MANAonline
RDFST Summit crucial for addressing food security challenges in Africa
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, May 23, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi has highlighted the importance of Regional Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation (RDFST) Summit in Malawi saying it is a critical platform for addressing food security challenges across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Usi made the remarks when he presided over the official closing of the Regional Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation 2030 Summit at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday.
He emphasized that the dialogue has a great impact in developing Malawi's economy.
"Hosting this Summit in Malawi underscores the international recognition of President Lazarus Chakwera's transformative efforts to advance agriculture with countries and development partners acknowledging Malawi nation's leadership in this vital sector,” he said.
He added that Malawi is committed to supporting food system transformation as delegates shared experiences and best practices to strengthen food and nutritional security.
Usi, therefore, appealed to all development partners, private sectors and all stakeholders to continue supporting Malawi in various sectors including agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, said the Summit is a call to collective action, demanding solutions that are evidence-based, regionally scalable, fiscally and environmentally sustainable and inclusive of smallholder farmers.
"The robust discussions and firm commitments that emerged ensured our food systems nourish our people while securing sustainability for future generations,” he said.
Kawale further said that climate shocks such as Cyclone Freddy's devastation in 2023, which impacted 2.5 million Malawians and subsequent droughts affecting 5.7 million, highlight the urgent need for systemic change.
He said Malawi is responding with bold reforms such as modernizing the sector through private sector partnerships and improved targeting of smallholder farmers, digital innovations, digital farmer registry and expanded soil testing to promote climate-smart agriculture.
The Summit, which was organized by the government of Malawi, the Wold Bank and Ireland, was held from May 21 to 23, 2025 under the theme: "Making food systems transformation a reality on the ground in Eastern and Southern Africa.
MHRC bemoan challenges in prison reform law
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 22, Mana: The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has bemoaned the challenges faced by the Malawi Prison Service in ensuring the rights of detained persons are upheld.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the rights of detained persons and implementation of the new Prison law, Commissioner at the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Andrew Kavala emphasized the importance of implementing the new Prison Law, which was recently passed by Parliament.
"Prisons are overcrowded, with some facilities having a ratio of 1:11, far exceeding the recommended ratio of 1:5, and many correctional facilities struggle to provide sufficient food to inmates.
“Living conditions in prisons do not meet minimum standards, with congestion causing challenges in areas such as food supply, health, and sanitation" he said.
Kavala said MHRC has carried out awareness meetings in prisons and at community level to promote the rights of prisoners.
“We are working with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the new Prison Law, let us collaborate to ensure this law's successful execution" he said.
Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Albert Mbawala said the new law is expected to bring about reforms in the prison system, aligning with constitutional and international human rights standards.
"There are things that the new law will shed more lights on, such as the supervision of people receiving sentences outside of prison" he said.
Meanwhile Head of the Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA), Victor Mhango has expressed optimism that the country's president will assent to the law just like he has done with other economic laws.
ACT Alliance to support Karonga flood victims with cash transfers
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 23, Mana: Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance has announced plans to support 196 households affected by recent floods in Karonga through monthly cash transfers.
Speaking, Friday during the introduction of the Karonga Flash Floods Response project to the Karonga District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DRMC) on Friday, ACT Alliance National Coordinator, Felix Minjale said the initiative aims to improve the health and nutrition of the affected communities.
“We are targeting 196 households, comprising 1,078 individuals, who will each receive K90, 000 in June and July. Priority will be given to the elderly, female headed households, households with persons with disabilities and those with chronically ill members,” said Minjale.
The project is being funded to the tune of $30,000.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi hailed ACT Alliance for the initiative.
"A total of 7,740 persons were affected by heavy rains in the month of March displacing 2,138 and they really need support. However, there is need to work with relevant authorities when starting this exercise," Magalasi said.
Minister hail councils for pioneering development
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, May 23, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has praised local authorities, particularly district councils, for playing a role in implementing various central and donor funded development projects that satisfy development aspirations of communities.
He made the praise on Thursday during the opening of the 19th Local Government Authorities Annual General Assembly held at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.
The minister said his ministry was pleased that most local authorities were managing resources efficiently as the central government provides more financial resources for implementation of demand driven projects.
