MANAonline
Indian President Murmu departs Malawi
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has departed Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Saturday afternoon following her three-day working visit to the country.
Murmu was seen off at KIA by the Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia, Secretary in the Office of Vice President Lucky Sikwese and other government officials.
Following her three -day visit, Murmu has reiterated that her government will continue to render support to Malawi that will enhance diplomatic cooperation in developmental projects and programmes.
While in the country, Murmu held bilateral talks with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera where they witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Youth and sports, pharmacy and local governance.
The Indian President had a business round table with the Minister of Trade to discuss how the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy can be implemented.
She also donated cancer equipment to be installed at Kamuzu Central Hospital and 1,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Murmu further also visited the War Memorial tower and Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe as well as the Lake Malawi in Salima on Saturday.
India–Malawi diplomatic ties have lasted 60 years, and this is the first time in history that Malawi has hosted an Indian President.
Over 33,800 Thyolo Farmers to benefit from 2024/2025 AIP
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, October 19, Mana: Over 33,804 small-scale farmers in Thyolo are set to benefit from the 2024/2025 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), to improve food security at household level.
Speaking at a full Council meeting on Friday, Agriculture Service Committee, Chairperson, Councilor George Matiya, said the AIP will significantly boost productivity as small scale farmers will buy farm inputs at affordable prices.
“The programme will help farmers to buy fertilsers to increase yield. It is pleasing that the programme targets farmers with land capable of producing sufficient food crops,
“This was not the case in the past when even those without farm land received inputs only to sell them,” he said.
Matiya also assured farmers who are not included in the AIP beneficiary list that the government has alternative measures to assist them.
“National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) is offering loans to farmers to purchase farm inputs. Farmers that are not on AIP list should take advantage of this opportunity,” Matiya added.
The Agriculture Service Committee Chairperson observed that if the AIP in the district is properly implemented, it will benefit the intended recipients, saying this will address food and nutrition insecurity.
“If executed very well, it will reduce issues such as vendors dominating the market and manipulating the system by purchasing inputs meant for the beneficiaries,” he added.
Traditional Authority, Kapichi also expressed appreciation for the 2024/2025 AIP, noting that the programme will help reduce hunger at household level and entire district.
Chief Agricultural Officer for Thyolo District Council, Mphatso Mbulukwa Kafuwa, said there was need to adhere to the AIP implementation guidelines for best results.
“We were here to inform the full council about the importance of following AIP guidelines and procedures. We explained the number of beneficiaries per EPA, per Traditional Authority. Local leaders have a role to play to ensure success of this year’s AIP,” she said.
President Lazarus Chakwera launched 2024/2025 growing season AIP at Dzundu Primary School, at Zalewa in Neno District on October 14.
Registered small-scale farmers are expected to receive 50 kilogramme bags of UREA and CAN fertilidsers
Karonga communities commended for embracing Cholera prevention measures
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, October 19, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has commended communities in Karonga District for being proactive in responding to Cholera prevention measures.
MRCS Communications and International Humanitarian Law Coordinator, Felix Washoni, made the remarks Friday during a field visit to Mlare and Mpata communities in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu where he noted that 90 percent of households were adhering to health and hygiene guidelines provided by the MRCS.
Washoni said that concerted efforts by both government and MRCS aim at eradicating cholera in the district, engaging communities in sanitation and hygiene guidelines.
“Karonga District has this year registered 21 Cholera cases cumulatively with one death and communities are observing key preventive practices to contain the disease,” Washoni said.
Disease Control Surveillance Assistant Officer for Nthambo Clinic which serves people of Muchenjere, Alwin Chione commended MRCS for initiating Cholera prevention practices in the area which reported three cases last year with none since the introduction of the interventions in 2024.
Group Village Head Malema said that he was pleased with impact of MRCS initiative on the community especially in sanitation and hygiene related diseases such as Cholera.
“I with other stakeholders will continue civic educating people on the necessity of abiding to public health requirements for the area and the district to be Cholera free,” said Malema.
