MANAonline
FUM reaffirms commitment to raise awareness on scratch card seed labelling
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, March 21, Mana: Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) has reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness on scratch card seed labelling technology, which was made through a collective action of government, private sector and civil society organizations to deal with rising cases of counterfeit seeds on the market.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, FUM President, Maness Nkhata said despite the system being in place for some time, FUM noted that farmers were still not aware on how to use the innovation to verify authenticity of seeds.
“The objective is to raise awareness of the scratch card technology among farmers so that they should be able to distinguish certified seeds from fake seeds,
“Fake seeds constitute as high as 60 percent of the total seed that is sold to farmers annually. FUM has embarked on this initiative because we have realized that some farmers are still not aware of the scratch card seed labelling innovation,” she added.
Nkhata said that the awareness includes radio jingles, mass short message campaigns, posters and social media messaging on Facebook among others.
According to FUM, each seed pack contains the scratch card labelling such that farmers are encouraged to scratch the card and send the pin as a text message to 3015 to receive a confirmation message detailing company name, weight, type of seed and the date upon which the seed was certified.
FUM further urged farmers not to sell empty seed packets to anyone, saying that could easily contribute to the counterfeiting.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Mvula commended FUM for the initiative saying the technology gives an assurance that the seed is genuine.
“The system has gone to a greater extent in ensuring that fake seed is taken away from the market as people that are selling fake seeds are now finding it difficult to replicate it,” he added.
Evelyn Nkhoma, one of the farmers from Traditional Authority Somba in Blantyre said after falling victim of counterfeit seed, she became more cautious when buying seeds.
“I do not just buy seed from anyone. Since 2023, I incurred losses after buying fake seeds. From now I always buy from registered Agro-dealers and verify my seeds to check if they are authentic,” she added.
Nkhoma however said she knew some individuals that go after farmers to collect empty seed packs telling them not to scratch cards on the pack.
Scratch card seeds labelling technology was introduced on maize and legume seeds in 2021/2022 agricultural season.
MACRA calls for accurate and updated data from broadcasters and postal courier operators
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, March 19, Mana: Malawi Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has urged broadcasters, postal and courier operators to be submitting accurate and updated data reports related to their operations to the authority, as it is a mandatory obligation for such operators.
The remarks were made on Thursday in Mzuzu, by MACRA’S Director of Economic Regulation Andrew Nyirenda during the authority’s engagement with broadcasters and postal courier operators drawn from the north.
He said that no story can be told without numbers as statistics indicate where we are coming from and where we are heading to, hence the need for such reports for MACRA to understand how the operators are faring and for operators’ own assessment.
“We find it difficult as a regulator to be submitting information without any accurate and reliable statistics to government which is the policy maker for it to make meaningful policy interventions especially in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Sector which looks at broadcasting, postal and telecommunication services.
In the absence of data reports, MACRA relies on surveys which we conduct but surveys are expensive hence we need to be collecting the needed information from our licensees which are on the supply side,” said Nyirenda.
He added that data generated from the operators is expected to be updated quarterly so that it provides progression trends on ICT Sector in the country.
Nyirenda said the data can also show progression and challenges in the sector and move government through Ministry of Information and Digitalization to come up with interventions, projects and programs to address the gaps.
“This information can assist service providers on how best they can invest in the sector and how they can improve their performance besides that the information is also needed by various international bodies which Malawi is affiliated to.
Malawi is member of United Nations, International Communications Union, Universal Postal Union and International Broadcasting Association and they all need this information to know how Malawi is faring in the development of ICT,” added Nyirenda.
Radio Dinosaur Development and Technical Engineer, Alexander Mhango said the interactive meeting with the authority was an eye-opener to most of the operators in the ICT Sector, especially broadcasters.
“Following the meeting, we have understood which type of data should be presented and submitted to MACRA, however broadcasters should collaborate, share ideas and interlink with MACRA so that we have a common understanding and improve on data submission together,” said Mhango.
Some of the issues discussed in the meeting included key performance indicators of broadcasting, postal and courier sectors.
Flames lose three points in World Cup Qualifiers
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: The Malawi national football team, the Flames, lost three crucial points on Thursday in their World Cup qualifiers match against Namibia at Bingu National Stadium after suffering a 1-0 defeat during the first half.
The Flames dominated the first half of the game, but a goal by Prins Menelik in the 40th minute undermined their efforts and put Namibia in the lead.
Assistant coach of the Flames, Peter Mponda, expressed disappointment over the defeat, despite the team's improved performance in the second half.
"Despite the loss, the Flames played well. As a team, we are going to strategize for the upcoming games. The players have shown us that the Flames have a bright future," Mponda said.
He noted that the players worked hard in the second half to secure an equalizer but struggled to create chances, unlike Namibia, who made the most of their opportunity in the first half.
Mponda highlighted that Malawi still has many opportunities in the qualifiers, with several games yet to be played.
The Flames are scheduled to face Tunisia in an away match on March 24, 2025.
Malawi currently has 6 points, having won two games and lost three, while Namibia leads with 11 points from three wins and two draws.
