MANAonline
Embrace innovation to unlock economic opportunities, Mzimba youths advised
By Joel Phiri & Mercy Botha
Mzimba, June 5, Mana: Youth Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, Yamikani Nyalugwe, has urged youths in Mzimba to move towards creation of innovative ideas that would translate into business opportunities for them to become self-reliant.
Nyalugwe was speaking in an interview on the side-lines of a meeting held by the Ministry of Youths and Sports on Wednesday to disseminate the country’s National Youth Policy to the district youth technical working group.
“The National Youth Policy, among others, seeks to empower youths to deal with economic challenges by creating an enabling environment for them to achieve sustainable personal and national development.
“We, as a Council, appeal to youths to be innovative to create solutions to most of the pressing challenges facing them such as unemployment,” he said.
Nyalugwe said most youths in Malawi lack opportunities because they are not innovative enough.
“We face many challenges which one can solve by coming up with new ideas. Those ideas can be sold or turned into business opportunities. So, we appeal to youths to embrace innovation as a gateway to success,” he said.
Deputy Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kettie Mwandira, highlighted the ministry’s focus on increasing awareness and understanding of the National Youth Policy.
“We are here to make sure that the Council understands the policy and is directed and guided in terms of how to design and implement youth related programs,” she said
Mwandira called for unity in implementing the policy noting that youth issues are cross-cutting and require collective responsibility.
“Youth issues are everyone’s responsibility. We need to work together to realize the goals of the policy,” she said.
The National Youth Policy 2023-2028 aims to empower youths to deal with social, cultural, economic, and political challenges in order to exploit various opportunities towards the fulfillment of their potential.
So far, the policy has been disseminated in six districts, including Mzimba, as part of efforts to promote youth development and participation in national development.
The meeting was supported by Plan Malawi.
Mozambique President visits Malawi Parliament and Kamuzu Mausoleum
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, June 5, Mana: President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on Thursday afternoon, visited the Malawi Parliament and Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe as part of his two-day official visit to Malawi.
President Chapo was accompanied by Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, along with other senior government officials.
During his visit to Parliament, the Mozambique leader planted a soldier tree within the parliamentary ground as a symbol of friendship and cooperation.
He later laid a wreath at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in honour of Malawi’s first president, the late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
President Chapo arrived in Malawi Thursday morning via Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).
His visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding diplomatic ties between Malawi and Mozambique.
NGOs asked to coordinate with government sectors
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, May 5, Mana: Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer for Chitipa, Martin Mkandawire has advised non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the district to coordinate with government sectors for the smooth implementation of their projects.
Mkandawire made the call on Wednesday during a review meeting for Tubepoka Development Initiative (TDI) project titled; Sustainable Household Resilience for Child Survival (SHR-CS).
He noted with concern that some NGOs in the district are working in isolation, without the knowledge of key sectors, which he appealed to change.
“The NGOs complement government efforts and they are supposed to work hand in hand with sectors involved in the implementation of projects as one of the sustainable measures,” Mkandawire said.
He then applauded TDI for implementing the nutrition project, which he said is a plus in the district after phasing out of USAID-funded projects.
Mkandawire said that TDI nutrition activities are visible in Senior Chiefs Nthalire and Mwabulambya.
Food Security and Livelihood Project Officer for TDI, Nellie Nkhata said that despite some challenges like high inflation rate which has crippled the project activities, the project has made some strides in the livelihood component.
Nkhata said that 94 households in Group Village Heads Mwenje and Mwambenje have been trained on how to make mbeya fertilizer as one way of introducing households to climate-smart agriculture.
“The houses were supported with 20 kilogrammes fertilizer and 5 kilogrammes of maize seed per household and managed to make 9.4 tonnes of mbeya fertilizer which they applied in their 8.4 hectares of maize field,” she said.
Nkhata further said that through their programme, 103 children have been screened and vaccinated as one way of improving early detection of malnutrition.
TDI is implementing a four-year SHR-CS project funded by Willow Creek Community Church in Mwenje area, Senior Chief Nthalire and Mwambenje in Senior Chief Mwabulambya in the district.
Mozambique president jets in
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, June 5, Mana: President of the Republic of Mozambique Daniel Francisco Chapo has landed at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe for a state visit.
The visit aims to deepen and consolidate the cordial and longstanding bilateral relations between Malawi and Mozambique.
During the two-day visit, Chapo is expected to visit the Parliament House, Kamuzu Memorial site and later the Mozambique leader will hold bilateral talks with President Lazarus Chakwera.
There will also be the joint launch of the "Dedza/Colamue one-stop border post in Dedza on Friday, 6th June 2025.
