By Pickson Chipeso

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, says the Government wants to turn Malawi into a digitally driven country by constructing network towers across the country.

Kunkuyu made the remarks at Parliament in Lilongwe Tuesday when he responded to a question from Thyolo Thava legislator, Mary Navicha, on poor connectivity in her constituency due to lack of network.

The minister said towers have been constructed in some parts of the country, but he acknowledged the poor connectivity in some parts of the country.

“We are still continuing with that expansion,” said Kunkuyu. “We have resources that have been allocated in the budget, but also resources towards the University Service Fund (USF) from the digital Malawi project.

“We aim to utilize these resources in the construction of towers in the hard to reach areas,” he explained.

The minister added that his ministry would want to see online banking services and payments being accessible to everyone in the country, so that people do not have to travel long distances for the services.

He assured the Thyolo Thava legislator and the public, in general, that the towers are being constructed from various models through the USF, and also through the operators who construct their own towers.

Navicha had complained that people in her constituency struggle to have access to phone calls or internet, let alone mobile banking.

She also sought clarification from the minister on rumours that the towers in the country are linked to Smartmatic system that is going to be used in the September 16 general election.

But Kunkuyu assured the legislator and the public that the towers in the country are purely for connectivity and communication.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, Tuesday 8, Mana: The Senior Resident Magistrate's court at Lilongwe has convicted and sentenced 20-year-old Daudi Mchitakupha, for raping a 24-year-old woman at Chinsapo 1 graveyard.

The victim is a student nurse at one of the nursing colleges in the capital.

According to Lilongwe police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Hastings Chigalu, the court heard from Prosecutor Inspector Bauleni Namasani of Lilongwe Police, that Mchitakupha committed the offence on June 25, 2023.

“On this day at around 01:00 hours the victim left her school campus on a taxi for Chinsapo, destined to meet her boyfriend at a certain bottle store where the latter provided DJ services to patrons.

“Just when the victim walked towards the bottle store premises from the road, the convict and two of his colleagues, armed with panga knives, stabbed the student's boyfriend who was waiting to welcome her;” he said.

Chigalu added that the boyfriend found space and escaped the scene leaving the woman behind, before the convict and company dragged her into the nearby graveyard.

“With assistance of one of his colleagues who grabbed the victim by the neck so that she never shouted for help, the convict raped the woman.

“He was arrested three months later, but his colleagues still remain at large,” Chigalu explained.

Daudi pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court but the court convicted him upon accounts of witnesses.

In submission, the State through Prosecutor Namasani, prayed for a stiffer sentence citing the serious nature of the offence Mchitakupha committed, and the manner in which it was committed.

Passing his sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe concurred with the state saying the convict's behavior clearly demonstrated that he is a threat, and deserved to be isolated from the society.

Magistrate Kondowe then pronounced the 18-year imprisonment sentence to serve as a deterrent to other would be offenders.

Daudi Mchitakupha hails from Ngwangwa Village, Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe District.

By Gift Chiponde 

Lilongwe, April 8, MANA: The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has made a call for the institutionalization of Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs) to ensure their long-term sustainability and integration into university structures and national development frameworks.

The minister made the call on Monday in Accra, Ghana, at the 10th Anniversary for Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence themed "Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Innovation of Africa Centers of Excellence Program".

She emphasised on the importance of embedding ACE activities within the strategic frameworks, governance, and operations of universities, saying this would allow ACEs to endure beyond donor funding cycles, thereby transforming universities into regional hubs of innovation, research, and development.

“The ACE initiative has been a game changer for our universities; It has strengthened institutional capacity, expanded high-quality postgraduate training, and accelerated applied research. However, for these gains to last, ACEs must be fully absorbed into university systems and national planning frameworks,” said Kabwila.

The minister shared with the international community the numerous achievements of the ACE II in Malawi, citing a few examples, including over 1,000 MSc students and over 120 PhD students trained; international accreditation of programmes at LUANAR; over 350 papers published in referred journals; enterprise incubation hubs and Spinoffs being set up at MZUNI, LUANAR and UNIMA; development and approval of traditional and complementary medicine policy in the Ministry of Health by KUHeS; and postgraduate infrastructure developments and research equipment at KUHeS, LUANAR, MZUNI and UNIMA.