Malawi is part of Group H, alongside Tunisia, Namibia, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Meanwhile, sports analyst Chipiliro Mulura observed that while the game was overall well-played, the central midfield posed a significant challenge for the Flames.
"The Flames struggled to dominate the central midfield, allowing opponents to control the ball and often be first to key plays. This made the match particularly challenging for the team," he said.
Mulura emphasized that the coordination between local and professional players was impressive, and the team shows promise for progress in future games.
Balaka shines in SCTP and CSEPW E-Payment strategy
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, March 21, Mana: Balaka District Council has been applauded for successfully rolling out Electronic Payment (E-Payment) system on Social Cash Transfer (SCTP) and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works (CSEPW) programmes.
This was made on Thursday at the end of a three-day learning visit by Mulanje, Chikwawa and Nsanje District Council officials at Phalula Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (TA) Phalula in Balaka.
One of the members from Department of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare from Mulanje District Council, Dave Nyasulu said their journey has been fruitful because they have learnt various techniques that Balaka District Council use for the successfulness of SCTP and CSEPW E-Payment strategy.
Among others, he noted that there is strong coordination among various stakeholders such as donors, payment services providers (TNM and Standard Bank), council officers, community leaders and the beneficiaries themselves and this makes the whole process easier.
"We have witnessed that E-Payment is ideal when disbursing funds to beneficiaries of SCTP and CSEPW because people from TA Phalula have testified that the system is time convenient, cost effective and secured from fraudulence.
"Through this system, we have also noted that there is a vibrant Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) whereby challenges among the beneficiaries are sorted out timely either during the cycle or when the funds are disbursed," he said.
Nyasulu therefore said he was ready to utilize the knowledge learnt during the tour in order to successfully implement a similar approach in Mulanje District which he said is still using the old way of distributing hard cash to over 17,000 SCTP beneficiaries in nine Traditional Authorities.
One of the beneficiaries of CSEPW, Liness Chimbuto from Phombeya Village in TA Phalula testified that she has not encountered any challenge since she started receiving the payment through her mobile phone.
She lauded the approach, highlighting that the K48, 000 she gets per cycle of 30 days helps her family to afford food and school materials for her children.
Balaka District Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Mphatso Chisepa has described the initiative as a life saver especially for marginalized groups such as women, elderly and people living with disabilities.
"Since the implementation of E-Payment system for SCTP in 2013, over 10,000 beneficiaries from 80 village clusters have welcomed the initiative,” she said.
Apart from district council members, the visit was also accompanied by officials from Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and donors from European Union and UNICEF.
Government in partnership with several donors introduced SCTP and CSEPW as part of social economic programs that would help to economically empower marginalized communities while also conserving the environment by planting trees and adopting modern farming techniques in order to address issues of climate change.
Chacha donates to elderly women in Blantyre
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: A Malawian woman based in the United States of America (USA), Chawezi Banda popularly known as Chacha, has extended a helping hand to elderly women in Chitawira, Blantyre by supplying them with essential goods to improve their daily lives.
The women are under an organization known as Women in Partnership Against HIV and AIDS in Malawi (WIPAM) under the guidance of Pastor Roselyn Lois Mankhwala.
Some of the items donated include 10 kilogrammes of flour, cooking oil, sugar, salt and soya pieces.
In a telephone interview from the USA, Banda said this was part of celebrating her 50th birthday.
Banda said she thought of celebrating her birthday with the elderly since most of them lack support.
"My mission goes beyond this donation. I support many people in need, including covering school fees for some girls. This contribution is a part of my commitment,” she said.
Banda recently donated various food items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre and Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
In her remarks, WIPAM Execute Director Pastor Mankhwala hailed Banda for the support and urged her to continue supporting the needy.
MERA closes Total filling station at Mchinji Border for non-compliance
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, March 20, Mana: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has closed Total Filling Station at Mchinji Border for failing to comply with the authority's directives on restriction of selling fuel in jerry cans.
The move follows police operation that led to the arrest of five suspects and the confiscation of 42 jerry cans of fuel.
MERA Legal Officer, Clement Ng’ambi, said the filling station failed to comply by ignoring the order that fuel should only be sold directly into motor vehicles.
“As MERA, we urge all fuel service stations to adhere to our regulations. Selling fuel in jerry cans is strictly prohibited, fuel should be sold by directly fueling the motor vehicle,” said Ng’ambi.
Mchinji Police officers received intelligence about illegal fuel sales, launched a patrol operation, and impounded a vehicle used in the illicit activity.
Malawi Police Commissioner for Central West Region, Barbara Mchenga Tsiga, reaffirmed police’s commitment to enforce the law.
“Our job is to ensure that the law takes its course. We will enforce all necessary regulations to curb illegal fuel transactions. The filling station will remain closed until the suspension is lifted,” Tsiga said.
Recently Zambian social media have been awash with stories about cheap fuel being bought in Malawi.
Usi arrives in Namibia for presidential Inauguration
By Leah Malimbasa in Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, March 20, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia for the inauguration of President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nandi-Ndaitwah won the November 2024 elections with 57 percent of the vote, making history as Namibia’s first female president succeeding Dr Nangolo Mbumba.
