MANAonline
PAC conference delegates aspire for credible and violent free elections
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, May 21, Mana: Delegates at the two-day Public Affairs Committee (PAC) 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference in Blantyre concluded the indaba with hopes for free, credible, peaceful, and well-resourced elections, placing their trust in the Malawi Electoral Commission, Malawi Police Service, Ministry of Finance, and the Reserve Bank of Malawi to fulfill their duties and meet Malawians’ expectations for a smooth electoral process.
The 6th edition of the indaba, titled ‘All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference on Potential Triggers of Electoral Disputes: 2025 General Elections’, was held at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel from May 20 to May 21 under the theme ‘Securing Consensus on Transparent and Accountable Electoral Governance through Dialogue’.
PAC Chairperson, Monsignor, Dr. Patrick Thawale expressed hope that those entrusted with roles and responsibilities of ensuring free, fair, credible, and non-violence electoral process will do the needful per the expectations of the conference delegates who raised a number of issues ranging from political intolerance, alleged selective arrests by the Malawi Police to demonstrations that are characterized by rooting, theft, plus social media circulated misinformation and disinformation.
“Let electoral stakeholders discharge their responsibilities to the beloved Malawi. Let us take it a priority to be good Malawians,” he added at the end of the conference whose delegates included; MEC officials led by its Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, political parties’ representatives, development partners such as UNDP, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, the clergy, Malawi Police Service and other law enforcement agencies.
Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, Dr. MacDonald Mafuta Mwale, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda and Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu also attended the conference where concerns over forex and fuel scarcity during elections were raised on top of concerns over broadcasters failing to do their rightful roles.
On the first day of the conference, Justice Mtalimanja assured delegates of credible elections amidst delegates’ fears of electoral maladministration while Reserve Bank of Malawi, Governor Mafuta Mwale and Minister of Finance Chithyola Banda assured the delegates and Malawians of availability of forex and fuel supply for smooth electoral process.
On the second day, the Malawi Police Service took to the floor to explain its mandate in public order management, and its plans to deploy adequate personnel in areas of higher level of political violence ahead of the polls and further deployment of personnel in all polling centers across Malawi to ensure security on the polling day, September 16.
Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu dismissed all doubts of selective justice in handling perpetrators of political violence, stating that the Malawi Police will continue to carry out its duties professionally and without political influence from the ruling party.
“We serve government of the day and by government of the day, l mean that Malawi Police serves all Malawians. Government is all about citizens of Malawi and in this case Malawi Police will continue to provide security to every Malawian,” she added with assurance that police will continue investigating all suspects of political violence in Lilongwe, Dowa, Machinga and other parts of Malawi.
The Inspector General therefore called on political parties to do issue based campaign other than exploiting young people to cause violence and further appealed to civil societies to desist from organizing demonstrations that are characterized with theft and vandalism of property.
“We will meet CSOs very soon to discuss issues and to give you room so that you should voice your concerns,” she said.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Publicity Secretary, Dr. Jessie Kabwila hailed PAC’s 6th Stakeholders Conference saying it was pleasing to note that delegates want Malawi to have violence free electoral process on top of fairness and credibility.
“Malawians have spoken. All we need is free, fair and credible elections. Malawians don’t want fighting,” she noted.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Women, Mary Navicha however called on the Malawi Police Service to provide adequate security to women politicians as the country heads to elections in September, saying police should consider all concerns raised by conference delegates, citing the law enforcer’s alleged failure to provide necessary security in time of peaceful demonstration.
Nkhotakota urged to attain skilled labor
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 21, Mana: Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, has decried low turnout of students studying skilled labor at community colleges in Nkhotakota district, saying the future of the country is for skilled workers.
Dimba said this on Wednesday during a familiarization tour of two community technical colleges in Nkhotakota district namely, Kalinda and Mbandila, community technical colleges to appreciate how the institutions are faring.
