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MACRA engages stakeholders on Bio-metric SIM registration regulation
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, May 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on Tuesday engaged stakeholders in Blantyre on the Authority’s intention to embark on a Bio-metric SIM registration in line with the 2024 Data Protection Law to ensure a society safer from various cybercrimes.
The consultative meeting with targeted social media influencers, civil society organization representatives, Blantyre City Council ward councilors, among others discussed topics such, Bio-metric SIM registration, operationalizing Sim registration in Malawi- enhancing consumer protection, and counterfeit device enforcement.
In his remarks during the opening of the meeting, MACRA`s Head of ICT, Steven Perete said the Authority has the mandate to protect ICT consumers, adding that this was the reason the Data Protection Act was passed.
He said MACRA will do the Bio-metric SIM registration following concerns from consumers on increased digital fraud and many forms of cybercrime.
Perete said the BIO metric SIM registration will involve finger printing and facial recognition.
“Bio metric SIM registration is not about surveillance of ICT consumers rather is about security and trust,” he said,
Perete further said an individual will be allowed to register less than ten sim cards per mobile provider.
He therefore called on people to comply by registering their SIMs bio metrically for improved service delivery and ensure safer digital society, when the exercise rolls out on 1 July this year.
The MACRA ICT Head observed that with the bio metric sim card registration, law enforcement agents will be able to trace fraudsters easily, saying this will also create a safer zone for consumers.
Blantyre based Young Voices Communication and Advocacy Officer, Jacquline Butao said Young Voices will carry out a series of public awareness on importance of the Bio-metric SIM registration.
“We will raise awareness on Bio-metric SIM registration in our project areas and will explain benefits of registering SIM cards bio metrically,” she said.
However, Blantyre City Mayor, Councilor Makwinja observed that involvement of National Identity Cards in the Bio-metric registration is tricky and politically sensitive.
“I am afraid this will create a lot of speculations in the public. People are already speculating a lot on use of machines in the election and you’re bringing in the issue of Bio-metric SIM registration,” he said.
He therefore asked MACRA to consider shifting the exercise later, preferably after the general elections.
MACRA held similar consultations in Mzuzu and Lilongwe where stakeholders said the Bio-metric SIM card registration is a way to go in addressing fraud and other digital crimes.
DC calls on voters to verify names in voters’ register
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, May 20, Mana: District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma has asked registered voters to verify their names during the three days’ voters’ inspection exercise expected to run from May 21 to May 23 in the district.
Nkhoma said this, Tuesday on the sidelines of a District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) briefing exercise which was held in the district.
“As a district, we are set to start the voters’ inspection exercise, so I am encouraging all those who registered as voters to go to the centres where they registered or transferred, to verify their names,” said Nkhoma.
Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) Team Coordinator for Likoma, Thandiwe Zimba said the exercise will help voters know If they are in the register and if the details are correct.
“The voters need to know if they are indeed in the register and if their details are correct. Sometimes there might be some issues like having your bio data captured as a female but the face is for a male voter.
“We do not want to have these issues on the polling day, that is why we want to rectify such problems to make sure that our data, our voter register is very clear and has the right information,” said Zimba.
Director of Education and Sports (DES), Zimulange Mhango said the national primary school leaving certificate examinations which will run concurrently with the voters’ inspection exercise will not be affected.
“As a district, we have Nkhwazi and Yofu primary schools as centres which will be handling the two exercises, however measures have been put in place to make sure that they run concurrently without any challenges,” said Mhango.
President Chakwera underscores the significance of the construction sector
By Eunice Disi Lole
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Mc Carthy Chakwera says the construction sector plays a crucial role in facilitating infrastructure developments in the country.
The President made the remarks on Monday during the Inaugural of the construction day at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
“When I was sworn in as President in 2020, my goal was to build a Malawi for all and I am glad that we are progressing. So far we have over 600 projects which are underway,
“We will soon share the list of the projects for Malawians to appreciate the works and to have an idea of the country’s development,” he said.
The Malawi leader further condemned the act of discrediting his government’s development describing the tendency as undesirable.
He urged the public to embrace love and stand by facts and urged all people to avoid hate speech during the election period.
“Developing a country is not a one-man job and it is not about who started or completed what but it is about how far you have gone with development during one’s service. As such let us detest such statements as they only bring commotion in the country,” he added.
The President further said,” We are not building Malawi for ourselves, but for generations to come. I encourage engineering companies to uphold high standards in construction work.
In his speech, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara commended President Chakwera for transforming the engineering and construction industry stressing durability and quality work that will last for generations.
Meanwhile, Chairperson for the National Construction Industry Council Jeremiah Mugaba has praised President Chakwera for advocating quality infrastructure and promoting the work of the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC).
The event which was celebrated under the theme “Quality driven construction industry: Building for generation” brought together government officials and key players in the engineering and construction sectors.
Government to construct Chimwaza - Nambuma tarmac road in Dowa
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, May 20, Mana: The Malawi Roads Authority, has announced that government will upgrade the 21 kilometer Chimwaza - Nambuma Road (S115/T344) in Dowa to bitumen standard.
