MANAonline
Man arrested for possessing forest produce without permit
By Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, May 1, Mana: Police in Mangochi have arrested a 31-year-old man for being found in possession of forest produce without proper documentation.
According to Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Amina Tepani Daud, the suspect, identified as Mark Yusuf of Chomba Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi, was apprehended on April 30, 2025, around 10:30 am within the township.
Daud said a team of Mangochi Police officers conducting day patrols on the said date received a tip-off that the suspect was offloading bags of charcoal at his compound.
"Acting on the information, the officers proceeded to the identified house, where they discovered 212 bags of charcoal and 27 pieces of timber.
"The Department of Forestry was immediately alerted and joined the police in the operation. The forest produce was seized, and the suspect taken into custody," She said.
Daud said the suspect is expected to appear in court soon to answer a charge of possessing forest produce without documentation, contrary to the country’s forestry regulations.
Tobacco farmers urged to explore irrigation farming to deal with prolonged dry spells
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, April 30, Mana: Controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services, Dr. Alfred Mwenifumbo, has urged tobacco farmers to embrace irrigation farming technology as a coping mechanism to prolonged dry spells during rain-fed farming.
Mwenifumbo was speaking on Wednesday when he opened the 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season at Mzuzu Auction Floors.
He said that for sustained high-quality tobacco production, farmers need to be proactive in adopting farming technologies which can promote agriculture amidst shocks and effects of climate change.
“You can invest some of the money which you will raise from the tobacco sales in irrigation solar pumps, which can easily be fixed and operated within your tobacco fields and irrigate your crops during intermittent and prolonged dry spells,” said Mwenifumbo.
Commenting on offered prices at the beginning of the market in Mzuzu, Mwenifumbo said that the prices indicated that the market was on the right course, adding that the prices were good.
“Tobacco is assorted into different grades, and every grade has its minimum price, and I am saying that we have stated well because based on the official prices according to grades, today’s tobacco has been bought either at the minimum price or at higher prices. This is a good indication of a good market,” he said.
He added that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is working on a contract farming policy to protect farmers from being exploited by contractors and vice versa.
Both parties will be expected to follow the guidelines in the policy and if any of them breaches their contractual farming agreement, the case can be taken to a court of law, and we hope that the policy should by September materialize into an Act.
President of Tobacco Association of Malawi Farmers Trust, Abe Banda, also described the offered prices as good but not as good as was the case in the last tobacco marketing season.
“Last season, the lowest was about USD1.80, even USD2; however, the very same grade has been bought at USD1.20, but the good thing is that they are not buying below the minimum prices,” said Banda.
Speaking on behalf of tobacco farmers, Howard Luhanga, who is also a Rumphi NASFAM Board Member, appealed to the National Economic Empowerment Fund to extend the Farm Inputs Loans Program to tobacco farmers.
“We would also like to be involved in the Mega Farms concept so that we increase production of tobacco, which is one of the country’s forex earners,” said Luhanga.
MEC unveils Elections Dispute Resolution framework
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, April 30, Mana: The Malawi Electroral Commission (MEC) has developed a comprehensive Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) framework to enhance the management and resolution of electoral complaints, petitions and disputes ahead of the 2025 general election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), Chairperson for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Anabel Mtalimanja said the framework aims to strengthen Malawi's electoral dispute resolution mechanism, ensuring they are effective, functional and responsive to electoral realities.
"The framework incorporates both mechanisms provided for under electoral laws and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, promoting efficiency and flexibility in resolving disputes" she said.
She added that the MEC will collaborate with other relevant institutions to resolve disputes beyond its jurisdiction, ensuring that all electoral grievances are effectively addressed.
"The Commission remains committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement, encouraging leaders to seek clarification directly from the MEC whenever in doubt," she said.
Ntalimanja has urged political leaders and social media influencers to exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements relating to the electoral process.
" It is important to refrain from making unverified claims and spreading misinformation, which can erode public trust in democratic institutions," she emphasized.
