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Senior Chief Ndindi dies at 77
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 1, Mana: Senior Chief Ndindi of Salima has died in the early hours of Tuesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
Confirming the death to Malawi News Agency, Salima District Council's Acting Director of Administration and Human Resource Development, Chipiliro Mtambalika, described Ndindi's death as a heavy blow to the district due to his commitment to develop his area.
"The late Chief Ndindi was at Kamuzu Central Hospital where he was referred from Salima District Hospital for further treatment after suffering from appendicitis," she said.
Mtambalika said the late Senior Chief Ndindi, whose real name is Juma M'bwana Matola, will be laid to rest on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, at Chipoka (Ndindi Headquarters).
The late Ndindi was born on 12th July 1948 and was 77 years old at the time of his passing.
He was installed as a Traditional Authority on 30th July 2015 and elevated to the position of Senior Chief on 31st May 2023.
He is survived by wife and ten children.
Malawi to Benefit from AI Through Tiny Machine Learning Workshop
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, 31 March, Mana: The Ministry of Higher Education, in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), a UNESCO organization, has launched a groundbreaking workshop on Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) in Zomba. The initiative is expected to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Malawi and support national development efforts.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Levis Eneya, Secretary for Higher Education, who emphasized the need for democratizing AI by making it accessible and affordable.
“We cannot democratize AI when equipment is scarce and inaccessible. This workshop is designed to expose participants to Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) and bring us closer to a future where AI is everywhere,” Eneya stated.
The workshop features global AI experts, including John Shawe-Taylor, Director of the International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and UNESCO Chair of AI at University College London (UCL), United Kingdom (UK).
Shawe-Taylor highlighted the importance of Machine Learning for sustainable development, stating that AI should be adaptable to local contexts rather than relying solely on traditional, high-powered computing.
“This is an opportunity for people to learn AI from the grassroots level. Machine Learning is not just for High-Tech Labs, it can be applied creatively in developing countries. AI is not a finished business, and Malawi can contribute new ideas that impact the global AI community,” Taylor said.
David Cuartielles, Co-Founder of Arduino, introduced Nicla Vision, a compact AI-powered microcontroller that will be used in the workshop.
“This tiny but powerful device has a built-in camera, microphone, and sensors that allow real-time monitoring. It can be used in industries to detect defects on conveyor belts or in agriculture to optimize irrigation,” Cuartielles explained.
He also shared success stories from previous workshops, such as a young innovator from Kenya who used AI to detect queen bees in beehives, helping beekeepers monitor hive health with sound-based analyses.
The government is exploring partnerships with UNESCO and Japan to establish an AI Sustainable Lab. All these will be promoted through the upcoming Higher Education Overarching Bill to boost research and funding for innovation.
The workshop underscores the importance of technology transfer, local innovation, and international collaboration. By scaling up such initiatives, Malawi aims to build national AI capacity, modernize its education system, and drive industrial growth through technology.
Malawi Celebrates Excellence in Research, Science, and Technology
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 31, Mana: The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has recognized and rewarded outstanding achievements in research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) in Malawi.
The occasion marked a significant milestone in the country's efforts to promote RSTI and capacity building.
Speaking during the event on Monday at Capital hotel in Lilongwe, Vice Board Chairperson for the National Commission for Science and Technology, Limbikani Matumba, acknowledged the positive impact of the grants on innovators and researchers, ensuring continued support for RSTO initiatives.
"NCST has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting scientific endeavors throughout grants, including the small grants scheme.
The small grants scheme is part of the science and technology fund, which also includes institutional grants, technology innovation Grant’s, and others, NCSY periodically invest in research and development of technologies that benefit the nation" he said.
He also congratulated the awardees for their hard work, dedication, and patience, and he also encouraged them to network, partner, and collaborate with fellow awardees, emphasizing the importance of their project's impact on the nation.
Lecturer at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Chawanangwa Mwakwisayu has made a rallying call to the private sector to provide critical support to innovators, a move seen as vital in propelling Malawi towards its ambitious goal of becoming a middle-income country.
"By supporting innovators, the private sector can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation, helping to turn creative ideas into tangible solutions that address the country's pressing challenges" he said.
The university's plea comes as Malawi continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development, seeking to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and transformation.
The government, through the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has awarded grants worth over K 97 million to 33 local Innovators and researchers under the small Grants Scheme programme.
Hungry Hunters crowned FAM Cup champions in Neno
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, March 31, Mana: Hungry Hunters FC clinched FAM Cup title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Lisungwi Young Stars in the finals at Neno Community Stadium on Sunday, as the win crowned them the champions with grand prize of K1 million.
The Hunters made an explosive start, scoring in the first minute through Chikondi Yohane, compelling Lisungwi Young Stars a quick response, equalizing in the 15th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 30th minute when Davie Hoffman netted a well-taken goal, restoring Hunters' lead.
Despite relentless pressure from Lisungwi Young Stars in the second half, they failed to capitalize on their chances, allowing Hungry Hunters to maintain their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory capped off an impressive tournament run for Hungry Hunters, whose standout performances were further highlighted by Ndaona Kanjala who finished as the competition's top scorer with seven goals, earning a K50, 000 prize.
