MANAonline
Chakwera applauds Malawi's tobacco farmers for forex contribution in the country
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera has commended tobacco farmers for their significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings, boosting sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday when he presided over the Official Opening of the 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season at Lilongwe Tobacco Auction Floors.
Chakwera applauded the farmer’s efforts by bringing forex which is helping the country in different sectors including Agriculture.
"All farmers should feel appreciated as your tobacco has eased this country's suffering by bringing forex which helps us in the exchange of different commodities" He said.
The President said if the country is doing well, tobacco farmers needs to applauded as they have helped him during his tenure as president and promised to continue supporting them until 2030, so that they should feel appreciated and become rich.
Chairperson for Tobacco Commission, Dr. Godfrey Chapola thanked the President for his leadership policies that have resulted in reduced commotion at the floors.
Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Dalitso Kawale said tobacco farmers will be rewarded with good prices for their hard work.
He hailed the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for playing a great role in the farmer’s success since it boosted their financial muscle enabling them to buy inputs and all materials needed in farming.
Highest price for barley tobacco sold at the start of the Auction was $3.20 while the lowest got $1.20 per Kilogram.
The 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season has seen a remarkable increase in production, with 170 million kilograms expected to be sold, surpassing last year's 133 million kilograms.
The opening of the Lilongwe Auction floors will follow the opening of Chinkhoma on 11, Limbe on 14 and Mzuzu Auction Floors on 28th April, 2025 respectively.
World Vision launches school feeding campaign in Mchinji
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, April 9, Mana: In a bid to support government efforts in mitigating hunger and malnutrition-related diseases among children, World Vision Malawi (WVM) has launched a three-month school feeding campaign targeting Community-Based Child Care Centers (CBCCs) in Mchinji district.
Speaking during the launch, WVM Mchinji District Programmes Manager, Mereena John said the initiative aims to combat hunger and promote learner retention at CBCCs within their catchment areas.
“As part of the launch, we have donated 3,947 packets of Likuni Phala worth K47 million to the CBCCs. This porridge is strictly for the children, and we urge community members to ensure it is not misused. I am urging parents and guardians to take ownership of CBCC farming gardens to supplement the feeding program and to ensure sustainability.” he said.
The campaign being implemented in partnership with the Anglican Council of Malawi, is being implemented in Traditional Authorities of Kapondo and Mavwere in Mchinji District.
In his remarks, the Head of Programmes at Anglican Council of Malawi, Richard Thindwa, expressed gratitude for the support and praised the strong collaboration between the two organizations.
“The World Vision intervention is timely. We believe spiritual guidance must be complemented with academic preparation, and that is why we established these CBCCs—to help children get a good start in their educational journey,” Thindwa said.
Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Mussa commended both organizations for their joint efforts.
“This is a commendable initiative and we are truly grateful. We urge the implementing partners to consider scaling up the campaign to benefit other areas in the district,” she said.
DEN to enhance education system in Nkhata Bay
By Janet Masamba
Nkhata Bay, April 9, Mana: Director of Education and Sports in Nkhata Bay, Votie Mboweni, is optimistic that revamping the District Education Network (DEN) will enhance the education system in the district.
Mboweni said this on Tuesday during an education stakeholders meeting aimed at revitalizing the DEN Committee.
"The district is facing a number of challenges in education ranging from infrastructure and others. That is why we have a number of partners to help us and for them to effectively do their work we need an active DEN.
"That is why we are here today to revamp it because it has been dormant for quite some time, and I am sure this will help us to move forward, " he said.
According to Mboweni an active DEN will not only help to mobilize resources for the sector but also advocate for the promotion of a girl child education as most of them drop out.
In his remarks, Civil Society Organization Chairperson, Michael Mwanachawa said the meeting was essential as it helped members to understand their roles and terms of reference.
"I am glad that we now have the new executive committee for DEN. This will help us monitor education performance in the district and surely we will work together to lobby for more partners so that the district continues doing better in the education sector" he said.
The meeting was organized with financial support from World Vision and African Youth Employment Initiatives-AYEI.
DMI student dies in road accident in Mangochi
By Prisca Kasache
Mangochi, April 9, Mana. A 22-year-old DMI University student died after being hit by a speeding minibus along Arthur Peter Mutharika Highway in Mangochi on April 7.
Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector, Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the death and identified the deceased as Samuel Josephy, a second-year student from Chimbiya Village, Traditional Authority Tambala in Dedza District.
Inspector Daudi said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number PE 10498, driven by Mike Justine, 40, of Mulandani Village, Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu.
She said Justice was driving from Liwonde towards Mangochi Boma with 12 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
“Upon reaching the DMI University Trading Centre, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and hit Joseph who was crossing the road from right to left.
“He sustained severe head injuries and fractured ribs and was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Daudi.
The Mangochi Police Publicist further said the minibus driver abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled but later surrendered himself to Mangochi Police Station around midnight.
He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, police in the district has urged all road users, especially drivers, to strictly adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragic incidents.
Elephant kills 60-year-old man in Mangochi
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, April 9, Mana. A 60-year-old man died after an elephant at Namizimu Forest Reserve attacked him near Kwilasya Village, Traditional Authority Namabvi in Mangochi District.
Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Meleke Jeke.
Tepani said the incident occurred on the morning of April 7 when Jeke had gone to his maize garden near the forest, to check on his crops and protect them from baboons.
While in the field, the elephant suddenly emerged and attacked him, resulting in an instant death, according to Inspector Daudi.
“The incident was witnessed by neighboring farmers that share boundary with the deceased’s garden who reported the incident to Lungwena Police Unit” she said.
Inspector Daudi said police officers visited the scene accompanied by a medical practitioner who carried out postmortem whose results confirmed that Jeke’s death was due to multiple fractures and internal bleeding sustained during the elephant attack.
Meanwhile, police have notified the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for appropriate action.
Jeke came from Kwilasya Village, Traditional Authority Namabvi.
MACRA urges Malawians to know and defend their consumer rights
By Monica Banda
Mchinji, April 8, Mana: As the world commemorates consumer rights day, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), has called on consumers across the country to be aware of their rights and take responsibility in protecting them, especially in the digital space.
Speaking during a consumer awareness meeting in Mchinji, MACRA’s board member, Stella Tchuthi, said consumer education is a key tool in tackling service-related challenges.
“Consumers must be well-informed about their rights and they should know that they have the power to act, especially when facing issues such as injuries, or service challenges.
“They can contact us through our toll-free number 261, so that MACRA can engage the relevant service providers," said Tchuthi.
She also noted progress in addressing mobile money fraud, attributing it to coordinated efforts with the Malawi Prison Services, mobile service providers, and the Malawi Defence Force.
Also present at the meeting was the chief executive officer for the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), Lloyd Vincent Nkhoma, who underscored the significance of commemorating consumer rights annually.
“Consumers face numerous challenges in the market: It is vital that they understand their rights and responsibilities so they can protect themselves from common malpractices,” said Nkhoma.
He further warned that the digital space poses several risks, including identity theft, data breaches, online fraud, and cyberbullying.
The event, organized by MACRA, was part of a broader initiative to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and confident in exercising them.
Man fined K2 million for illegal possession of Chamba
By Aisha Chiwaya
Salima, April 8, Mana: The Salima First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and fined Adam Likagwa, 34, to pay K2 million or, in default, serve a 12-month jail term for being found in possession of 576.68 Kilograms of Chamba without license.
According to Salima police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sub Inspector Rebecca Ndiwate, the Court heard through the Regional Prosecution Inspector, Ida Mzama, that Likagwa was arrested on March 22, 2025 at around 3:30 PM at Chikumba area where officers mounted an ad-hock roadblock.
"Mzama further told the court that Likagwa failed to produce relevant document permitting him to possess the hemp which was fully loaded in his Toyota Sienta vehicle," said Ndiwate.
Appearing before court, Likagwa pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him. In mitigation, Likagwa prayed for leniency, citing family obligations.
During submission, the state pleaded for a stiffer punishment considering the quantity of the prohibited goods.
First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda concurred with the State and ordered him to pay a fine of K2 million and the immediate disposal of the Cannabis by burning to serve as a deterrence to other would be offenders.
Adam Likagwa hails from Kambadi Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala, in Balaka district.