On arrival, Chapo was welcomed by Vice President Michael Usi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo and other high-profile government officials.
Chikwawa launches DDP, calls for collective action
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, June 5, Mana: Chikwawa District Council officially launched the 2022–2030 District Development Plan (DDP) to ensure coordinated and inclusive development across the district.
Launching the DDP on Wednesday, District Commissioner Nardin Kamba said it is essential for development partners’ interventions to align with the district’s development priorities outlined in the DDP, benefiting the people of Chikwawa.
“We are not just sharing this plan for your information, we are inviting you to become part of its implementation,
“We urge you to support us in bridging resource gaps, and work with us in a coordinated and transparent manner to achieve our shared vision by 2030,” said Kamba as he further explained more details of the DDP.
The District Commissioner highlighted that the DDP is not a routine plan of activities but a community-driven blueprint designed to address 14 pressing development issues, including food insecurity, low literacy levels, gender-based violence, and disaster risks.
Chief Economist in the Ministry of Finance, Owen Nalivaka described the launch as a landmark occasion, symbolizing a new chapter in Chikwawa’s development journey.
“This event is the launch of a new chapter in Chikwawa District’s development journey. It is a celebration of planning, partnership, and purpose,” he added.
Nalivaka therefore applauded the council for following a participatory process in formulating the DDP and Social Economic Profile in alignment with the Malawi 2063 Vision and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP-1).
“No single actor, government, donor, Non-Governmental Organization, or private sector can do it alone. The DDP sets priorities.
“We now call upon all partners to align resources, technical support, and innovation with the district’s strategic needs,” he added.
Minister assures a professional Police Service
By Josephine Chipofya
Lilongwe, June 4, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma has said his Ministry is commitment to a professional and law-abiding Police Service, that provides safety and protection to Malawians.
Ching’oma made the remarks on Wednesday in Lilongwe at the launch of the 2025-2029 Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) strategic plan.
“Government through my Ministry is supporting various initiatives in the Police Service to improve skills capacity and welfare of the Police Service, as such we expect the Service and its officers to be highly professional and disciplined,” he said.
He further said his Ministry will rely on the services of ICC and other governance institutions to provide checks and balance to ensure that the ministry and Police Service remain vigilant against any negligence and lack of guard.
Meanwhile ICC Commissioner, Christopher Tukula said the strategic plan will improve the commission’s service delivery.
“Previously we were operating without a strategic plan, we were using annual plans. The five years’ strategic plan will expand presence and accessibility to take up more complaints and reduce the period which takes to analyse our investigations and issue recommendations,” he explained.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, Challa Getachew, stated that the strategic plan will enable the Commission to expedite investigations and ensure that citizens receive the justice they deserve.
The Independent Complaints Commission was established under section 128 of the police Act of 2010. It is an oversight institution whose purpose is to provide an avenue for the public to seek justice for violations of their rights by the police and promote public trust in the Malawi Police Service.
Council urges farmers to utilize Tsenjerani Scheme for maximum productivity
By Salome Gangire
Neno, June 4, Mana: Director of Planning and Development for Neno District Council, Charles Lomoni, has urged farmers under newly constructed Tsenjerani Irrigation Scheme at Traditional Authority Dambe in the district to fully utilize the 12-hectare facility to address food insecurity and improve household income.
Lomoni made the call on Wednesday during a partial handover of the irrigation scheme, constructed under Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP), saying that farming using irrigation system was the most viable solution to address recurring food shortages in the district.
“Use this scheme to scale up crop production as we enter irrigation farming season. I also encourage you to conduct trials and research to determine the most suitable crops for this land so you can maximize productivity and profits,” he added.
Lomoni said Mwanza District Council, through a network of agricultural extension workers, will provide training and technical support to ensure that farmers manage the scheme efficiently and sustainably.
He therefore cautioned community members against vandalism and theft of the scheme property, saying vandalism and theft would undermine farmers’ efforts to attain food sustainable irrigation farming.
Group Village Head Tsenjerani hailed the introduction of the scheme, saying the scheme is a game-changer for her community, which previously struggled to irrigate 2 hectares of land.
“This scheme will transform our lives. We can now engage in commercial farming, increase our crop yields and earn more income.
“This will enhance food security and improve livelihoods in our area,” said Group Village Head Tsenjerani.
Meanwhile, Irrigation Engineer Sangwani Mfune from L. Gravam Consulting Services, the firm supervising the project, reported that construction is nearly complete.
“We are now in a 12-month defect liability period (DLP), during which the contractor will correct any faults that may emerge. However, the contractor will not be liable for theft or deliberate damage as it is the community’s duty to protect this valuable asset,” he explained.
