One of the country’s farm foods companies, Ekhaya Farm Foods Limited has committed to quality and safety as it continues to review and improve its processes to align with regulatory requirements. 

The company’s management made the promise through a statement after the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) sealed and later reopened its two shops at Kanengo and Olympic Mall in Lilongwe on January 21 and 22,2025. 

According to the statement dated 24 January 2025, the company acknowledges and respects the MBS’ decision to temporarily the shops as part of their commitment to ensuring public health and safety. 

“At Ekhaya Farm Foods, we take this matter very seriously. We are fully committed to adhering to all MBS standards and ensuring that our operations meet the highest levels of compliance.” 

“Our team has worked closely with MBS to address the concerns raised during their inspection, and we are pleased to confirm that both shops have been reopened following a thorough review,” reads the statement. 

The company has also assured its customers that MBS extended the operations to its other shops and were certified fit to continue its operations. 

“During the past week, MBS officials have inspected our operations at other locations including Mibawa at Midima Turn off, Victoria Avenue, Northgate Mall in Blantyre, Zomba and Mangochi without closures. We want to reassure our customers, employees and partners that your health and safety remain our top priority,” reads further the statement. 

One of the Blantyre-based customers, Mark Lemusi has commended Ekhaya for the assurance. 

“I buy my things at Ekhaya, and when I heard the news, I was equally affected. But the news about the reopening of the shops and MBS clearing the other shops, I feel relieved, I urge Ekhaya management to live by their promise to ensure quality services as they always do,” he said. 

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded seven sports journalists for their outstanding coverage of the fourth edition of the Mo626 College Basketball Tournament.

The glamorous event, which also attracted some business journalists for the annual media interaction, took place at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel in Zomba on Friday. 

The winners in the four categories included Ronald Mpaso of Times Group dominating the list, having clinched the Best Newspaper Reporter, and the second-Best Radio Reporter accolades. 

Solomon Manda of the Nation Newspaper emerged the second best in the Print category, while Bright Kanyama was the runner-up in the radio section. 

Malawi Broadcasting Corporation’s (MBC) Amin Mussa took home the Best Television Reporter award, followed by Mabvuto Kambuwe of Times Television. 

Richard Tiyesi of Timveni was named the Best Online Reporter followed by Atlas Malawi’s Eric Chiputula. 

Winners in all categories received K500 000 each, while runners-up cart home K350 000.

Speaking after presenting the awards, NBM plc Mobile and eMoney Manager, Enala Chirwa said the ‘Bank of the Nation’ recognizes and appreciates the role of the media in promoting the brand by bringing visibility.

“In the instance of the Mo626 College Basketball, it is the media that enabled the tournament to have a nationwide reach, where individuals across the country would appreciate the talent and determination of the various college basketball teams in the country,” said Chirwa.

Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) Vice General Secretary, Eddah Mkombezi commended NBM plc for recognizing the journalists.

“These journalists help us to market the game of basketball. So, by getting recognized, it will energise them more in the next edition, thereby making people know about basketball and grow the game together,” said Mkombezi.

Mussa also hailed NBM plc for the recognition saying this will push them more. 

“I feel energised to provide in-depth coverage of the tournament in the next edition. As journalists, our role is not just to publicise the tournament, but ensure that we grow the game through our analyses and commentaries,” he said. 

NBM Plc sponsors the tournament to the tune of K450 million for three years. 

Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) Men and Women teams defended the fourth edition of the tournament in October last year. 

NBS Bank has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming one of the few companies on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) to achieve a market capitalisation of K1 trillion as of 22 January 2025.

The bank’s share price soared from K275.44 per share on 16 January to K316.75 per share by Wednesday’s close of market trading.

This impressive rise in share value represents a wealth increase of K41.31 per share for investors within just a few trading days, highlighting the growing confidence in the bank’s performance and long-term prospects.

Reacting to the achievement, NBS Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Kwanele Ngwenya, described the milestone as a testament to the bank’s resilience and strategic direction.

“As we progress through the 2025 financial year, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude reflecting on NBS Bank’s remarkable financial journey. Our achievement of reaching a market capitalization milestone of 1 trillion Kwacha is not just a number; it marks a significant moment for us all.”

“This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of our strategy, the dedication of our team, and the steadfast trust of our stakeholders. These achievements are not merely numbers on a balance sheet. They represent the realization of a vision to create a financially resilient and forward-looking institution that delivers value to its stakeholders. They are the results of strategic decisions made to address past challenges, optimize operations, and position NBS Bank as a leader in Malawi’s banking sector.”