Usi is expected to join other African leaders and dignitaries at the inauguration ceremony in Windhoek on Friday.
Upon his arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Usi was welcomed by Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Hauya Ndau, and Namibia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Emma Kantema-Gaomas.
Astria E-learning expands in Malawi
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: Minister for Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwira says the launch of the Astria E-Learning second office in Lilongwe marks a significant milestone in Malawi's journey to enhance digital education.
She said the initiative is a testament to the country's commitment to leveraging technology to improve access to quality education in line with the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESlP) 2020-2030.
Kabwila made the remarks Thursday during the official opening of Astria E-Learning second office in Lilongwe.
She said the integration of technology in higher education is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The Astria Learning Office will provide cutting edge technology solutions, including Learning Management Systems, the Astria digital library, virtual labs and innovative ed-tech tools.
"These solutions will bridge the gap between learners and institutions, particularly in remote areas where physical access to higher education remains a challenge,” she said said.
Kabwila added that the partnership between Astria E-learning and universities, including the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) will enhance e-learning for both students and faculty.
"This collaboration will improve the quality of education, foster research and collaboration, and position Malawi as a regional leader in digital education," she said.
She, therefore, said Government of Malawi has placed a strong emphasis on digital transformation in education and the launch of the Astria Learning office demonstrates government's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance learning through technology.
"As Malawi celebrates this milestone, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to embracing technology in education.
“Government urges universities and academic institutions to fully embrace the resources and expertise that Astria Learning brings to Malawi,” she said.
Astria E-Learning Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jeff Bordes, emphasized on the vital role of technology in modern education stating that traditional teaching methods can no longer keep pace with today's fast evolving world.
"Higher education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress. However, rapid evolution of technology presents new challenges and institutions must update their process to stay competitive globally,” he said.
Bordes added that the office is open to collaborate with more universities and institutions, offering its technology and expertise to support Malawi's education sector.
The said the initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to Malawi's digital transformation and education sector, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
Government advises farmers to shun vendors
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, March 20, Mana: Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has advised farmers in the country not to sell their farm produce to vendors to maintain their harvest for national food security.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that as farmers in various parts of Malawi have started harvesting their produce there is need to guard their produce from unscrupulous vendors.
He said the ministry sees the importance of protecting farmers against exploitation and other unfair trading practices that rob them of their hard work.
“To address the tendency of some farmers selling their produce to vendors at low prices, often due to immediate financial pressures or lack of accessible markets, we are working closely with the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to ensure that their depots are operational and ready to purchase produce, particularly maize, at competitive and fair prices,” he said.
Kawale said his ministry is enhancing structured market systems such as the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) and Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE), which allows farmers to sell their crops through a transparent platform that guarantees better prices and access to larger buyers.
“We are encouraging farmers to utilize these systems and providing training through our extension services to help them understand how to participate effectively.
“Additionally, the warehouse receipt system under ACE enables farmers to store their produce securely and sell when the market is favourable,” he said.
Kawale, therefore, assured farmers that the ministry will further regulate the market and protect them as government enforces measures that require all produce buyers to obtain permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, in line with the Agricultural General Purposes Act.
He said this ensures that only licensed traders, who are accountable to set standards can operate, reducing the influence of unscrupulous vendors.
“These efforts align with our broader vision under Malawi 2063 to transform agriculture into a commercialized, productive sector that ensures food security and improves livelihood.
“We remain committed to supporting farmers, who are the backbone of this nation, and I encourage them to reach out to district agricultural offices for assistance or clarification on these initiatives,” the minister said.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono Mvula, said apart from encouraging farmers to sell their produce to recommended markets, government should ensure that markets are open in time, offer good prices and open satellite markets closer to the farmers saying this will help reduce exploitation and unfair trading practices by vendors.
“The challenge has been that vendors, in most cases, are the only available buyers as ADMARC fail to open in time, or may be too far away from the farmers. Farmers, therefore, opt to sell their produce to vendors who mostly happen to be immediate buyers,” he said.
Ministry of Agriculture intensifies public awareness to sensitize farmers to retain some of their harvest for household food security and sell the surplus through official channels rather than to vendors offering exploitative prices.
Vice President Usi to attend Namibia’s Presidential Inauguration
By Leah Malimbasa
Windhoek, Namibia, March 20, Mana: Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, is expected to arrive in Namibia this afternoon ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, scheduled for Friday.
The inauguration coincides with Namibia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, marking a significant moment in the country’s history as it welcomes its first female President.
Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Ndau, emphasized the importance of Malawi’s presence at the event, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Malawi celebrates this achievement and recognizes the significance of having a female President, especially on Independence Day. This momentous occasion inspires us to reflect on our own journey towards gender equality and encourages us to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Ndau.
She further reiterated Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Namibia under the new leadership.
“Malawi and Namibia have enjoyed a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. We look forward to strengthening our ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration under the leadership of the new President. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for our nations and the African continent as a whole,” she added.