The minister called on the office of the district commissioner and chiefs to launch a massive mobilization campaign, to ensure that youths around the communities are making use of the institutions, rather than just staying idle after completing secondary school.
“I have been disappointed with the fact that people around Nkhotakota do not want to enroll and yet we are receiving people from faraway places seeking these skills. I have asked the relevant authorities to help mobilize the youth to take up this opportunity," he said.
Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota Central Constituency, which houses Mbandira community college, Peter Mazizi, described the minister’s visit as a joyful moment, and an opportunity for the minister to appreciate progress and shortfalls at the colleges and what support they need.
Mazizi acknowledged the minister’s donation aimed at solving water problem at the institutions.
ProAgro youth project vital for uplifting the country’s economy
By Christina Mkutumula
Lilongwe, May 21, Mana: Government says the ProAgro youth project implemented by ILO and IFAD is a testament of the power of collaboration, as it has addressed one of the most critical challenges of unemployment that the youth are facing today.
The remarks were made by Chifundo Lodzeni, Senior Deputy Director for Technical and Vocational Training in the Ministry of Labour, on Wednesday in Lilongwe, at the joint donor round table meeting organized by International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
She said through the project which started two years ago, there have been significant engagement from various sectors, industry leaders and employers in playing a vital role in job placement and creating pathways for young people to enter and thrive in the labour market to help in uplifting the country’s economy.
She said government is appreciative of the ProAgro Youth interventions which align closely with the broader job creation strategy and human capital development goals under the Malawi 2063 agenda.
“These efforts are central to empowering young Malawians, contributing to sustainable economic growth and fostering an inclusive society and the project has played a crucial role in ensuring that youths are empowered to gain meaningful jobs or start their own businesses,” she said.
She further explained that the skills and jobs created through the project are pivotal in building a strong and resilient workforce for the future.
She highlighted that a key milestone of the initiative is the development of a harmonized curriculum in horticulture and dairy farming, designed to meet the needs of the agriculture sector and equip the next generation with relevant skills and knowledge.
Speaking in an interview, International Labour Organization Director for Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, said the project is aligned with the MW2063 national agenda, especially considering that many young people in Malawi are qualified but lack gainful employment.
“We saw that it was possible to give them skills and empower them at their level with minimum resources so that they can produce something to uplift their lives.
Chibebe described the round table donor meeting as impactful as there were people with different views from various organization and inspiration but they had one goal. He said they are all going in one direction of ensuring that the project is beneficial to Malawians not only in serving the youth but the country at large.
“We are happy that the donors view the project as a success and that the money pumped in is worth it,” he said.
Asked how the ILO is incorporating youth with disabilities, Chibebe said his organization stance is of social justice inclusion and it ensures that no one is left behind when implementing their projects as each individual is of paramount importance.
Country Director for IFAD, Bernadette Mukonyora, described the meeting as transformative, highlighting how development resources can be used to trigger real change and align with the national development agenda.
“When you look at the percentage of youth in Malawi you find out that it is a huge percentage of about 60-70 percent of the population. Thus, you really have to start thinking of what strategies and models can be applied to ensure that young people are gainfully employed or engaged in self-employment or lucrative businesses,” she said.
Mukonyora further explained that the activities of young people in the agriculture sector serve as a model demonstrating how institutions can leverage the private sector as a key driver of development and economic empowerment.
“There is real change and integration of the private sector as a key driver for economic growth and partners for development but also government in ensuring that there is economic empowerment in the country,” she said.
On how IFAD would support youths embarked in farming, Mukonyora said the meeting was held to try and understand if they are in the right truck so that they can validate, gather more information, experience and innovation to take on board.
The objective of the meeting was to increase awareness of the impact, lessons learnt and scalability of the ProAgro youth project as an innovative, integrated model for promoting decent jobs in Malawi’s agriculture sector.
The ProAgro Youth project is being implemented by the International Labour organization with Support from IFAD, the BMZ and the VISA Foundation.