“As we stand on the threshold of new opportunities in 2025, I am filled with confidence and excitement for the road ahead. Our financial success is a collective achievement, made possible by the hard work of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of our stakeholders. Let us continue to build on this momentum as we strive for even greater heights, delivering value and contributing meaningfully to Malawi’s economic future,” explained Ngwenya.

Renowned stock market investor, Benedicto Nkhoma pointed out that the growth in NBS Bank’s share price reflects broader investor confidence in Malawi’s banking sector.

“The achievement means that in the current environment where inflation is above 30% shareholders, especially pension funds are cushioned from loss of value of their investment. It is an indication that stakeholders have confidence in the operation of the bank.”

“The milestone is an indication of the goodwill the bank is enjoying from stakeholders. Customers would like to associate with a growing institution because it is a sign of a good perception from the market as such, they should expect growth in customer base but also it means customers’ experience expectations are very high,” said Nkhoma.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has reached a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first company to achieve a K2 trillion market capitalization on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE).

The ‘Bank of the Nation’ was also the first financial institution to hit the K1 trillion market capitalization mark last year.

The Bank’s share price scaled from K3,981.50 per share on Tuesday to K4,584.50 by the close of market trading on Thursday this week.

This impressive performance has raised its market capitalization to K2.1 trillion, solidifying its leadership in the market.

This flow represents a wealth increase of K603 per share for investors within one day, reflecting the growing confidence in the NBM plc’s capabilities and future outlook.

Commenting on the development, financial expert, Richard Tembo, expressed that capitalization signals an increased investor confidence.

“The shares of National Bank plc are very valuable and are being sought-after by investors which means the shares values increase. Therefore, NBM plc has set a higher bench mark for other Banks and other Malawian companies that corporate growth of financial stability in the company is possible.”

“This also signals confidence in the financial sector as a whole, as financial sector stability is very important and key to fostering economic development since it has that capacity to support various industries. So, if we can have more companies like NBM plc then our economy as a country can easily grow and attract more investors,” said Tembo.

The milestone reaffirms NBM plc’s status as a trailblazer in Malawi’s banking sector and a preferred investment option on the MSE.

Renowned motivational speaker and motivator, Benedicto Bena Nkhoma also commended NBM plc for remarkable achievement.

“This is a sign of confidence that the Market has in the Bank! Well-deserved milestone!” Nkhoma posted on his Facebook page.

NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Harold Jiya also reacted to the development saying it reflects Bank’s commitment to ensuring they provide the best services to its customers.

“I am pleased to note that NBM plc has reached a significant milestone, achieving a market capitalization of K2 trillion—the first of its kind on the Malawi Stock Exchange and in the country. This accomplishment reflects the trust and confidence our stakeholders and investors have placed in the Bank’s medium-term growth strategy.”

“Over the years, our strong financial performance has shown that we are not just resilient but also full of untapped potential. The active trading of our shares, which now makes NBM plc the most valuable company in Malawi, is a humbling endorsement of our efforts.”

“We are deeply grateful to our customers and the people of Malawi for their continued trust and support. As we move forward, we remain committed to investing in resources that will enable us continue to deliver quality banking services.”

“By leveraging our digital platforms, we aim to offer even greater convenience and value to our customers. This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve together, and we are excited about the future,” said Jiya.

NBM’s continued success sets a high benchmark in the industry, demonstrating resilience and inspiring confidence among its stakeholders.

Giant alcoholic beverage producer in the country, Castel Malawi has fulfilled its promise of sending two Pomme Breeze Promotion winners to Dubai for a three-day fully paid retreat. 

The young couple, Paul Cullisto Matumbi and Deborah Kampezeni left the country on Wednesday through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and are expected to be back on Sunday. 

Speaking after seeing off the two winners of the Pomme Breeze #YourSider promotion which the company conducted, Castel Malawi’s Communication Manager, Sheelin Laher said the beverage producer has committed K20 million for the trip. 

“As Castel Malawi we have fulfilled our promise to send these two to Dubai. They emerged winners of our social media promotion that we conducted last year. We just want them to have fun and we have arranged a number of activities for them in Dubai.”

“This also helps us to expose the Pomme Breeze Brand. It is a lifestyle brand,” she said. 

Matumbi commended Castel Malawi for organising the promotion saying it gives them an opportunity to experience new things and explore the world.

“I am so grateful to Castel Malawi for giving us the opportunity after emerging winners. In Dubai they have arranged some activities for us and we will be visiting various places. I urge my fellow Malawians to be participating in such promotions like we did with the Pomme Breeze one,” he said. 

The two Bunda-based agriculture entrepreneurs are traveling with Castel Malawi’s Digital Community Manager, Gary Samati. 

Castel Malawi ran the promotion from August 16 to September 27. 