‘‘As a Ministry, it is time for reflecting and taking stock of where we have done well, as well as where we have not, in order to see where we can improve. When we look back, we will see that in 2021, we had very few resources trickling down to the councils, but now, we have quite a number of resources that have gone there.
‘‘One of the contributing factors to this success is the integrity of our local authorities, whereby unlike in the past, we now have 25 councils with clean audits, a development that has brought donor confidence,” he said.
The minister noted that donors are now able to give more resources, adding the ministry was proud of the support from the development partners.
Chinwendo Banda said passing of the 2024 Decentralization Policy which replaces the 1998 Policy is amongst his ministry`s achievements.
He said the new policy will facilitate increased volumes of resources that go into the community and ensure that human resources trickle down to local authorities for effective service delivery.
The minister then asked the local authorities to continue working hard for the betterment of communities they serve.
At the conference, Chimwendo Banda awarded a trophy to Neno District Council for being the best performing council in the just ended financial year, while Blantyre City Council was awarded the best city council for maintaining cleanliness.
Karonga District Commissioner, Rodney Simwaka was awarded with a Minister’s Special Award, for his good leadership, dedication, as well as resilience during his time at Mbelwa District Council.
In her remarks, President of Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA), Mayor of Lilongwe City, Easther Sagawa, commended government for supporting the association, saying MALGA is an important tool in voicing out concerns of local government authorities.
Sagawa said the association registered tremendous achievements for the past years, including influencing policy change for proper functioning of local governing systems.
All the city and municipal chief executive officers, mayors for cities and municipals, district commissioners, as well as council chairpersons attended the 19th General Assembly, organized by the Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA).
Presidents for Botswana Association of Local Authorities, as well as South Africa Local Government Association also attended the Nkopola Sunbird conference.
Chiyamwaka urges broadcasters to be custodians of truth
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, May 23, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, has engaged broadcasters on elections coverage as Malawi draws closer to tripartite elections slated for September 16, 2025.
Speaking at a two day meeting in Mangochi on Thursday, Secretary for Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, appealed to broadcasters to act as custodians of truth to allow citizens make informed decisions ahead of elections.
He emphasized the importance of truthful reporting; saying truth will always prevent misinformation, disinformation and violence before, during and after elections.
“Broadcasters are architects of truthful stories. With many people sharing unverified information, accurate reporting is crucial to combat misinformation and disinformation.
“Whenever Malawians want to get information, news, analysis, as well as debates; they verify with broadcasters as well as credible news outlets,” said Chiyamwaka and further called on broadcasters to act independently when covering election.
MACRA Board Director, Alekeni Menyani, said the Authority is satisfied with the current status of broadcasters despite the increase in misinformation.
Menyani, therefore, called on the media to strengthen collaboration with MACRA to ensure that information is not only factual but balanced and responsible.
“We are banking on the media to be at the forefront ensuring that information that reaches the public is unbiased and presents all sides of a story,” he said.
He advised broadcasters to install machines that filter out obscene and abusive language on electoral issues.
The workshop is being held under the theme: Electoral Broadcasting in the 21st Century: Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions.
Energy saving stove factory impresses Mumba
By Brenda Nkosi
Blantyre, May 23, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has described the newly opened energy saving stove factory, Burn Manuifacturing, in Chiradzulu as an impressive development whose stoves are efficient.
He made the remarks Thursday when the toured the factory.
Mumba was happy to note that apart from promoting environmental conservation, the factory supports import substitution, which is government’s goal in attaining an industrialized economy by 2063.
He said by promoting factories, government was safeguarding local jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship and building national industry base.
"Having a plant in Malawi is a plus for us because, apart from selling to us, they supply the stoves across the boarders to countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia. This means we will gain in forex,” he said.
The Minister said Malawians have already started gaining from the plant as it has created several opportunities.
“It is bringing in exposure for our people and employment as it is currently employing over 80 people. Additionally, some of the raw materials used in the production are sourced locally which is promoting other businesses," he said.
Burn Manufacturing Factory Manager, Nanokishor Parekh, said they make energy efficient cookware meant to protect the environment.
