The World Bank has praised the progress of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) in Chikwawa, highlighting the resilience shown amid climate challenges.
During a site visit today, World Bank Country Manager Firas Raad acknowledged the adverse effects of climate change but remained optimistic.
“We know that Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to the project and the rest of the country, but a lot of restoration has happened,” Raad said.
Launched in 2020, SVTP aims to improve agricultural productivity and boost local farmers’ livelihoods through large-scale irrigation initiatives.
Thirteen farmer cooperatives are set to benefit, with Kabadwe and Mwanaalirenji cooperatives being the first in line next year.
Bouke Biji, an agriculture consultant, said the project, upon completion will help cooperatives in the lower Shire to cut down operation cost,
“We pay almost MK73 million for electricity to pump water to irrigate our sugarcane plantations. The coming in of this project will help us cut down electricity costs.”
The first phase of the multi-billion kwacha project was expected to finish this year December. However, has been pushed to May 2024. Source Times
Cross-border traders took to the streets of Lilongwe Monday, when they demonstrated over the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA)’s decision to introduce tax stamps on imported goods. In essence, a tax stamp is not a tax but a compliance tool for ensuring that imported and manufactured goods have gone through the normal channel and that taxes have been duly paid before they are granted entry into a country. A tax stamp is a physical or digital sticker on a product to indicate that excise tax has been paid. The protests by the traders came at a time MRA and their representatives signed a joint communique on August 7 this year, when both parties committed that all small-scale businesses under the simplified trade regime would be allowed to affix tax stamps until all administrative concerns had been addressed by MRA.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) deputy secretary general (SG) Hon. Daud Chikwanje has been arrested for proposing violence at a politically rally in Machinga.
Confirming the development, National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said the arrest followed remarks Chikwanje allegedly made at a political event where he is suspected of encouraging party members to set ablaze people found in MCP regalia. “We arrested Honourable Chikwanje and we are charging him with proposing violence, which is against Section 86 of the penal code,” Kalaya said.
According to police Hon Chikwanje legislator would be taken to court by the end of yesterday. Kalaya has warned politicians to refrain from making sensitive statements as the country prepares for the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections. In a video clip that went viral Monday, Chikwanje was seen telling DPP followers to burn those who will be seen wearing MCP attire in the area, alleging that MCP supporters were Satanists. According to a clip of what Chikwanje allegedly said, in the past, Nsanama used to have strong boys who could not allow people to wear MCP regalia in the area. “It could not have happened. Are you sure Nsanama has ended like this, to the point that you allow other people to start bringing trouble here. Let’s start biting,” Chikwanje said. Briefing reporters in Lilongwe yesterday, MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda slammed Chikwanje’s alleged remarks, saying they had the potential to stoke violence in Malawi.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said violence could not be accepted, such that it had to be condemned. “Our party, unlike MCP, firmly believes in the principles of democracy and the idea that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. This is what sets us apart and makes us stand out as a responsible and fair political party. “It is disheartening to hear that Honourable Chimwendo Banda, during his press conference, openly admitted to having the power to dismiss anyone without the knowledge of the President or National Executive Committee.
“This is not how the DPP operates. If he truly holds such supreme powers, why has he not used them to fire his own president, Dr Chakwera, who made threats that he would shed blood if he did not win the 2019 general elections?” Namalomba said. He added that as a party, they demand justice for the brutal beating of their supporters at Mbowe Filling, adding that they urge MCP not to shield the perpetrators from arrest.
Malawi National Football Team striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango is reportedly take been involved in a car accident on Sunday in South Africa. According to reports by goal.com was involved in a car accident in Bloemfontein which left him injured.
Both Gabadinho and his manager could not be reached to comment. However South Africa-based Malawian senior analyst Benjamin Nyirenda said Gabadinho was not seriously hurt, even though images and a video clip showed blood oozing out on his forehead. “He is safe. We might get a statement soon about his condition,” Nyirenda said.
Unconfirmed reports in South Africa are indicating that Gabadinho was allegedly drunk driving and ended up causing an accident.