Mfune therefore, urged the Water Users Association (WUA) to take full responsibility for managing and maintaining the infrastructure.
Chairperson of the Tsenjerani Irrigation Scheme, Stella Edwin, expressed gratitude to MWASIP, expressing hope that reliable water supply will boost agricultural productivity.
“In the past, water scarcity hindered farming. Only a few of us could manage to produce anything meaningful, with this scheme, we will redouble our efforts,” she said.
The scheme’s chairperson added that 120 farmers composed of 54 women, 46 men, and 20 youths have already registered to begin farming under the scheme.
Tsenjerani irrigation scheme has been constructed to the tune of MK458,676.675.57 by UNIK Construction Engineering Limited.
Chapo to visit Malawi
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, June 04, Mana; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, will undertake a two-day official visit to the Republic of Malawi from Thursday, 5th June to Friday, 6th June 2025.
The development has been disclosed in statement by the Ministry highlighting the theme of the visit as "Fifty Years of Enhancing Malawi-Mozambique Diplomatic Relations for Shared Prosperity".
According to the statement, during the course of the visit, His Excellency Chapo is expected to hold bilateral discussions with His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi with a focus on deepening and consolidating the cordial and longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations.
"On Friday, 6th June, 2025, Their Excellencies Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of Republic of Mozambique and Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, will jointly launch the Dedza/Calomuė One-Stop Border Post in Dedza, which is a landmark development in cross-border cooperation and trade facilitation," reads the statement.
President Chapo is expected to arrive in the country through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday 5th June 2025 and will depart on Friday 6th June 2025 through the same airport.
Man arrested over possession of stolen photo studio equipment
By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 4, Mana: Police at Game Stores Complex in Lilongwe have arrested Shadreck Folly, 27, for being found in possession of valuable photo studio equipment suspected to have been stolen following a burglary in Mzuzu City on May 31, 2025.
According to Hastings Chigalu, the Public Relations Officer for Lilongwe Area 3 Police, the suspect visited the Game Stores Complex in Area 4 on Wednesday morning, June 4, where he approached photographers and attempted to sell 15 assorted pieces of photo studio equipment.
He further stated that the intended buyer was already aware that the items had been stolen from Xian Creative Photo Studio, located in Mzuzu.
“Little did the suspect know that the market he earmarked to sell the items, had prior information of a burglary incident at Xian Creative Photo studio which is situated in KPMG building, opposite Red Cross in Mzuzu, where over MK4 million worth of photo studio equipment was stolen,” Chigalu said.
Immediately, the photographers tipped off the police who swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect.
Upon interrogation, the suspect said that he connived with two on duty security guards to break into the studio and steal the equipment.
The items include cameras, printer, human size reflectors, portable dressing room, Samsung monitor, among others.
Meanwhile, the suspect will be sent to Mzuzu to face burglary and theft charges.
Shadreck Folly hails from Kajawa Village, Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu District.
FOCUS urges investment in vocational skills for Malawi's economic growth
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 4, Mana; Executive Director for Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS), Kossam Munthali has said equipping youths with practical skills that are directly linked to job markets such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and electrical work is significant for both individual and the country's development.
Munthali said this on Wednesday in Karonga during the graduation ceremony for over 15 youths awarded certificates in motorcycle mechanics, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and bricklaying at a ceremony held in the district.
"Graduating in vocational skills is not just about earning a certificate but a pathway to independence, dignity, and lasting community transformation for the youth of Karonga.
"Expanding access and support for vocational education is key to unlocking this potential since it will help the youths start their small businesses, becoming employers rather than job seekers which is why to date we have so far trained over 40 youths," said Munthali.
Representing the graduates, Chikosa Mwagomba, a plumbing student, said the training has shown that with the right support, they can change the direction of their lives.
"Before this, I was unemployed and uncertain about my future, but now I have skills that are in demand as many people are constructing their houses in Karonga and I plan to open a small workshop," Mwagomba said.
On his part, Northern Region Service Manager for Technical Entrepreneurial Vocational and Education Training (TEVET) Authority, Joseph Chikopa said the training has empowered vulnerable and unemployed youths in Karonga with practical skills that can lead to sustainable employment or entrepreneurship.
"These youths have been trained by the Karonga Informal Sector Training Providers Association and the curriculum they learnt is officially recognized by the government, so I can assure you these are professional skilled people who will deliver quality work," said Chikopa.
Senior Chief Kalonga who represented Paramount Chief Kyungu at the graduation hailed FOCUS for their work uplifting Karonga youths.
The youths who have been given start up kits for businesses have graduated under a ‘Child not Bride' project implemented by FOCUS in Karonga funded by TERETHON through Plan Malawi.