Malawi recorded its worst cholera outbreak in the 2022–2023 season leading to the declaration pf of cholera as a National Public Health Emergency in Malawi on 5th December 2022.
Blantyre NICE Trust in voter civic education for voter registration
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, October 19, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Blantyre has embarked on a district wide awareness campaign to mobiles eligible citizens to get registered for the 2025 general election.
NICE Trust, District Programme Officer for Blantyre, Glory Ngosi Maulidi, told the Malawi News Agency (Mana), this week that (during the awareness) the trust emphasizes on; citizens’ democratic right to vote, duties and responsibilities of president, members of parliament and ward council councilors in democracy and good governance.
“More civic education will centre on the negative effects of handouts so that voters are not manipulated by handouts. We will also make emphasis on peace building to prevent conflicts and violence during campaign period and elections and after elections results,” she added.
Maulidi said that NICE trust faces challenges during this campaign citing that some people were showing no interest to take part in elections.
“Some people still vow not to vote but we keep on encouraging them to vote because it is their democratic right. We also having mobility problem as NICE Zone Coordinators fail to conduct door-to-door mobilization because they have vast area to cover, “she added.
In a separate interview Political Analyst, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, commended NICE Trust for embarking on civic education, saying this was timely and necessary as this will contribute to high voter turnout for the registration.
“Civic education is crucial in attaining higher turnout. In every election there are new voters, those that have just reached 18 and probably new procedures in the voting process.
“With illiteracy levels in some areas, this justifies need for intensified voter civic education,” the political analyst said.
He observed that limited information on general election and related electoral procedures has potential to prevent people from voter registration.
“There is need for social media to be used vigorously alongside conventional media and traditional face-to-face initiatives as well as using text messages sent directly through the mobile service providers to ensure that as many people as possible are reached,” Tsitsi added.
Voter registration in Blantyre will run from November 9 to 22, which is phase two of the voter’s registration.
Love in the digital age: Malawi’s dating revolution
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: In the era of swipes and matches, Malawi's dating landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional courtship is giving way to dating apps, as young Malawians increasingly turn to these platforms to find love, connection, and companionship.
Most of these dating apps and sites have been created by young minds with entrepreneurship knowledge and ambition. Their goal is to help people find long-term love that can lead to marriage, while others seek short-term connections. One such brilliant creator is Sherif Muhammad, a graduate of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Technology.
Muhammad developed Soul Match, an app that enables people to find love, connection, or friendship without hassle. He cited high costs associated with most dating sites in Malawi as the motivation behind his app. "The prices charged by these platforms do not reflect the actual costs involved, which limits access to many people, particularly in Malawi," he explained.
Soul Match offers premium features for free, making it an attractive alternative. "Our platform focuses on genuine connections, bringing people together in a safe space without the financial burden typical of other dating platforms," Muhammad said.
Although dating apps have been welcomed by many, especially the young generation, some aspects of these platforms contradict Malawian norms and customs. For instance, a lady approaching a man is considered unconventional. However, Muhammad assures that Soul Match respects Malawian cultural norms and traditions.
"Our platform is designed as a meeting place, much like how people meet at a shop, at school, or in the workplace," he added. "We aim to foster relationships in a way that respects these values while acknowledging the evolving nature of how people connect in the digital age."
Another dating app, Ahava 121, prioritizes Christian values. Its developer, Samuel Chidothe, created the app to provide a safe space for single Christians. "Most singles are Christians but are afraid to find love on other dating apps due to negative experiences," Chidothe noted.
Chidothe says Ahava 121 will organize conferences with faith groups to promote safe online dating practices.
"We plan to conduct conferences with the help of churches, teaching people how to find the right partner online," Chidothe said.
He encouraged Christians to embrace dating apps, acknowledging that this is the modern way people find love. Apart from facilitating connections, Ahava offers a platform for clients to learn and engage with devotions rooted in love.
Chidothe emphasized the importance of responsible app development, considering the impact on society. Muhammad concurred, believing dating apps will play a significant role in connecting people in Malawi.