Participants were asked to take a picture with their “Sider” (friend or partner) and post on their Facebook pages.

The post with more likes won the competition. 

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has hailed President Lazarous for “excellent work” on several issues of national importance, including infrastructure development, handling climate related disasters, tolerance and international relations.

However, PAC has also urged the President to take more decisive action on several challenges the country is facing to ” turn around this perception'” on the ground.

PAC Chair Patrick Thawale said this in a statement released after PAC had an interface meeting with Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace on Monday.

” Your Excellency, as we drive in the city one realizes how Lilongwe has been transformed. The quality of the road construction we witness today is amazing. For some time we have been waiting for such type of road infrastructure. Lilongwe has become a source of pride. This is excellent work. It is also true for other roads constructed under your leadership” said Thawale in the statement.
Thawale also commended Chakwera for displaying exceptional tolerance despite insults from the opposition and other Malawians towards him.
” Your Excellency, we would like also to express our appreciation over your tolerance even in most difficult times. We have noted open insults targeted at you and yet your composure has remained steadfast,” reads the statement.
PAC has further applauded Chakwera for tackling economic challenges exacerbated by natural disasters.
” We may safely state it is God’s intervention for you to assume office, as we face the world’s economic challenges and national disasters that confront us. We have witnessed your efforts at different trying times. Coming from our fraternity, we are proud of you. These are unique virtues as stated last time we met here in this Boardroom” said Thawale
Chakwrera has also received praise for improving international relations between Malawi and other countries.
PAC has also hailed Chakwera for sparing time to meet the religious body on several occasions since he assumed office in 2020 despite his busy schedule.
“We cannot find words strong enough to express our gratitude to you for once again engaging PAC Executive Committee. We meet today after our last encounter of 28thNovember, 2023 during which we raised issues of national importance. We should have held this meeting on 6th December, 2024 but for your busy schedule we failed. We appreciate that you have spared time for us today,” said Thawale.
However, PAC has also urged Chakwera to do more on corruption, economy, civil service delivery, and ion ensuring free and fair elections in September 2025.

Seattle, WA — Renowned Malawian Gospel artist, philanthropist, and creative rights advocate Wendy Harawa has been celebrated with the prestigious International Female Philanthropist Award at the 2024-25 African Achievement Awards.

The glamorous event, held at the Seattle Airport Marriott, recognized Wendy’s exceptional contributions to music, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of African talent.

Wendy Harawa has long been a trailblazer in the African music scene. With two impactful Gospel albums and four inspirational singles, she has touched millions with her soul-stirring music. Her accolades include:

• Maranatha Global Music Award (Kenya, 2018)
• Royal Gospel Music Awards (Uganda, 2021 and 2022)
• UMP Lifetime Achievement Award
• B.I.M award

Solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in Gospel music. Sharing stages with iconic artists such as Dr. Rebecca Malope, Travis Greene, and Sipho Makhabane, Wendy has used her platform to unite audiences worldwide. Her collaborations with global stars like Diamond Platnumz and Morgan Heritage reflect her versatility and dedication to promoting cultural exchange.

In her role as Vice Chair of the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), Wendy has become a fierce advocate for the protection of intellectual property. She works tirelessly to ensure that Malawian creatives receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. Her leadership in this space is paving the way for a more equitable creative industry in Malawi and across Africa.

Wendy’s influence extends beyond music and advocacy. She is the founder of Jacobs Events, a leading events management company in Malawi, and the co-organizer of the highly successful Sand Music Festival, now in its 13th year. This festival has become a cornerstone for artistic growth and cultural exchange, attracting talent and audiences from across the globe.

Dr. Davies Chirwa, the Founder and Producer of the African Achievement Awards, praised Wendy Harawa’s contributions, stating, “Wendy embodies the spirit of excellence and selflessness that this award represents. Her dedication to uplifting African talent and championing cultural pride is truly inspirational.”

The African Achievement Awards honored Wendy Harawa for her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities. Her philanthropic initiatives focus on mentoring young artists, empowering women, and fostering opportunities for African talent to gain international exposure.

Wendy’s dedication to promoting creativity and cultural pride continues to inspire countless individuals across Africa and the diaspora. Wendy Harawa’s recognition as International Female Philanthropist is a testament to her profound impact on the worlds of music, advocacy, and philanthropy.

In her acceptance speech, Wendy emphasized the importance of unity and cultural exchange, stating, “Our collective strength lies in our ability to empower one another and celebrate the richness of African heritage through music and collaboration.”

As she continues to break barriers and champion African creatives, Wendy Harawa’s legacy as an artist and advocate remains an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

As Malawians approach the upcoming elections, it is essential to evaluate the Presidential candidates based on their track record, leadership skills, and vision for the country’s future.