The Authority`s Social Planning Officer, Boston Kadzamira, made the remarks on Monday, during an orientation about the project to the Dowa District Executive Committee (DEC).
He said the project will be financed by government to a tune of Mk18.3 billion and is expected to commence in May 2025, and be completed in 18 months.
"Once completed, the road is expected to ease mobility challenges, reduce travel time, and improve safety for road users.
"It is also expected to improve transportation of agricultural produce, and overall improvement in social economic activities of the people around the area. So this orientation aims at informing the council about the project," said Kadzamira.
Other benefits, he said, include creation of employment opportunities and skills transfer to local community and civil engineering sector through interaction between different technocrats.
Kadzamira said currently, the contractor, China Civil Engineering Corporation Limited is establishing a campsite around Kalonga Trading Centre.
On the day, the Malawi Roads Authority also held consultative meetings with community members living close to Chimwaza - Nambuma road, namely, Chimwaza, Kalonga, Kasolo, Dangaliro and Nambuma.
Through the meetings, the Roads Authority in conjunction with Dowa District Council met chiefs, Village Development Committees, faith leaders, community members, security agencies, amongst others to raise awareness on the project.
"We want you to know the benefits the road will bring, but also on the challenges which might come during construction and how we plan to mitigate them," said Mgwadira.
A representative of Senior Chief Dzoole said the project is a good development and was long overdue.
"We are very happy with the development. As a community, we will ensure we play our part in the successful implementation of the project," he said.
Earlier, Acting Chief Planning Officer for the council, Yusuf Laki said roads boost social economic development of a district.
He however called for strong communication channels between stakeholders and the community to ensure timely address of issues that may arise, to avoid unnecessary delays of the project.
Ntchisi mourns T/A Msauka
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, May 20, Mana: People of Traditional Authority (T/A) Msauka in Ntchisi district, on Monday paid their last respects to their traditional leader who died on Saturday at Kamuzu Central Hospital after a short illness.
Present at the funeral ceremony, was Principal Secretary of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Hara, who described the deceased as an iconic leader who was passionate about enhancing the government’s development agenda.
Hara advised the bereaved family to consider replacing the late with someone with similar attributes.
“I hope that the process of choosing the next leader will be a peaceful process like the one we had when we were selecting the late Msauka. Most leadership problems arise from choosing leaders with bad personal conduct,” said Hara.
In his eulogy, Senior Chief Kasakula, said late Msauka was elevated to Traditional Authority rank in 2022 and it is heartbreaking that after barely three years of serving, he has passed on.”
Late T/A Msauka was from Ntchisi North Constituency and in his eulogy, the constituency legislator, Arnold Kadzanja, echoed the Principal Secretary describing late Msauka as a passionate leader when it comes to enhancing the government’s development agenda.
He said: “I cannot talk development without mentioning late Msauka. He was an exceptional development partner who treated me as his son and he was always giving positive advice concerning my constituency’s development.”
Born Daniel Kaliza, the late Msauka is survived with 10 children.
SCTP benefits the elderly in Dedza
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, May 19, Mana: Some elderly people who are benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Dedza have applauded the initiative, saying it is a transformative initiative.
On Monday in an ongoing SCTP pay parade in the district, the beneficiaries said the program has transformed their lives, as some are able to do small-scale businesses and also buy food during the lean season.
A beneficiary, Jackson Mvukuto aged 60, from Miyowe village under Traditional Authority (T/A) Chauma said although he faces old age challenges, he is still doing some small-scale businesses.
He explained: “I am into vegetable farming and own a few domestic animals which I bought after receiving the money. I am privileged because this is my seventh time getting the money. This programme has transformed my life.”
Another beneficiary, Mtumodzi Chimunga aged 97, from Chizwa Village, T/A Chauma, revealed that most of the cash given to older persons like her is used to buy food.
“I can no longer dig the soil and plant crops as I used before. I am mostly ill and this money supports me. I am doing animal farming which also assists me and the children I support,” she said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer, for Dedza District Council, Mtende Lungu said the essence of the programme is to support underprivileged people.
He said so far 19, 592 households have been earmarked to benefit from the programme’s three-month phases of April, May and June in all the eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.
“We are happy that the money is being used for the intended purpose of supporting vulnerable people,” stated Lungu.
SCTP is funded by the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to address poverty shocks among the elderly and the ultra-poor.
Two arrested for illegal possession of listed species
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: Lilongwe Police on May 19, 2025 arrested two people for being found in possession of listed species which they were offering for sale at Likuni Ground at around 17:00 hours on Monday.
According to Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Khumbo Sanyiwa, the suspects have been identified as Gift Phiri,45, and Florina Lackson,41.
Sanyiwa said the station's detective received a tip-off that the duo were offering for sale Ivory.
"After a follow-up, a team of detectives intercepted the suspects at Likuni Football Ground and upon searching them were found with the seven pieces of ivory in a bag" he said.