It is something that has not gone down well with Gallants and as the club’s spokesperson Sello Nduna has confirmed, it might land the player in hot water.
“Unfortunately, we saw this very late yesterday on social media. That is when some of our guys from the team tried to check on him at our official residence,” Nduna told SNL24.
“We are still gathering more information as to what could have happened and then we will obviously have to deal with it accordingly because as a team, we don’t encourage such behaviour, especially for something that is against the law.
“We are still gathering information… we need to deal with all the facts. We don’t want to react to all these social media things that we have seen.
“We don’t condone such behaviour especially if it is against the law. We will follow the team’s disciplinary measures.”
In the past, Mhango has been involved in ugly incidents brought about by what seems like a drinking problem.
In 2021, there were claims that Propaganda Club in Pretoria had detained him over a R26,000 alcohol bill but the management later denied the claims stating the footballer was a ‘respectable patron.’
At 32, Mhango is not getting any younger and this might be his last significant contract in the Premier Soccer League – depending on his effectiveness on the pitch.
Gallants hope the alleged incident is not true and that he will continue delivering for them after joining at the beginning of the season.
In what comes out as a revelation of the root cause of many attacks targeted at the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, SPC, Ms Colleen Zamba, we have come across a well coordinated scheme to make SPC look like she is hell bent to contravene set rules and regulations especially in the Public Procurement sector. SPC Zamba is a natural born leader who combines action and straight talk, that has unsettled many in the Public Service.
In the coming articles we will reveal how a systematic attack against her person and Office, has been orchestrated over the years, to project her as a wrong doer, but the truth of the matter is that she has shaken the status quo in the Public Service, which has seen Government lose out on many Ventures and also delayed in provision of services to the citizens of Malawi.
It is common in Public Service that delays and chaos benefit a few dishonest individuals and this is what Madam Zamba started fighting while she was heading the Presidential Delivery Unit. She used to ask questions then on how and why projects and Procurement delays, and that is when, those who benefit from chaos, started targeting her. Once President Chakwera promoted her to SPC, that came with it unrelenting attacks to project her as in the wrong doing.
Stay tuned to the breaking news we will be publishing to expose a scheme of unscrupulous individuals in the Public Services, who want to divert attention from their schemes and of course their self preservation desires.
People’s Development Party (PDP) President Kondwani Nankhumwa has officially opened the party’s National Governing Council (NGC) meeting in Salima district, reaffirming PDP’s commitment to contesting the 2025 elections independently.
“We will not form an alliance with any party,” Nankhumwa declared, addressing NGC members gathered at River Mark Lodge.
“PDP is a party for the people of Malawi, built on a bottom-up approach to empower local communities,” he added.
The two-day meeting, which concludes tomorrow, aims to solidify PDP’s strategy for the upcoming polls.
Nankhumwa emphasized unity as the party’s greatest strength, saying, “Our goal is to transform Malawi through policies that reflect the people’s aspirations.”
This gathering follows PDP’s successful elective conference in Blantyre, where Nankhumwa was re-elected unopposed as party president.
This NGC meeting aims to orient the new duty bearers on their roles ahead of the general elections.
It will also provide an opportunity for members to draw a roadmap ahead of the elections, in which President Nankhumwa will contest as the presidential candidate.
The meeting is crucial in solidifying PDP’s strategy for the upcoming polls, and Nankhumwa’s leadership will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the party’s trajectory.
With the 2025 elections on the horizon, the PDP is gearing up to challenge the political status quo.
“No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body.” — Margaret Sanger.
In Malawi, a deeply conservative and religious nation, the mere mention of the word “abortion” is met with condemnation. To speak of “safe abortion” is to invite stigma.
People ask, “Who are you to suggest a woman should control her own body and destiny? How dare you fight for rights that another woman wasn’t born entitled to?”
This is the prevailing attitude toward safe abortion in Malawi.