However, Kabwila noted that short-term project timeframe poses significant risks to long-term sustainability.

“The Centres were forced to prioritize immediate results over strategic planning, post-project evaluation, and sustainability. We need to correct this by allowing realistic timelines in future project designs,” she said.

The minister also highlighted key challenges, including delays in funding disbursement, limited infrastructure, and coordination challenges among coordinating and implementing partners like IUCEA and Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). 

She noted that critical components such as enterprise incubation suffered due to late provision of guidelines.

She lauded the ACEs in Malawi for tackling pressing national priorities—including the commercialization of fisheries, food safety, climate-smart agriculture, and data-informed policymaking—while expressing concern over the lack of support for innovations developed by postgraduate students.

She said that the memorandum of Understandings, (MoUs) signed with local, regional, and international partners have been a strong step forward, but without dedicated financing mechanisms, universities may struggle to implement agreed work plans.

Kabwila further proposed a new ACE program aimed at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, climate and hydrological modelling, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms to support agri-systems and real-time monitoring, with Malawi’s focus shifting towards large-scale agricultural commercialization.

“It is time to cement and scale the progress we’ve made. We need to ensure our research and development ecosystems are rooted in strong institutional frameworks, well-resourced, and linked to community and national development,” she said.

She reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the MW2063 development agenda and called on regional partners and the international community to support the continued evolution of ACEs as a vital engine for Africa’s higher education transformation.

Since the launch of the program across the Africa in 2014 with support from the World Bank, Malawi has established 6 ACEs in some of the country’s higher learning institutions, including LUANAR, MZUNI, and UNIMA.

The Miniter was accompanied to the meeting in Accra by the Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya, and staff from the Malawi ACEs led by the Vice Chancellor of UNIMA, Prof. Samson Sajidu, Deputy Vice Chancellor of MZUNI, Prof. Wapulumuka Mulwafu, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of LUANAR, Associate Prof. Agnes Mwangwela.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: The Government of Malawi has officially announced the minimum farm gate prices for strategic agricultural commodities for the 2024/25 farming season, a move aimed at protecting farmers and ensuring fair trade.  

The directive, which takes immediate effect, seeks to stabilize market conditions and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture has made the announcement through a press release ordering all agro-dealers, agro-processors, and other stakeholders involved in the buying and selling of the key commodities to strictly adhere to the newly announced prices.

The set minimum farm gate price for maize, the country’s staple food is K1,050 per kg, rice-paddy at K1,200 per kg, finger millet and soya beans at 1,200 per kg, respectively, while the price for pure beans is at K2,500.

Shelled and non-shelled ground nuts are at K2,500 and K1,300 per kg respectively, while pigeon peas, cow peas, and sesame are at K1,100; K1,200; and K2,000 per kg, respectively.

The releases, which is signed by Secretary for Agriculture (Irrigation) Eng. Godfrey Mamba, says purchases below the stated minimum prices will be considered illegal and subject to penalties.

The Malawi government has also introduced a licensing requirement for all individuals and businesses intending to purchase farm commodities.

According to the statement prospective buyers must obtain licenses from the respective offices of Programme Managers in Karonga, Mzuzu, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Salima, Machinga, Blantyre, and the Shire Valley Agricultural Development Divisions.

Licenses are also available at the office of the Director of Crop Development, located at the Malawi-China Agriculture Technical Cooperation facility near the NRC Campus.

The Ministry has emphasized that these measures are designed to ensure transparency, enhance market discipline, and promote sustainable agricultural growth.

By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo says the nation needs a well drafted reformed laws that will address challenges such as corruption, accelerating service delivery and empowering communities.

The minister made the remarks on Tuesday in Lilongwe during the opening ceremony of Legislative Drafting Training which is being facilitated by the Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ).