Lisungwi Young Stars settled for second place, receiving K400,000, while Ligowe Young Soccer finished third and walked away with K200,000.
Hungry Hunters coach, Enifant Singini praised his players for their resilience and commitment.
"The boys gave their all throughout the tournament. We face challenges, including a lack of jerseys and balls,
“We will use the prize money to address these issues. Our goal is to take this team to greater heights," he added.
Lisungwi Young Stars coach, Anderson Laban admitted that complacency played a role in their defeat.
"Our boys underestimated our opponents after winning big games previously. They thought this would be an easy match and we relaxed. Unfortunately, that cost us the game," he reflected.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament was widely praised for its peaceful and well-organized nature.
Neno District Education Sports Officer, James Sawerengera commended the discipline displayed by all teams throughout the competition.
"We are pleased that the FAM Cup in Neno was violence-free. This is exactly what we have been advocating for, as violence tarnishes the image of district football," he said.
Neno District Football Association Chairperson, Henry Mkandawire emphasized importance of growing football in the district and attracting more sponsors.
"It was a successful tournament with all teams displaying quality football. We need more people to support these games so that we can attract corporate sponsors to invest in football here in Neno," he noted.
Muslims asked to serve one another after Ramadan
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 31, Mana: The Moslem community has been urged to continue serving one another beyond the month of Ramadan.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) after prayers marking the end of Ramadan held at Katoto Secondary School Ground in Mzuzu on Monday, Mustafa James from Hilltop location in Mzuzu said Ramadan encourages moslems to serve one another.
“Let me urge my brothers and sisters in Islam to continue helping others as Prophet Muhammad taught us”, he said.
James added that Islam is a religion that preaches love hence moslems should foster love for one another.
Echoing James’ sentiments at Mzuzu Shoprite where moslems gathered for shopping after prayers, Mariamu Adam of Chiputula township said moslems should continue doing good deeds even after the month of fasting.
Adam said there are benefits in serving and sharing with others.
She added that Moslems should embrace the spirit of gathering together for prayers in union to strengthen their faith.
Muhammad Mzee of Chibavi Townwnship said the gathering of moslems for prayers today symbolize unity among the moslem community.
He said: “This unity should be encouraged as people go back to their families to cerebrate the end of the month of fasting”.
Main prayers at Katoto Secondary School Ground were led by Sheikh Ormah Lupeya Banda and guest of honour was Vice Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi in Northern Region Sheikh MacLean Mkandawire.
Vice President appeal for peace and harmony during the elections
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, March 31, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi appealed to religious leaders across the country to promote peace and harmony as the country prepares for general elections in September this year.
Speaking during the Eid Ul Fitr prayers at Kasolo Primary School in Mangochi, Usi said that with the elections coming closer, religious leaders should play a crucial role in promoting co- existence and unity.
“As the country is moving towards the general elections in September this year, let us encourage tolerance amongst ourselves.
“My appeal therefore is that religious leaders should use their platforms to preach messages of peace, tolerance, and understanding, and to encourage their followers to engage in constructive dialogue and respectful debate. This will help our country to continue being a peaceful nation,” he added.
Usi also encouraged the Muslim community to prioritize their children's education by enrolling them in public school apart from madrassas.
“Let us recognize the importance of Islamic education in shaping the moral and spiritual values of young people within the Muslim community. On top of that, let us also consider sending the children to public schools for the betterment of our nation,” he added.
The Muslim community on Monday celebrating the end of the Holy month of Ramadan under the theme; Unity and love for a better Malawi.
In his remarks, chairperson of the organizing committee for the prayers, Sheikh Ahmad Hussen assured the Vice President of the Muslim community support to government development efforts, as work to improve livelihood.
“Religious leaders work with government of the day, as such, we will continue supporting the current administration in serving the society,” added Hussen.
People that gathered at the prayers included Paramount Chief Kawinga, Senior Chiefs in Mangochi and government officials.
President Chakwera calls for peace and unity
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, March 31, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday called upon different religious groupings to live in peace and unity to foster the country's development.
Chakwera made the call at Mchoka Community Ground, in Salima district, in the area of Senior Chief Ndindi during Eid UL Fitr prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, under the theme: ‘Unity and love for a better Malawi’.
The President said everyone who had taken part in the prayers had shown a heart of co-existence and solidarity by respecting Muslims who are celebrating Eid.
"These prayers will bring to light people who want to bring divisions in the country by trying so hard to gain political mileage at every given opportunity especially during challenges that we are facing as a nation," he said.
He said it was disheartening to witness other unscrupulous individuals who try to bring division at any given opportunity to enrich themselves rather than help those in need.
"During times of crisis, relief items meant for the most vulnerable were hoarded by a select few who desired to gain a bigger share for personal benefits. The spirit of sharing and compassion, which had defined the nation for years, was at risk of being lost," he said.