But we must confront the uncomfortable truth: access to safe abortion—and the suffering caused by restrictive laws—falls hardest on those with the least. The divide between the rich and the poor is evident in every aspect of life: education, healthcare, and access to information.
In Malawi, wealthier suburbs lie next to impoverished villages, and the experiences of girls living just miles apart can be worlds away.
For many families, poverty is a harsh reality, and educating their children is a heavy financial burden. When forced to choose, parents often prioritize the education of sons over daughters, leaving young women with fewer opportunities and even less autonomy over their bodies.
Ten years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I stared down at a pregnancy test, two blue lines staring back at me, and felt the weight of my choices.
In that moment, I knew what I had to do. At the clinic, I was presented with options, and though uncertain of what to expect, I made my choice.
Years later, I met a young woman named Lonjezo. She was looking for work, and I needed help managing my life as I transitioned into adulthood. We connected instantly, our spirits aligned. During one of our many conversations, she revealed she was pregnant.
As we spoke, she confided that she wasn’t ready for another child—she already had a four-year-old son. She knew what she needed to do but couldn’t afford it. I remembered my own situation all those years ago and asked myself, “What if I hadn’t had the money? What if I didn’t have the support?”
A few days later, Lonjezo told me with a heavy heart that she couldn’t afford a safe abortion and planned to visit a local herbalist instead. I knew what that meant.
Later that week, I gave her the money she needed to access safe care. Was I proud? I’m not sure. But I was proud that I could help another woman make her own decision.
The reality we must face is that in Malawi, discussions around safe abortion are often avoided, but access to it is undeniably linked to wealth.
Those with financial means can access this service discreetly, regardless of the law.
So, I ask you: Is it fair for some women to have control over their bodies, while others are left with no choices at all?
September 28th marks International Safe Abortion Day. It is a global moment where activists unite to demand universal access to safe and legal abortion as essential healthcare and as a human right.
Business Partners International (BPI) Malawi, a fund manager that provides business finance and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has appointed experienced economist and financial expert Bond Mtembezeka as its new Country Manager to lead its operations in Malawi.
Mtembezeka brings extensive experience in Asset Management, Banking, Investments, and Corporate Finance, with over eight years of leadership in challenging environments, according to statement from BPI Malawi.
According to BPI, Mtembezeka has been tasked to strengthen its position as the leading financier for SMEs in the country while enhancing its marketing efforts and pay a special focus on client satisfaction as part of BPI’s strategy to provide finance and support to more business owners in the country.
Mtembezeka said in an interview that he is well-prepared to take on the responsibility of driving BPI’s vision forward.
“My passion for investments and my commitment to the SME sector are what attracted me to this role and it is incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of our efforts on the growth and success of SMEs in Malawi,” said Mtembezeka.
He shared his vision to contribute to BPI becoming the most preferred SME financier in the country, underpinned by offering tailored financial solutions and providing technical assistance to SMEs.
“We want to ensure that BPI Malawi becomes the go-to partner for SMEs seeking growth and sustainability in Malawi. Furthermore, we will not just be deploying capital; we will be dedicated to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and enhancing the broader economic and social ecosystem,” explained Mtembezeka.
Mtembezeka emphasized that the focus will be on addressing the primary challenges faced by SMEs, such as securing funding and dealing with macroeconomic instability while also focusing on differentiated customer-centric solutions, and offering personalized financial packages that go beyond traditional funding.
“The BPI technical assistance programme is unparalleled in the industry, ensuring that our clients not only get financing but also the expertise they need to succeed. By also fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, and SMEs, we will further strengthen BPI’s role in the Malawian economy,” he emphasized.
BPI supports the Malawian SME sector through business financing ranging from K100 million to K1 billion, technical assistance and advisory services and aims to expand its reach across the country, helping SMEs navigate the challenging economic environment.
“I want to encourage business owners to approach us for their financing needs, we look forward to welcoming them to the BPI Malawi family and supporting them to grow and sustain their businesses,” Mtembezeka concluded.