ACB engages anti-corruption champion leaders on general elections preparations
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, May 21, Mana: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust engaged anti-corruption champion leaders from districts in the Eastern and Southern regions on how to provide civic education on electoral laws ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.
Speaking at the Machinga District Council on Tuesday, the two entities emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information to discourage corruption during the electoral process. They noted that vibrant anti-corruption champions can help voters understand their rights and responsibilities in choosing responsible and development-oriented leaders.
ACB’s Director of Public Education, Agness Mweta, reminded the anti-corruption champions to understand their role in disseminating information on election-related corruption. She emphasized that they should educate voters to resist receiving handouts from politicians vying for various elective positions.
She also encouraged the champions to mobilize communities to attend political meetings held by various parties, enabling them to make informed decisions.
“It is necessary for the electorate to attend political rallies so that they should be able to make informed decisions based on aspirants’ campaign agendas. Let the electorate refrain from receiving all forms of bribery and hand-outs which might have regretable consequences,” Mweta added.
She also said there was need for the anti corruption champions to play a watchdog role in reporting all forms of electoral irregularities to ACB so that the bureau should not have problems in investigating cases relating to electoral corruption.
“As anti corruption champion leaders, always strive to encourage communities to report all forms of corrupt practices so that the law should take its course to curb the malpractice," Mweta said.
Development Network for Youth Empowerment (DENEYE) Director, Sharid Ishmael hailed ACB and NICE Trust for engaging the anti corruption champions, saying the meeting provided opportunity for public discussions on various forms of corruption in the wake of electoral processes.
“The meeting came at the right time to us the youths as Malawi is heading to the general elections. We have been enlightened on issues to do with corruption and elections, this will help us to become sensitive on issues of corruption in our areas,” he added.
Ishmael however mentioned that most anti corruption champions are often threatened in the course of being watch dogs.
“We do receive threats in our community but we do not let this disrupt our duties. We will continue to report such issues to ACB for proper interventions,” he said.
Programmes Officer for NICE Trust in Machinga, Francis Mugwa said there was need to address challenges which most anti corruption champions face when dealing with issues of handouts during campaign period.
“The issue of handouts and corruption is common bacause it has been the norms of both the electorate and politicians. There is a need to change this norm,” he said.
Anti corruption champions leaders from youth clubs came from Machinga, Mangochi, Balaka, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Phalombe and Mulunje,
WFP committed to assist food insecure households
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, May 21, Mana: World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, Hyoung Joon Lim, has expressed satisfaction with the distribution of relief maize to households that are food insecure across the country.
Lim was speaking on Wednesday at Mawelu, in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Lilongwe, where he visited to observe the distribution of relief maize to 600 households affected by hunger due to the impact of natural disasters.
He said WFP is prudently aware that in the past years Malawi has suffered a severe impact of natural disasters, resulting to a serious food security crisis.
“Our principle is reaching to the right people with right food and at the right time, and I am happy to see happy faces of the beneficiaries after receiving bags of maize. This is quite commendable,” he said.
Lim then said the WFP will continue supporting the government in assisting the most vulnerable people in the country with relief food saying that government on its own cannot make it.
“We appreciate the efforts made by the Malawi government under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to respond to the natural disasters and address people’s need such as food,” he said.
In his remarks, DoDMA’s Director of Preparedness and Response for Disaster Management Affairs, Rev. Moses Chimphepo thanked the WFP for the timely donation saying many people are in dire need of such support due to their food insecurity.
“We are happy to report that we have distributed this relief maize for three phases now, and without this support from our partners the situation would have worsened,” he said.
Speaking earlier, a representative of Senior Chief Kalolo, Group Village headman Chibungo urged his subjects to use the donation for the intended purpose and not to sale it.
“There are several people across the country that are in dire need of such donation. It will therefore be unfair to hear that some beneficiaries are selling the donated maize flour,” he said.
Currently, over two Million farming households nationwide have been affected by hunger due to the effects of the ongoing E-l Nino conditions.
