.
The centre raises assorted types of fish such as, Coptodon redalli(Chilunguni), Oreochromis shiranus (Makumba), Oreochromis karongae (Chambo/Chejumo) and Clarias geriepinus (Mlamba)
Ministry calls for consumption of animal source foods to fight malnutrition
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, July 18, Mana: Deputy Director for the Department of Nutrition in the Ministry of Health, Kondwani Mpeniuwawa, says about 34 percent of children in Malawi are malnourished, hence called for consumption of animal source foods.
He said this on Thursday, during a learning event on Animal Source Food, organised by GIZ that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Mpeniuwawa said most households in Malawi have normalised consuming plant based foods as a primary source of nutrients.
“As a country we promote eating from the six food groups and most of the food consumed in this country is not animal source foods, so through this event Malawians will learn the relevance of having animal source food in their diet as well as what we can do to have enough animal source foods,” he said.
He urged farmers and households in rural areas to continue rearing livestock that can be used for consumption at household level at any point of time to balance their diet.
“We are urging all households to rear chickens and rabbits as that will make animal source foods available, more especially to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers to prevent malnutrition,” he said.
Mpeniuwawa, also revealed that 34% of the children in Malawi are experiencing malnutrition related problems, according to research, and that as a Ministry efforts to promote nutrition are being put in place to manage the situation.
“As a Ministry we are promoting good feeding practices especially for the under two children as stunting happens in the first two years of life, and we are also promoting adequate nutrition for lactating mothers, and pregnant women,” he said.
He further commended GIZ for organising the learning event as well as implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Programme (FNSP) in the country as it is in line with the country’s health agenda for Malawi’s 2063 vision.
Team leader for FNSP, Dr Martina Kress emphasised on the need to attain the programme objectives which has been under implementation for about 10 years in the country with support from GIZ.
He hailed the cordial working relationship that has existed with different government agencies and institutions over the years of the project implementation.
GIZ has been implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Programme in Dedza and Salima with funding from the German Development Cooperation.
Chakwera hailed for Good Governance
By Gift Chiponde
Mangochi, July 17, Mana: Some social and governance experts in the country have hailed President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for demonstrating good leadership in making sure that all regions across the country benefit from the transformative projects that the government is currently implementing.
In an interview with a Malawi news agency (Mana), Undule Mwakasungula, a renowned governance expert, commended President Chakwera for initiating various developmental projects across the country aiming at enhancing people's lives.
He emphasized the need for Malawians to embrace and appreciate the developments that the Chakwera administration has initiated, such as the revitalization of the railway system, road infrastructure, the transformation of agriculture through the mega farms, and other noteworthy projects.
"We have seen that the railway line is now operational, which will facilitate the transportation of goods and the mobility of people,"
This railway line was abandoned by previous administrations, but President Chakwera has made it possible to resurrect it" Mwakasungula said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the President's vision of economic recovery through the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy and the implementation of the mega farm, claiming that these are game changers.
Mwakasungula pointed out that some individuals may not appreciate these projects due to politics, and emphasized the need to give credit to the current administration.
In a separate interview, Humphreys Mvula, a social and economic expert, expressed admiration for the President's persistence and his commitment to his promises.
"President Chakwera has performed tremendously well when it comes to developmental projects. He is one of the presidents who has done his best in terms of developing the country." Said Mvula
He also commended President Chakwera for incorporating former presidents and vice presidents in various initiatives, a practice which he said had been lacking in the past.
Mvula said the country has witnessed various development initiatives under President Chakwera and that these developments would benefit all Malawians despite political differences.
"We must learn to appreciate the developments that the Chakwera-led government has initiated; these projects will benefit all Malawians," he said.
Mvula urged all politicians to accept that President Chakwera is the President of Malawi for the country to progress and transform through the various programs initiated by the current government.
Parliamentary Committee impressed with council on GESD funds
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, July 18, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Local Authority and Rural Development has expressed satisfaction with Nkhotakota District Council's plans to turn Sitima Inn into a hotel as one way of generating income for the district.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday when the committee visited the project under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery GESD in the area of Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota, Chairperson of the committee, Horace Chipuwa said the plans are crucial, observing this will increase locally generated income to boost service delivery for people in the district.
"Our committee will continue to support the council because they have well-packaged development projects like Sitima Inn that will assist people in the district as well as the country since the local council will generate income," he said.
Senior Planning Officer for the National Local Government Finance Committee-NLGFC, Charity Kaunda said the committee is committed to continue providing financial support so that the council should finish its outlined projects within the given timeframe.
District Commissioner for Nkhotakota, Ben Tonho, expressed gratitude to the committee for visiting the district and described the gesture as a motivating factor for the council.
"We have a philosophy aimed at developing he district because the council's priority is to improve people's social economic livelihoods and infrastructure development," said Tonho.
Nkhotakota District Council will use over K328 million from the World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery GESD to turn the place into a hotel.
The Parliamentary committee was in Nkhotakota district to appreciate progress being made by the council on various performance-based grant projects being implemented.