Beatitude Wellness and Naturopathy Centre at Manase in Blantyre
Beatitude Naturopathy and Wellness Centre has organized week-long Backpain and Arthritis awareness and alignment sessions where patients will be treated using naturopathic methods.
The Centre’s Director Francis Malunga said in an interview yesterday that the awareness week will run from 23 September to 27 September 2024 from 7.30am to noon at their centre at Manase in Blantyre.
“So far, we have conducted two Backpain awareness campaigns in the past where people with acute backpain were treated using naturopathic methods. This time we thought of adding those with arthritis problem so that we should help them and give them information about these ailments,” said Malunga.
He said the Wellness Centre will offer free lectures to people who have backpain and arthritis issues apart from treating them.
“They will only need to pay a registration fee of K20,000 otherwise we will not be charging for the actual treatment of the backpain and arthritis,” said Malunga.
Malunga distinguished naturopathy and wellness from hospital care citing the former provides respect for the healing processes of nature while empowering the individual to take responsibility for their own health process.
Malunga- We can save a lot of forex
“We are aware that some people have gone outside the country to have backpain surgeries and arthritis care which have not been fully healed, we recommend that these people should patronize the backpain and arthritis awareness week, we can be saving a lot of forex if we do these procedures here in Malawi using naturopathic methods,” said Malunga.
One of the people who attended last year’s awareness week Peter Kachepa said it was worthwhile as he had his back problem sorted within a day.
“The tips and lecture that they gave us were also helpful because one knows what to do when he or she notice the signs and symptoms. I would encourage those with backpain issues to attend the awareness week,” said Kachepa.
According the World Health Organization (WHO) about 620 million people suffered low back pain in 2020 and it is estimated that the number will increase to 843 million by 2050 adding that low back pain is the single leading cause for disability worldwide and it is a condition which many will require rehabilitation.
Beatitude Naturopathy and Wellness Centre recently relocated from Balaka to Manase, Blantyre to serve more people who were looking for naturopathic treatment.
In a move set to significantly boost trade financing in Malawi, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a landmark US$100-million Trade Finance Facilitation Facility (AFTRAF) agreement with National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc, the country’s largest bank by assets.
Representing the largest AFTRAF facility ever to be extended by Afreximbank in Malawi, the US$100-million AFTRAF agreement will enhance and maximize the capacity of NBM Plc to finance trade transactions of its clients in the manufacturing, energy and agriculture sectors.
Additionally, it will allow NBM Plc to issue letters of credit confirmed by Afreximbank, addressing the difficulty posed by a shortage of confirming banks lines. It will also support the importation of critical goods required by Malawi, including intermediate products for the manufacturing sector, fuel, pharmaceuticals and fertiliser.
The signing ceremony was held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo on Tuesday September 24, 2024. Haytham ElMaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank Africa at Afreximbank and Harold Jiya, Chief Executive Officer, NBM Plc inked the deal on behalf of their respective organisations.
Speaking after signing the agreement, ElMaayergi said: “Our support to National Bank of Malawi through the Afreximbank Trade Facilitation ‘AFTRAF’ programme will have a significant impact on Malawi’s strategic sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and energy, by empowering them to import inputs and components to generate value-added exports.”
“This partnership seeks to sustain supply chains of these sectors to enhance the foreign exchange earning capacity of the country,” he added.
ElMaayergi added that the collaboration is expected to boost intra- and extra-African trade across NBM’s expanding geographical footprint in the southern African region by supporting corporates with financing products as well as capacity building.
On his part, Jiya said the credit line is a huge step forward for the Bank and, more importantly, for the people of Malawi.
“This partnership will allow us to provide more financing solutions, especially for businesses engaged in international trade. As a Bank, we are committed to making international trade easier and more affordable for our customers. The Afreximbank credit line will help reduce the risks and costs associated with cross-border transactions, giving businesses of all sizes—from large corporations to small enterprises—access to the tools they need to thrive,” explained Jiya.
NBM plc is an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, which allows it to collaborate with Afreximbank on transactions. It is currently in the process of reprofiling itself into a regional bank.