NGORA Records Surge in NGO Compliance and Licensing
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 21, Mana: The Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has reported a significant increase in compliance among NGOs operating in Malawi, following a strategic drive to improve registration, licensing, and operational alignment.
This was disclosed by NGORA’s Chief Executive Officer, Edward Chileka, on Wednesday in Salima, during a retreat for NGORA employees.
Chileka revealed that the authority has registered 1,208 NGOs so far from 2024 to 2025, a notable rise from 982 registrations recorded in 2022 to 2023.
“We have built on previous gains and made tremendous strides in strengthening compliance. People are beginning to appreciate the need to operate legally,” said Chileka.
As of this year, NGORA has issued 335 operational licenses, which the authority now considers a critical indicator of NGO compliance.
"I am emphasizing that operating without a valid license constitutes non-compliance and is subject to penalties, NGOs must operate with a license. It’s not optional, it’s a legal requirement," he stated.
Report submission has also been identified as a key compliance area. Chileka acknowledged gaps in this aspect and called for improved service delivery and stronger collaboration with district councils to ensure NGO activities align with local development plans.
Chileka highlighted increased government support as a reflection of growing confidence in NGORA’s regulatory efforts.
Government subventions to the authority have grown from MK1.6 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to MK4.5 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, boosting its capacity to monitor and coordinate NGO activities effectively.
“Without adequate funding, we cannot function efficiently. We are managing an important sector. NGORA has positioned itself as both an enabler and an advocacy body for NGOs in Malawi,” said Chileka.
The CEO dismissed the notion of NGOs and government being at odds, stressing that both are working towards a shared goal of national development, “We are not enemies. We are partners contributing to a better Malawi,” he said.
Chileka also addressed ongoing challenges, such as unregistered NGOs, activity misalignment with district plans, and inconsistent reporting. NGORA continues to engage non-compliant organizations and has warned of enforcement actions if no corrective measures are taken.
“The entire NGORA team has worked hard to achieve these successes. We will continue to push for full compliance to ensure the sector remains accountable, transparent, and effective,” Chileka emphasized.
The authority has been conducting quarterly awareness campaigns and commemorates NGO Day annually to raise public consciousness on the importance of regulation in the sector.
Nkhata Bay's K149 million council chamber boosts community engagement
By Chisomo Kambandanga,
Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Councillor for Boma Ward in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Adamana Cyria Nyamwera, has described the newly constructed council chamber at Nkhata Bay District Council as a game-changer, promoting citizen participation and democracy.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Nyamwera said the chamber has already started bearing fruits, witnessed by citizens' participation during full council meetings, something that was not the case before due to limited space.
"I am impressed with how the new council chamber is constructed. So modern, timely, and spacious. Today, citizens are well-informed about local issues, policies, and decisions affecting their communities through their participation in the deliberations, hence promoting their democratic right to governance, which is a welcome development," he said.
According to Nyamwera, the new chamber represents the government's commitment to respecting its members by providing comfortable seating, accessible facilities, and state-of-the-art technology, which is a symbol of progress.
He therefore urged his fellow council members and all users to take care of the facility to ensure its longevity and continued service to the community.
In his remarks, Nkhata Bay District Council Director of Planning and Development, Edgar Chihana, said the construction of the new council chamber is a step towards achieving the MW2063.
"This current council chamber, which cost us about K149 million, is now accommodating over 60 people, unlike the previous one, which had a maximum of 30. We have space for all media houses during deliberations, contributing to access to information for the people," he said.
Chihana added that the facility has greatly helped to improve service delivery to the council because, apart from providing a conducive environment for deliberations, it has boosted revenue collection avenues for the council by hiring it out for other purposes.
He therefore expressed heartfelt appreciation to the council members for approving construction of the new council chamber and urged citizens to regularly attend council meetings to appreciate the deliberations.
The new council chamber was constructed through the National Local Government Finance Committee under District Development Fund.