She, therefore, encouraged all stakeholders to engage constructively, communicate responsibly and uphold the value that bind the nation together.
The development of the EDR framework is a significant step towards promoting electoral integrity and stability in Malawi. By working together, the MEC and stakeholders can ensure that the 2025 general election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Traditional leaders bemoan lack of coordination between MPs and development structures
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, April 30, Mana: Traditional leaders in Nsanje have noted that Members of Parliament in the district often fail to fulfill their campaign promises due to a lack of coordination with community-level development structures.
Traditional Authority Nyachikadza made the remarks on Tuesday at Red Valley Lodge, where the Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WORLEC) and Oxfam engaged traditional and faith leaders in Nsanje in discussions on social accountability and peaceful electoral processes ahead of the September 16 elections.
Nyachikadza said most members of parliament work with political structures once voted thereby ignoring development structures.
“As a result, community involvement in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects is minimal and there is no transparency,” he added.
He said the development structures are better placed to identify the needs of the people as compared to political structures.
Group Village Head Nyanthumbi from Senior Chief Tengani also observed that some areas within constituencies are more developed than others, attributing this disparity to Members of Parliament neglecting areas where they did not receive strong voter support.
“This is worrisome because people are denied the most needed development infrastructures or attention simply because they did not give more votes to the member of parliament,” he added.
WOLREC Programmes Officer, Ireen Mtonga said the meeting drew all nine traditional authorities and one key faith leader to a dialogue on social accountability in their respective areas.
Mtonga added that many communities have expressed concerns about their Members of Parliament failing to deliver on campaign promises, noting that the dialogue aimed to offer solutions to these community concerns.
“We also encourage community leaders to support women, youths and people with disability as Malawi prepares for general elections in September," she added.
Nsanje District Commissioner, Dominic Mwandira said the engagement was crucial as it will help the district to hold peaceful elections.
He therefore urged traditional and faith leaders at the meeting to promote peace in their respective communities.
With funding from the European Union, WOLREC and Oxfam are implementing a project on; Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi.
The EU funded project aims at promoting inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups to meaningfully participate in political and decision-making structures and processes.
MISA express gratitude towards MRA donation to WPFD
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 30, Mana: The Media Institute of Southern African (MISA) Malawi Chapter has expressed gratitude towards the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) for it’s financial contribution towards 2024 World Press Freedom Day which will take place in Mzuzu on May 3.
Speaking during the sponsorship handover at Msonkho house in Blantyre on Wednesday, MISA Malawi National Governing Council member, Chikondi Kasambara, explained that the support will enable them reward excellence in business reporting which is crucial for the development of the country.
“This support is directed towards this year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, which will be held in Mzuzu under the theme ‘Media for an Informed Electorate’. By selecting this theme, MISA Malawi acknowledges the significant role that media plays in an election year.
“In the time when the role of the media is more critical than ever, your generous contributions will facilitate this crucial gathering but also empower the media in Malawi to continue its vital work. Your belief in our mission reinforces the importance of a free and independent press, essential for a well-informed electorate and a thriving democracy,” she explained.
She further acknowledged MRA’s unwavering support and commitment to the principles of press freedom and responsible journalism saying it has been instrumental in making World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Malawi a resounding success.
MRA Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Wilma Chalulu explained that through accurate and fact based journalism, the public can truly appreciate and understand issues concerning the institution thereby promoting good relationship among the two.
“To support the day and the role MISA Malawi has, MRA continues to invest in the media by holding annual tax training workshops designed to equip journalists with knowledge required to report accurately and confidently on tax, fiscal policy, and economic governance.
“We view our relationship with the media as a strategic alliance, one rooted in our core values, fairness, integrity, service excellence, and transparency,” she added.
Salima Council Embraces New Disaster Risk Project to Strengthen Community Resilience
By Yankho Kandio
Salima, April 30, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Tuesday emphasized on the importance of building resilient communities through capacity building and sharing of risk information to communities.