He expressed dismay by some businesspeople who take advantage of economic hardships to overprice commodities.
"Some people want to create resentment and frustration among the people. Their actions were not just about profit; they were attempts to create instability and dissatisfaction among the masses," he said.
Chakwera therefore said religious differences should not bring segregation and disunity in the country.
Qadria Mushm Association of Malawi's Chairperson for Salima Chapter, Mufti Shamuuna Sosola commended the President for bringing unity and oneness among religious groupings.
"Having the President during our prayers today is a testament to his commitment to associate with different religions in the country, the President does not show favoritism or siding with one religious group," he said.
Sosola said gone are the days when there used to be segregation because of one's religion, the president has led by example by attending different religious celebrations.
"There is a small group that wants to divide this nation due to their political greed and ambitions, as religious leaders we will not allow such divisions to bring disunity," he said.
One of the Organizing members of the prayers, Uladi Mussa said it was an honour for the President to attend the prayers making him the second president in the country's history to attend such prayers in Salima district.
He commended the president for bringing food items which will be distributed to Muslims in the district, because Eid UL Fitr is about sharing and feeding those in need.
Prayers for Harmonious Co-existence and Unity in Malaw were offered by Sheikh Yamin Gulani, Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM).
The main preaching was on lessons on fasting. perseverance and continuity of morality by Sheikh Swaleh Chilundu, Vice Chairman, Majilis Ulama Council of Malawi.
Man arrested for possessing Cannabis sativa without licence
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, March 30, Mana: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 40 -year-old, John Madziadyenji for possessing 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa commonly known as Chamba without a licence.
According to Balaka Police Station publicist, Inspector, Gladson M'bumpha, the suspect was arrested on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Phalula Trading Centre in the district.
He said community members tipped Phalula Police officers that the suspect was keeping Chamba at his house near Phalula Trading Centre.
"Following this information, Detective Sub Inspector Andrex Ziba of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs with other detectives made a follow up, searched the named place where 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa was found. The officers seized the substance arrested the suspect," said M'bumpha.
He said arrangement is underway to take the exhibits to Research Station for analysis and confirmation.
Madziadyenji comes from Phalula Village, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka and will appear before court soon to answer a charge of possessing Cannabis sativa without licence.
NICE intensifies civic voter education ahead of September 16 General Election
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 30, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust says it has enhanced it’s civic and voter education activities in Mzuzu City and Mzimba North ahead of the September 16, 2025 General Election.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Saturday, , District Programmes Officer for Mzimba North who is also responsible for Mzuzu City, Freency Mapanga said that NICE Trust has been conducting civic voter awareness and mobilization through variuos strategies such as meetings, trainings and football bonanzas.
“We have been doing this since August 2024, when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) launched the 2025 election activities
To reach out to many, we have also been conducting radio phone-in programmes through which we have been informing potential eligible voters to participate in voter registration and we are now mobilizing them for voter verification exercise which MEC will announce soon,” said Mapanga.
“For multiplier effect, we also utilize informal gatherings such funeral ceremonys, religious gatherings to disseminate the election related information.
She then urged political parties to concentrate on issue-based campaign while advising the young people to refrain from being used as political violence perpertrators.
Youth Officer for Mzuzu City, Misheck Msokwa advisec the youth to be objective in analysing manifestos of those seeking variuos polictiacl leadeship positions at variouos levels for them to make informed choices when the voting day comes.
Nkhata Bay District Council praised for timely payment of CS-EPWP wages
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, March 30, Mana Director of Planning and Development for Nkhotakota District Council, Davis Kavalo, has praised Nkhata Bay District Council for its efficient and timely payment of wages to Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works (CSE-PWP) participants.
Kavalo made the remarks Friday during a CS-EPWP learning visit aimed at facilitating experience sharing among Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, and Dowa District Councils, organized by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
He noted that Nkhotakota often struggles with payments to participants but expects improvements following the knowledge gained from the visit.
"We have learned the skills and strategies that Nkhata Bay uses, such as working closely with digitizers and intensified supervision.
"We will apply these back home, and surely things will improve," he said.
Kavalo also commended Nkhata Bay's approach to packaging interventions in one area, which gives hope to farm owners of improved harvests.
Land Resources Officer for Dowa, Damasoni Mhone, highlighted cross-cutting issues observed during the visit, emphasizing the need for improved coordination among farmers, extension workers, and the District Environmental Sub Committee (DESC).
"We can say that Nkhata is winning in terms of soil conservation. However, we have cross-cutting issues that we must all improve on, like the way we coordinate our activities," he said.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rodgers Newa, described the visit as an eye-opener as they have leant a number of things from their colleagues.
"As we wait to transition to electronic payment, our friends have shared with us the benefits they've already started enjoying through this system and the little challenges they face among other things
"This has given us the energy to keep improving in the way we implement subsequent cycles of the program ahead."
NLGFC cluster coordinator for the Northern Region, Duncan Magwira, emphasized that the learning visits are arranged not for councils to compete but to share knowledge
CS-EPWP is being implemented across the country through the National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