Mvalo said, the training will help address challenges that the ministry faces in addressing government bills and other law related issues.

“The training by ClJ is very timely, noting that we have been unable to send lawyers for refresher skills on law drafting due to understaffing; so this opportunity will keep the lawyers with enough information  on how they can draft laws to avoid controversies,” he said.

The Minister further said, laws are the foundation of the society as in every public or private sector they need laws to protect their policies.

“Poor drafted laws make it difficult for the courts to interpret: that is why we need to improve on governance and have proper legal frameworks,” said Mvalo.

Executive Director of CIJ, Ron Chari, said well drafted laws make it easy for government to function and easily translate policy issues.

He said, 30 government lawyers will be equipped with skills on how they can draft laws.

“Laws should not only be considered as a legal text but also be seen as a document that a common person must understand when translated to them,” he said.

Chari highlighted that most of the laws in the world are outdated and do not address the current challenges, and that, as lawyers, they are trying to interpret the laws into the present days.

CIJ is specialised in Model laws, advisory law reforms, legal training and legal knowledge products.

By Augustus Nkhwazi

Mzuzu, April 8, Mana: The Malawi Network of Order Persons (MANEPO) Executive Director, Andrew Kavala, says the organization does not protect older persons who engage themselves in unlawful acts.

Kavala was reacting to recent conviction and sentencing by a court in Mzuzu where two separate elderly men aged 85 and 83 were sent to jail for sexual intercourse with minor girls.

“No one is above the law; as a Human Rights Commissioner, I applaud the courts for doing the right thing,” said Kavala in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday.

He added that no one should look at their age and think they can misbehave and get away with it.

“We sympathize with survivors whose rights have been violated and remain traumatized,” Kavala said.

He added that even people with disabilities can be held responsible when they engage in criminal acts.

On April 3, 2025 Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate Robert Makaika sentenced Benson Nyirenda 85, to 10 years imprisonment for sexually molesting his 10 year old niece.

On Monday, April 7, 2025 Mzuzu Senior Resident Magistrate Ashford Harawa convicted and sentenced Juston Kasambala 83, to 18 years imprisonment with hard labor for having sexual intercourse with four minors aged between 6 and 9.

A statement from Mzuzu Police Station signed by Deputy Public Relations Officer Cecilia Mfune indicated Benson Nyirenda committed the offence from 2024 to February 15, 2025 when he was apprehended.

On the other hand, Juston Kasambala commítted the crime from May 2023 to May 2024, but he was arrested on February 9, 2025 at a political rally after freeing from Chiputula where he used to stay.

By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, April 7, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, has announced Government's plans to introduce 50 new fish cages on Lake Malawi in a move to revitalize the fisheries sector and boost national food security.

The minister made the announcement Monday in Salima, during the official launch of the Cage Fish Farming Guidelines and the National Aquaculture Development Plans, an initiative supported by the German development agency, GIZ.

Chomanika praised the progress made in cage fish farming across the country, describing it as a promising solution to declining fish stocks and a vital step toward meeting the rising demand for fish.

“The addition of 50 new cages is not just about increasing production, but also about embracing innovation and working together for sustainable development,” he said.

The minister challenged all players in the fish industry to take action and bring the much needed transformation in reducing the country’s reliance on imported fish.

"If we do not put in place supporting guidelines on how we will implement these guidelines, then this launch will be useless," Chomanika said.

He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among government departments, private investors, scientists, and local communities to drive sustainable aquaculture development.

Germany’s Ambassador to Malawi, Ute König, underscored the importance of the fisheries sector to Malawi’s economy and nutrition as Fish currently accounts for more than 40 percent of the protein intake among Malawians.

"The newly launched guidelines are expected to provide a structured regulatory framework that promotes responsible aquaculture practices while safeguarding the environment and local communities," he said.

The Ambassador, highlighted recent statistics that reveal a 9.2 percent drop in fish landings, which has reduced per capita fish consumption from 9.65 kilograms in 2023 to 8.5 kilograms in 2024.