The sentiments were made during a capacity building of officials from Salima District Council and stakeholders on a project called Risk-Informed Development for Resilience (RID4R), marking a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience at the local level.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director for Resilience Development at DoDMA, Heston Manjoka said the RID4R Project replaces the previous DRM4R initiative, shifting focus from infrastructure development to capacity building within councils and communities.
“This new project is largely focused on the software part, building capacity of councils and addressing gaps identified in the implementation of the previous DRM4R project,” he said.
Manjoka said Salima was selected among the five councils including Dedza, Nkhotakota, Mzuzu and Zomba Cities due to its vulnerability and limited partner presence in disaster risk management.
“We want to level the playing field so that less-recognized districts like Salima also have the same capacity and information as areas that receive more attention, such as Nsanje or Phalombe," he added.
He said Salima will also benefit from the national multi-hazard risk assessment, allowing the district to identify and address its own specific risks.
Director of Agricultural Services, Enford Kanyimbo emphasized on the importance of the RID4R Project in bridging information gaps and ensuring inclusive participation.
“This project is here to make sure risk information is made available to communities; Salima has 12 Traditional Authorities (TAs), but only two will initially be covered. It’s our responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders in the district are engaged and informed," he said.
District Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima welcomed the initiative, citing the district’s exposure to multiple hazards.
“Salima is prone to flash floods, dry spells, strong winds, and outbreaks of pests and diseases,” she said. “We are ready to implement this project to strengthen the capacity of our communities in disaster preparedness and resilience.
The RID4R Project is expected to transform disaster risk management at the grassroots level by decentralizing planning and empowering communities with relevant data and tools to mitigate and respond to disasters more effectively.
The total budget for the RID4R is USD2.7 Million (Approximately MK4.7 Billion), funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and is designed to be flexible so that additional resources can be mobilized during the four-year period.
Malawi to overhaul mining sector with new laws and tech
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, April 30, Mana: The Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma has outlined plans to transform the sector through legislative reforms to increase transparency and investment in technology.
In his remarks on Tuesday during the closing day of the 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum, Ng'oma emphasized the importance of a robust regulatory framework to ensure proper management of the mining sector.
"We need to be transparent and accountable in the mining sector by including the involvement of the Malawi stock exchange in the announcement of mineral discoveries.
“It is also important to establish a clean laboratory to prevent the smuggling of mineral samples and ensure that Malawi has control over its own resources," he said.
Ng’oma also pledged to introduce tougher laws to regulate the mining sector, ensuring that investors add value to Malawi’s minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials.
He, therefore, revealed plans to investigate past mining contracts to ensure that they are fair and beneficial to Malawi.
"This move aims to protect the country's resources and promote a win-win situation for all parties involved," he said.
The government’s vision for the mining sector emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible investment.
"By implementing reforms, Malawi aims to maximize the benefits of its mineral wealth and promote sustainable economic development," he said.
Minister hands over K115 million TDC on Chizumulu Island
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 29, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa on Tuesday officially handed over a K115 million Same Teachers Development Centre (TDC) on Chizumulu Island in Likoma.
Kambauwa noted that teachers at Same Primary School were using a classroom block before the TDC was constructed.
She said the infrastructure will help uplift educational standards on Chizumulu Island.
“I am very happy to handover the TDC where teachers can use for their development activities. Teachers will no longer use a classroom block as a TDC which is an anomaly because it means that students were being disadvantaged, they had their classroom taken away,” said Kambauwa.
She also noted that teachers from the island encounter some challenges, which needs to be looked into such as transport costs when they need services from the mainland, hence the need for hardship allowances and promotions.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma Constituency, Ashems Songwe said he was overwhelmed by the Minister’s visit, being a second visit to Likoma District by a Minister of Education since 1966.
“The minister has landed on Chizumulu Island on such a historic visit after 59 years since the last minister of education visited. We are pleased that she has conducted a tour to appreciate the projects that have been taking place for the past five years,” said Songwe.