"However, it's essential to change the current narrative around online dating, often associated with negative behaviour," Muhammad said. "Let us aim to reshape the landscape by providing a safe, respectful space where meaningful relationships can form."
Other notable dating apps in Malawi include Pemphero Mphande's 265 Dates.
Balaka Women Police Network pays examination fees for needy students
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, October 19, Mana: A network of female police officers in Balaka Friday handed over cash to Maduwani Education Zone to pay examination fees for 45 standard eight needy leaners in nine schools to enable them sit for the 2025 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations as required by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB).
Chairlady for the network, Inspector Brenda Bamusi, Friday led fellow women police officers to Utale 2 Primary School where they interacted with the learners to assure them of “a helping hand in time of need”.
She said the police women network wanted to see needy learners access education and to excel in the national examinations for the better future.
“From our salaries, we made some contributions for this gesture. We thought of motivating hard working learners that do not have the capability to pay for their examination.
“This is not the first time to reach out to the needy. We once donated to patients in the hospitals and going forward we would like to reach out to orphans to make good relationship with the community,” Bamusi added
Primary School Advisor (PEA) for Maduwani Zone Grace Mwalabu hailed the female police officers for the gesture saying, a lot of leaners fail to sit for the PSLCE examination due to monetary limitations in their families.
“This will encourage leaners the zone to put an extra gear in studying as there will no longer be pressure for examination fees,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Meria Harry 13, from Mafiso Primary School, said the gesture by the women police officers was timely as she had nowhere to get money to pay for the examination.
“I come from a poor background. To find all the necessary things for my education is always a challenge.
“I am happy to learn that my examination fee has been paid. I am geared to put extra energy in preparing for the examination so that I should pass with flying colors,” she said.
The cash will help support 20 boys and 25 girls from nine schools within Maduwani Zone.
In a press release dated September 16, 2024, MANEB announced registration of candidates for the 2025 national examinations thus; PSLCE examination, Junior Certificate of Education and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations and payment of examination fees
SPARC Systems committed to IT excellency, community development in Africa
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: SPARC Systems Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering exceptional information technology (IT) services, ensuring system security and maintaining operational continuity for its customers.
Spark Country Manager, Esnor Wasd, made the remarks Friday during a Media Cocktail held at SPARC ICT building in Lilongwe.
"SPARC is a multinational technology company providing IT solutions across Africa. Established in 2013, and proudly Malawian owned, we operate in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, employing over 1,000 people locally and globally," Wasd stated, emphasizing the company's dedication to supporting business enterprises in the ICT sector.
SPARC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wisely Phiri, revealed plans for the official launch of their new building in City Centre, scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
"We have a range of activities planned, including a formal launch in the morning, followed by a Business Captain Dinner in the evening. Thursday will feature a Tech Edu Day, and on Friday, we will host a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) and Entrepreneurs Day to share insights and strategies among business leaders in Malawi and beyond. The main celebration will take place on Saturday, featuring performances from various musicians," Phiri announced.
Looking ahead, Phiri shared that SPARC is data-driven and aims to expand its operations into five additional countries over the next five years, with plans to establish a presence in Tanzania and Mozambique.
In addition to its business initiatives, SPARC is committed to corporate social responsibility.
The company recently completed the construction of two classroom blocks and provided desks to Tikiwe Primary School in Karonga, demonstrating its dedication to community development.
Ministry calls for collaborative efforts in reducing school dropout rates
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 18 Mana: The Ministry of Education has called on communities and local leaders to collaborate and lend a hand in promoting access to quality education and reducing school dropout rates among learners especially in rural areas of the country.
In an interview with the Malawi News (Agency (Mana), Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera, highlighted that it is the duty of community leaders to support children to go to school saying negligence has resulted in high school drop outs rate and poor performance of schools.
“As a ministry, it is worrisome that some communities do not support the children's education systems in their areas which negates government efforts to promote quality education and reduce drop out cases.
“One of our core mandates as a ministry is to educate the citizens at community level while taking a great role in promoting children's rights to education," said Nkuonera.