A critical analysis of the leadership style shows that President Lazarous Chakwera is sharp, precise, focused and energetic, just like he was in 2020, while Peter Mutharika was a sleepy and absent leader during his five year rule.

A return to Mutharika’s rule would be catastrophic and the country would literally collapse. Here are some of the reasons;
Mutharika’s regime was marked by his sleepy and passive demeanour, as he was never in a hurry and lacked the energy, capability and political will to govern.
This often led his lieutenants including those at State House abusing his privileges like the TPIN saga to enrich themselves, leading to poor service delivery.

There was wanton corruption, nepotism and thuggery. The health sector went without drugs; the education sector suffered from poor teacher welfare, and agricultural services deteriorated.

Even the government’s farm input subsidy programme became a political tool and was heavily abused.
Mutharika presided over a tribal regime that endorsed impunity and high-level looting of all government entities, with open and blatant encouragement of political thuggery and disregard for the rule of law.

Those belonging to Mutharika’s tribal cabal Mulakho wa Lomwe controlled appointments to positions in government and state-owned companies with impunity, and monopolised lucrative government contracts.
In contrast, Chakwera is sharp, precise, and energetic, focused and alert to make decisions.

The Chakwera administration has grappled with and managed to navigate several pandemics such as Covid-19 and Cholera Outbreak as well as climate related disasters such as Cyclone Freddy and El Nino.

While the the past four years these have been more devastating with negative consequences, Chakwera has managed to decisively deal with the effects of these disasters and stir the ship.

Chakwera has ignored his many critics and is moving forward, with alacrity and strength, in governing the country towards a bright future.
The incumbent President has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the citizens, with a proven record of resilience, focus, servant leadership and action.
In contrast, the opposition leader’s policies and actions have raised concerns about their ability to effectively govern.
Their proposals lack clarity and depth, and their leadership style has been criticized for being divisive and ineffective.
At this critical juncture in Malawi’s history, there is a need for a leader who has a clear vision, a strong track record, and the ability to bring people together.
Chakwera has consistently demonstrated these qualities, and they are the best choice to lead Malawi forward.
Malawians should carefully consider the candidates’ qualifications, policies, and leadership styles before making their decision.
Let citizens choose the candidate who has a proven track record of delivering results and improving the lives of Malawi citizens.
Mutharika was a passive leader, subservient to his tribal influence and put Malawi last.

Families who are in the grips of catastrophic hunger have hailed the food distribution exercise by Vice President Michael Usi as coming at the most critical time.

Dr. Usi has been in the Southern region for the past weeks distributing food to individuals and families facing hunger due to climate-related shocks that affected crop production last growing season.

The family of Mixon Chiwaya and Ester Paulo is one of the beneficiaries of the food distribution exercise that Dr. Usi conducted in Thyolo. Mixon, 45 and Ester 30, have five children and come from Kasalika Village in Traditional Authority Ndalama in Thyolo

The oldest, 18 years old, is in form 1 while the youngest, 5 years old, is in Standard I. Mixon and Ester used to go to Mozambique to do ganyu during lean periods to support their family leaving their fields and children unattended to.

“Life has been very difficult these past two years raising six children. Most times during this period we could go on empty stomach as we have no food. We survive on ganyu. So this maize we have received from the Vice President will ease the food pressure,” narrated Ester.

Another beneficiary of the food distribution exercise in Blantyre is Mercy Hayela. Mercy, 40, is a single mother with a total of 6 children— four girls and two boys. Among the six children, there are twins and two orphans.

“Our life would have been very difficult without food. We survived by doing ganyu in other people’s fields. But now we managed to receive this maize and some money from the Vice President. This will save my family from starvation and even death. We could not afford to buy this maize on our own,” said Mercy.

During the food distribution exercise in Thyolo and Blantyre, Dr. Michael Usi urged political and traditional leaders not to politicise food distribution exercise being undertaken by the government, saying doing so, will hinder the exercise.

At Gunda Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Ndalama in Thyolo Usi presided over the distribution of maize flour to 700 people. “Hunger is a serious danger to the community such that, politicising food distribution exercises will leave hundreds of people suffering,” he said.

Usi, therefore, called on politicians, clergy, faith groups to come together and help Malawians to come out of hunger. He also expressed shock that some officials steal relief items meant for poor people and promised that government will put in place measures to stop the malpractice.

Others who spoke at the food distribution exercise in Thyolo include Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Masauko White and Senior Chief Ndalama who hailed the exercise.

Usi distributed maize flour, groundnuts, mosquito repellent and some clothes to people in the area.