Parliament passes Tourism Bill
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Parliament on Tuesday passed Bill No.20 of 2025, the Tourism Bill, which aims to develop a robust and sustainable tourism sector.
This new legislation establishes a legal framework to regulate and standardize the industry, aligning it with the country's development goals outlined in MW 2063.
Speaking during the presentation of the Bill in Parliament on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Natural Resource and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, said the Bill mandates the Malawi Tourism Authority to regulate the sector and promote Malawi as a top tourist destination, locally and internationally.
"The bill sets up the Malawi College of Tourism as the government's primary tourism professional training institution, defining its functions and powers,” said Chomanika.
He added: “A registration and licensing framework is established for tourism enterprises, establishments, and practitioners, to ensure industry standards.”
The minister noted that the tourism sector plays a significant role in Malawi's economy, contributing to inclusive development and poverty reduction, especially in rural areas where most tourist attractions are located.
The Bill is expected to enhance the sector's performance by promoting tourism investment, and the Malawi Tourism Authority will facilitate and approve tourism investment projects
Additionally, the registration and licensing framework will ensure that tourism enterprises meet required standards, according to Chomanika.
He described the passing of the Bill as a “significant step” towards developing Malawi's tourism sector, and that the government will need to implement the new framework, establish the Malawi Tourism Authority and the Malawi Tourism College of Tourism, and ensure effective enforcement of regulations.
YONECO promotes forest and land restoration interventions in Schools.
By Bazilio Chingoli
Ntcheu March 8, Mana: The Executive Director for Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) Organization, Mcbain Mkandawire, has encouraged students in secondary and primary schools to take an active part in forest and land restoration in their communities, and at their schools.
Mkandawire made this call on Tuesday, during tree planting exercise that took place at Ntcheu secondary school, attended by students from the secondary school and Gumbu Primary School.
He emphasized on the importance of instilling environmental conservation culture among the youth to ensure sustainability of land and forest restoration interventions along Mpira catchment area.
"We are working with students through their environmental clubs by giving them technical support to help restore Mpira Dam. This will be achieved through the establishment of woodlots and orchards at their schools through the theme 'I and my tree, together we grow'” said Mkandawire.
"Our main goal is to promote forest and land restoration in the areas that suffered deforestation and land degradation around Mpira Dam catchment area, with the aim of extending the life of Mpira Dam". He added.
A Form 3 student at Ntcheu Secondary School, Sera Mhango, commended YONECO for the intervention, saying it will help address the challenges of prolonged droughts that the country is facing due to climate change.
With funding from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), YONECO is implementing forest and land restoration programs in 14 schools, around Mpira catchment area.
Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program hailed for addressing poverty
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, April 8, MANA: Participants of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in Nankokwe Catchment area under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu have hailed the government of Malawi for improving their livelihoods economically through the programme.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a participant in Nankokwe catchment, Lacketo Makiyi, said using the wages earned from the programme, he now own livestock such as goats and chicken.
“Before I got enrolled into the programme, my household was in abject poverty where I was failing to provide meals three times a day for my household, but the situation is different now,” he said.
Makiyi said using the wages, he is able to support his three children, including his family with all the basic needs.
"I have three children: one is pursuing a degree at Domasi College of Education; with the climate smart programme, I am able to provide his pocket money,” he added.
While calling on the government to increase the wages from the current K48, 000 per month, Makiyi urges his fellow participants to prudently use the wages by investing in small-scale businesses.
Another participant, Sara Patrick said the programme has enabled her to own assets besides empowering her economically.
"I invested the income into a village savings and loan group, where the savings have helped me buy livestock," she said.
Nankokwe catchment district designated officer, Eleman Kadewere, said participants are encouraged to invest the wages to increase their incomes.
"After working for 30 days, the participants receive their wages: Though it might look small, we encourage them to venture into economic activities in ensuring that their livelihoods are improved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ntcheu District CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Cassim Medson Kampote, has hailed the participants’ resilience in conserving the degraded environment, besides improving the soil fertility in the area.
Nankokwe catchment, under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu, has over 1,000 participants who are constructing swales, marking ridges, gully reclamation and afforestation among other interventions.
The CS-EPWP is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) across the country with funding from the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