The suspect will appear in court soon to face a charge of being found in Possession of Listed Species (raw Ivory).
Gift Phiri hails from Wanyala Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Santhe, Kasungu District, while Florina Lackson hails from Chala Village, TA Malili in Lilongwe District.
Government moves to cut sugar prices, boost availability across Malawi
Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 19, Mana: Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing sugar prices and increasing the commodity’s availability nationwide through deliberate policy actions and support for local production initiatives.
Speaking on Monday during an inspection of sugar production at Salima Sugar Company Limited, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale revealed that the government is prioritizing the expansion of the sugar industry, with the Salima Sugar Company playing a pivotal role in these efforts.
“We are making a deliberate effort to enact supportive laws that ensure smooth sugar production. Our goal is to make sugar affordable and accessible to every Malawian.
“The government is leveraging the Greenbelt Initiative to open up surplus land for sugarcane farming, encouraging both local and foreign investors to participate in large-scale cultivation. The pending production Sugar Industry Bill is also expected to attract more farmers into sugarcane, by promoting high-value crops and enhancing public-private partnerships” said Kawale.
Salima Sugar Company, one of the state-affiliated firms under the Ministry of Agriculture, has faced several challenges since its inception but is now on a growth trajectory.
Executive Chairman for Salima Sugar Company, Wester Kosamu, expressed optimism about the company’s progress.
“We are currently producing sugar here in Salima and we expect to hit 22,000 metric tonnes this season. We also have 4,500 hectares of idle land that we are opening up to Malawians and potential partners for sugarcane planting,” said Kosamu.
The government’s strategic focus on production efficiency, expansion of arable land, and improved legislation aims to stabilize and eventually lower sugar prices, which has been a burden to many households in recent years.
With the combination of new investment, legislative backing, and expanded cultivation, the Ministry of Agriculture is confident that Malawi will not only achieve self-sufficiency in sugar but also ensure that every citizen can afford this essential commodity.
Aspiring MP pledges K1.7 million for Chiradzulu HIV support group
By Yanjanani Mendulo
Chiradzulu, May 20, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspiring Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Nguludi Constituency, Winston Bergi, has pledged K1.7 million to support Mwaiwathu Support Group, a community of people living with HIV and AIDS from Maloya Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Likoswe in Chiradzulu District.
Bergi made the pledge on Tuesday after the group raised concerns about taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication on empty stomach due to lack of food, a situation which negatively affects their health and adherence to treatment.
Speaking in an interview, Mwaiwathu Support Group Advisor, Isaac Mazudi, said the support will go a long way in addressing the challenges faced by the 80 members of the support group.
"Apart from advising each other not to share medicine even within families, we also encourage each other to eat nutritious food so the medication can work effectively. The promised funds will help us start small businesses and use the profits to buy food," he said.
He said the group encourages members to remain strong, seek medical attention when needed, and not to delay in collecting ARVs once they run out.
One of the beneficiaries, Mary Saiti, said the support will bring significant change in her life.
"I will start selling farm produce such as tomatoes and vegetables, and I hope to make some profit to buy food," she said.
The group meets in one of the classrooms at Goleka Catholic Full Primary School and operates under the slogan "Ndife a mphanvu, a thanzi ndi opanda nkhawa."
Soil health initiative to boost yields for Thyolo farmers
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, May 20, Mana: Farmers in Thyolo are expected to benefit from improved crop yields and reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers through a new soil health initiative being implemented by One Acre Fund.
Speaking on the sidelines of a briefing session with Agriculture Extension Development Coordinators (AEDCs) from all Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Thyolo, One Acre Fund's Government Relations Officer for Thyolo, John Matemba, said the intervention is necessary because many farmers have been struggling with declining yields due to poor soil health.
“Most farmers are not generating the yield we aim for because the soil has degraded over time. Through this Soil Health Initiative, we are encouraging farmers to use organic manure and adopt practices like burying green residues to rejuvenate the land,” Matemba said.
He added that the goal is to promote a culture of organic farming where chemical fertilizer is used as a supplement, not the primary input.
“We want to instil a long-term mindset of soil care among farmers. By maximizing manure, they can improve yields sustainably,” he explained.
He added that to ensure effective implementation, One Acre Fund is working closely with AEDCs to help spread the message to farmers across the district.
Yasinta Chasowa, AEDC for Dwale EPA, welcomed the initiative, saying the knowledge gained from the meeting will help them to guide farmers in timely manure production and application.
“This meeting is timely. It will help us support farmers in adopting best practices for manure production, which in turn will improve soil fertility and reduce over-reliance on fertilizers,” she said.
Thyolo District Land Resources Officer, Akusainda Msiska, also commended the initiative, noting that it will play a significant role in enhancing agricultural productivity throughout the district.
The Soil Health Campaign is a mass awareness drive targeting both One Acre Fund and non-One Acre Fund farmers, covering all Traditional Authorities and EPAs in Thyolo.