Man nabbed in Limbe for impersonating MDF soldier
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 21, Mana; Police in Limbe are keeping in custody Emmanuel Davie, 24, for allegedly impersonating a soldier from Malawi Defense Force (MDF) and was collecting money from the public in Bangwe Township in Blantyre dressed in full military attire.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for Limbe Police Station, Sub-Inspector Chibisa Mulimbika, said the suspect was seen at Chipalanga location in Bangwe where he fraudulently collected money from people, promising them recruitment in the MDF in the near future.
“The incident was reported at Bangwe Police Post where detectives managed to arrest Davie after investigations including from the MDF where it was proved that the suspect is not their employee,” he added.
Mulimbika further explained that police investigations discovered that Davie had solicited over K500, 000 from the public, stating that the suspect is in custody waiting to answer charges of personating a public officer and obtaining money by false pretense.
Emmanuel Davie comes from Malata Village, Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District.
Mining key to revitalizing Malawi's economy – Zikhale Ng’oma
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 21, Mana: Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has described the mining sector as a vital engine for the country's economic recovery and growth.
Ng'oma was speaking Wednesday in Karonga when he visited Kayelekera Uranium Mine to appreciate progress at the mine, which is set to resume production by September this year.
Ng'oma said: “I am so shocked because the investment here should be making money which could have benefited our country a lot.”
Production at the mine is expected to start between July to September, which, Zikhale Ng’oma said is a good sign that Malawi is taking mining seriously and is a great stride towards boosting the country’s economy.
Ng’oma promised to support operations of mining companies by getting rid of bottlenecks, which have the potential to reduce earnings from the industry.
"Government will also ensure that all information relating to the mining industry is readily available and things are done in a transparent manner,” he explained.
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa called on operators of the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, Lotus Africa Limited, to ensure that Malawians benefit meaningfully from the natural resources extracted in their country.
He said; "Previous operators gave Malawians a raw deal during their time managing the mine.
“As custodians of the land, we want to see real change this time, and our people deserve better jobs, infrastructure, and a clean environment. We cannot continue to be spectators while others benefit from our resources.”
Managing Director for Lotus Africa Limited Corporate Department, Gregg Bittar, said the mine will deliver for the people of Malawi.
"Government is an important economic partner with a significant interest in the project. Through the Community Development Agreement, we will make sure that not only does Karonga and Chitipa benefit but the whole country," Bittar said.
Lotus Africa Limited took over operations of Kayelekera Uranium Mine from Paladin Limited after it went into care and maintenance in 2014 due to falling uranium prices.
NSPP tool for social protection programmes implementation in Balaka
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, May 21, Mana: Department of Economic Planning and Development in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Tuesday oriented Balaka District Council on National Social Protection Policy (NSPP).
NSSP is meant to create a more comprehensive and sustainable social protection system, focusing on reducing poverty, improving livelihood and increasing resilience for vulnerable groups.
Balaka District Community Development Officer, Macdonald Nyaka, welcomed the orientation saying the district looks forward to successful implementation of social protection programmes.
The district registered challenges in implementing Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and other social protection programmes.
Weak instructional frameworks, limited resources, coordination issues and difficulties in reaching beneficiaries particularly in far to reach areas are some of the challenges faced in implementation of social protection programmes in Balaka.
“Despite the challenges, we foresee strong coordination, support and proper direction in all key sectors such as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), nutrition, Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and agriculture among others with one goal of eradicating poverty and empower vulnerable households across Balaka,” said Nyaka.
He, therefore, called for patriotism and dedication from all stakeholders so that all social protection programmes that are being rolled out in the district should ultimately focus on rescuing rural masses from poverty and other human challenges.
An economist in the Department of Economic Planning and Development, Laureen Kumwenda, said government recognizes the need for policy framework that guides designing and implementation of successful social protection programmes at district level.
She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support NSPP, adding that the policy helps government and citizens to achieve human capital development, an enabler of Malawi 2063.