Concurring with Nkuonera’s sentiments, Child Rights Activist, Memory Ngosi, said children in Lakeshore districts such as Mangochi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay and Machinga among others drop out of school due to poverty and they resort to run small scale businesses which violate their right to education.
“In many areas, most people depend on fish businesses for survival and l children follow in the same path as their parents without acknowledging their right to education.
“As such, cultural beliefs, poverty and lack of mind set change towards promoting children’s rights to education has fueled high cases of school drop out despite efforts by government and other stakeholders to counter the practice, “said Ngosi.
Ngosi has however applauded the government for launching monitoring campaigns that trace and prohibit children doing any kind of business during school periods by providing stiff punishment to offenders and all people involved in the act.
One of the concerned people in Machinga district, Albert Gideon, blamed parents for not taking an initiative to promote children's education due to poverty reasons and they push the children to do business as a means of survival.
“Children’s goals should commence at an early stage for a better future, but most people depend on money for survival. In Machinga parents Introduce their children to businesses at a younger age," said Gideon.
He however commended the government’s initiative to promote children’s right to education by building quality schools and providing all resources needed for teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools as one way of promoting access to quality education in the country.
Malawi, Mozambique sign trade agreement
By Happy Milanzi
Lilongwe October 18 Mana: Malawi and Mozambique Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Simplified Trade Regime (STR) that aims at improving bilateral trade relations between two countries.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gengwe, who signed on behalf of the Malawi government at a ceremony held at Lilongwe Hotel, said the signing of the MoU is significant step as it will remove a number of bottlenecks that were chocking trade relations between the two neigbouring countries especially cross border traders.
"The simplified trade regime will play a pivotal role in transforming trade between two countries and will improve and speed up immigration and revenue processes on the borders," he said.
Gwengwe also said by implication, the MoU will help improve relations between ordinary people of the two nations.
"Malawi and Mozambique shares a conducive environment in trade all the time so the signing of memorandum of understanding will improve the lives of citizens," he said.
Gwengwe also added that said the government will monitor the Mou for around 90 days to check practical implementation and operations progress on the ground.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade of Mozambique, Silvino Augusto Jose Moreno, said he was happy with signing of the MoU as Mozambique believes that trade can change the economy of the two countries as well as creating job opportunities to the citizens.
"We know that small traders fear to trade with each other but with simplified trade regime the traders will keep in touch with one another, and also improve bilateral trade," he said.
Moreno highlighted that he was not satisfied with the trade that is already on the ground but was hopeful that with the coming in of MoU, things will change of the better.
Kunkuyu calls out opposition parties on electoral processes
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, October 18, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has refuted claims by opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (Aford) plus UTM that government intends to rig the 2025 General Elections through the awarding of a contract to an alleged dubious foreign firms with a checkered elections history.
Kunkuyu refuted the claims Friday afternoon during a press briefing held at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre where he responded to the allegations from the opposition parties which he described as baseless and wanting of facts.
He said it was surprising to hear the DPP and Aford question electoral procedures which their legislators passed in parliament to guide the country's electoral processes.
He said the it was also surprising that the opposition parties suspect Malawi Election Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice, Anabel Mtalimanja’s bias when the MEC Chairperson was duly proposed by the judiciary and appointed by the appointing authority as is always the case with such appointments.
“One would doubt whether the opposition has taken a new way of thinking,” Kunkuyu said adding that the MEC Chairperson is always appointed in a transparent and legally accepted procedure saying ‘Government is set to conduct credible elections.’
On the opposition party's intentions to hold national wide demonstrations, Kunkuyu said it was unfortunate that they have resolved to do this.
“Dialogue remains a preferable approach. Dialogue is necessary to avoid unnecessary confrontation and chaos,” said Kunkuyu while at the same time acknowledging that everyone has right to express feelings.
He however said Malawians cannot be deceived, as they are able to see truth behind “the opposition's noise”
The minister also an opportunity to encourage all eligible Malawians to go and get registered as per the voter registration schedule that will take places in three phases