“This decline has heightened the urgency for innovative solutions like cage fish farming, which offers a scalable method to replenish fish supply sustainably. The prospects for the future are promising, but we must ensure sustainability is at the heart of every step we take,” Konig said.

Chomanika also inspected four existing fish cages in Lake Malawi, expressing confidence in their potential to revolutionize fish production in the region.

By Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Tiyeni, a local based Non-Governmental Organization aimed at promoting sustainable farming in the country, has challenged farmers in Lilongwe district to start embracing new agricultural technologies to have bumper yield.

Tiyeni Board Member, Professor Bernard Kamanga, made the call on Monday at Mkoma primary school ground, Traditional Authority Chimutu, in Kalulu Extension Planning Area (EPA), during ‘deep bed’ farming method field day.

“Times have changed because of Climate change and farmers now should start cultivating in a different way. So by bringing in, deep bed farming method, we want farmers to start managing soil and water because deep bed farming harvest rain water and controls erosion,” said Kamanga.

He further said it is interesting and encouraging that many farmers in the district have started using and appreciating the new agricultural technologies in their farms.

“As I am speaking, some of our members are in Zimbabwe where they have been invited to teach farmers there on deep bed farming method. The demand is high, but the challenge has been resources,” he said.

Chief Crops Officer for Agriculture Development Division (ADD) for Ntcheu, Dedza and Lilongwe, Fumbani Kadokela, thanked Tiyeni for the initiative, saying with the erratic rains that the country is currently receiving, there is need to adopt new agricultural technologies in order to have bumper yield.

“We need to accept that climate change is here to stay, but as farmers we just need to find means and ways of adapting to such situations by, among other things, harvesting rainy water through deep bed farming,” he said.

One of the Lead Farmers, Gladwell Kapatuka, said he has been experiencing bumper yield since he started practicing deep bed farming method.

“Let me encourage my fellow farmers to start practicing deep bed farming and they will never regret even if the rains won’t be enough because deep beds keep moisture for some time,” he said.

Tiyeni has been operating in the country for over 15 years and the organization                                                                                                                          has reached out with this initiative to almost every district in the country.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, April 8, Mana: Participants of Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP) in Nkhata Bay have commended the programme for enabling them buy agricultural inputs, hence improving food security at household level.

Speaking in an interview Monday, Esnart Banda, a 47-year-old beneficiary from Old Maula Cluster in Jumbo Village in the district, said SCTP has made a significant impact on her life and her family's well-being.

Banda said with the cash transfer from the SCTP, she was able to purchase four bags of fertilizer, giving her hope for a high yield this year.

"Before joining the program in 2022, I was struggling to feed my family of eight. But I can now afford the inputs and my farm is thriving," Banda said.

She added that SCTP enabled her to join a village savings bank, and at the end of the year, she is able to save over K250,000.00 from the K52,000.00 she receives from SCTP.

Another beneficiary, Jessie Kayinjira, 54, from Chikwina cluster in the area of Senior Chief Nyaliwanga, said she's able to grow more crops to feed her family because of the program.

"Before joining the program, I struggled to cultivate enough food to feed my family. However, I can now cultivate cassava and rice, which I use to feed my family the whole year round, and sell the surplus," she said.

Like Banda, Kayinjira is a member of a village savings group and, every month, she saves part of the K43,000 that she receives from SCTP, which gives her a chance to borrow money during the farming season to buy fertilizer and pay farm workers.

Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP in Nkhata Bay, Wisdom Mwafulirwa, said it is impressive to see that the cash transfers are enabling communities to access the resources they need to improve agricultural productivity.

"It's wonderful to see the positive impact the program is having on families. We will keep on encouraging the beneficiaries to join the village saving groups, invest in small businesses, and procure assets so that when they graduate, the lifestyle should be sustainable," he said.

The SCTP, which provides financial support to labor-constrained and ultra-poor families, is a component of the Social Support Resilience and Livelihoods Programme, implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Currently, 6,475 households are benefiting from the program in the Nkhata Bay.