Director of Education and Sports for Likoma District, Zimulange Mhango thanked Government for the provision of the infrastructure such as classroom blocks, libraries, TDC, among others in the district.
However, he noted several challenges in the education sector that need to be addressed, including the absence of a district education office, inadequate school toilets, and the lack of a vehicle.
President Chakwera challenges graduating students to be patriotic
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 30, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appealed graduates to be patriotic and help the country achieve middle-income economy status.
Speaking at the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Great Hall in Zomba on Wednesday during the graduation of 2643 students, the President said when he ascended to power in 2020, he emphasized the need to make a significant shift in the higher education sector.
Among others, the president said, he made sure that the quota system should be abolished, dissolved entrance examinations and made sure there was separation of the sector of higher education from primary education.
“I promised to break the past and build new bridges for us to cross to the new future. During this time, I have managed to delink the University of Malawi into separate universities to improve focus. In addition, I have increased resources to the loan board to improve education access from 10,000 to 30,000 students,” Chakwera who is also Chancellor of UNIMA said.
Dr. Chakwera also said he deliberately separated the office of higher education which has been instrumental in tracking down fake certificates.
Looking at all the achievements, the president said it was important for the newly graduating students to remain patriotic and help develop Malawi beyond 2030.
The president promised to deal with accommodation challenges in academic institutions which he said is one of his missions as he leads the country for the next five years.
Chairperson of the UNIMA Council, Dr Christopher Guta hailed the government for continued financial support, saying this enabled the growth and expansion of the university.
Guta said with the support, UNIMA expects to increase its intake due to the construction of student hostels to ease accommodation challenges.
He there assured the president that UNIMA will contribute to Malawi Vision 2063 through human capital which is one of the enablers.
“Graduation is a ceremony which acknowledges academic achievements. As the University of Malawi, we are proud to be part of the 2063 development agenda,” Guta added.
The UNIMA Council Chairperson reported to the president that the university is implementing all the functional reviews and policies that were approved by the government and this will contribute to improved tertiary education.
UNIMA, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samson Sajidu said the graduation of 2,643 students was a major contribution that the university made to Malawi society.
The Vice Chancellor applauded government for various support towards the university, saying this enabled UNIMA to broaden access to education on top of maintaining higher education standards.
“With the support from government, we constructed office blocks, and built prefabricated class blocks which will accommodate over 2,000 students,” Sajidu added.
Out of the 2,643 graduating students, 218 were awarded master's degrees, eight were awarded doctorate degrees, and the rest got bachelor's degrees.
26 students graduated with distinctions of which 14 were females while 12 were males.
African Parks nets K106 Million from Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in 2024
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, April 30, Mana: African Parks which manages Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, says it collected a total revenue of about K106 million last year from the tourism area.
This was disclosed on Tuesday during the park's 18th Joint Liaison Committee meeting held in Nkhotakota district council chamber, involving District Commissioners, Chiefs, and other stakeholders from Kasungu, Ntchisi, Nkhotakota, and Mzimba districts, which surround the reserve.
Park Manager, David Nangoma, said this is attributed to more local and international tourists that are visiting the reserve since additional animal species were translocated into the reserve.
“Traffic to the reserve increased since we added additional animals, and this has positively increased the turnout of tourists, both local and international,” said Nangoma.
Chairperson of the joint liaison committee, Inkosi Khonsolo of Mzimba District, said the meeting was crucial as it served as a platform for Africa Parks and the various stakeholders to report on progress made in the implementation of various initiatives, challenges faced, and possible solutions moving forward.
Meanwhile, Nkhotakota District Commissioner, Ben Matengeni Tohno, has commended African Parks for its continued commitment to wildlife conservation, saying thriving tourism activities in the reserve shall enable the council to move Nkhotakota from a Boma to a tourism city.
“We embrace African Parks and provide them with the necessary support so that they are successful in pushing the tourism agenda of the local authority, which we believe will help Nkhotakota District become a tourism city in the future,” added Tonho.