"Our products reduce carbon emissions as it uses less charcoal and give more efficient cooking," he said.
The factory, which started production in April 2025, produces 750 stoves a day and only sells through distribution channels.
Police arrest man for murder in Bangwe Township
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 22, Mana; Police in Limbe are keeping in custody a 35 year old man, Josephy Mpondaminga on suspicion that he murdered Young Bwanali, 37 at Monjereriwa Village in Bangwe Township in Blantyre.
Limbe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sub-inspector Aubrey Singanyama said Bwanali was seen in the village with the suspect’s wife on May 20, 2025 at around 19:00 hours, as the two were suspected of being in secret love relationship.
“When Mpondaminga heard that his wife had been seen with Bwanali, he went after them. When he found the two together, a fierce fight broke out between the two men,” he added.
Singanyama said that in the process, Mpondaminga produced a knife and stabbed Bwanali on the left side of his neck and he died on the spot.
After being informed, Bangwe Police detectives rushed to the scene, arrested Mpondaminga, and took Bwanali’s body to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital for a postmortem.
Mpondaminga who comes from Chilambe Village, Traditional Authority Machinjiri in Blantyre will appear before court soon to answer murder charge.
Community care croups drive nutrition and hygiene improvements in Blantyre
By Gift Wahuta
Blantyre, May 22, Mana: Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDs Officer at Blantyre District Council, Ruth Hara, has hailed community level care groups for carrying out interventions that are meant to improve nutrition levels in children and women.
Hara expressed gratitude over care groups this week when a team from Blantyre District Council, University of Malawi and UNICEF visited Tikondane Care Group in Chileka, at Traditional Authority, Kunthembwe to evaluated food preparation and sanitation practices in the area.
Using the community behaviour-tracking tool developed by UNIMA, the team evaluated households’ progress in balanced diet preparation, exclusive breastfeeding, iron supplementation for adolescent girls, and proper sanitation.
Before a feedback session held in the community, officials toured several households to observe best practices firsthand such that many households showcased well maintained backyard gardens, construction of livestock kraals and improved pit latrines.
Hara said, through the care groups, households adopted best practices to improve wellbeing of women and children.
“We are seeing real change; households are growing their own food and are following best practices. This help to reduce malnutrition and improve overall well-being,” she added.
Hara also called on traditional leaders to support care groups in reaching out to households that are still resistant to adopt best practices or lack accurate information on nutrition, exclusive breast-feeding and proper sanitation.
“We need chiefs to help us convince those who are still hesitant. The success of this initiative depends on community wide participation,” she added.
Group Village Head Makonje also commended the initiative after observing improved food preparations and sanitation and acknowledged misinformation, misconceptions and resistance to change as factors that contribute to low adoption of best life practices.
“There’s progress, we have seen a decline in number of girls suffering from anemia. I promise to continue supporting this work so that people understand and adopt best practices,” he said and pledged to support care groups in mobilizing communities to adopt best food preparation and good hygiene practices.
Cluster leader and beneficiary, Olivia Alfred said that backyard gardening and consumption of six food groups improved her family’s nutrition status and helped her cut food costs.
“We now know six food groups, and I have a backyard garden which has reduced cost of food. This intervention has truly changed our lives,” she added.
Care group members also demonstrated what they teach, showcasing homemade juices, various types of porridge and later in the afternoon, the visiting team held interactive sessions with adolescents on health and nutrition needs.
CAMFED Boosts Education for Girls in Salima Schools
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima. May 22, Mana: As one way of bridging educational gaps and encourage consistent school attendance, Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) on Thursday distributed essential school resources to needy girl students across Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) in Salima District.
The distributed materials included exercise books, pens, and sanitary pads.
A teacher mentor at MAFCO Battalion CDSS, Esther Chimpeni, said the aid empowers students to participate in education without worrying about affording school necessities.
"These girls come from families that cannot afford to provide such materials, and such aid saves them from worrying about accessing these needs," she said.
Chimpeni also highlighted the school’s methods of ensuring that the resources are used effectively to bring about a positive impact among the beneficiaries.
"At MAFCO CDSS, we implemented a proactive follow-up strategy. We conduct periodic meetings with beneficiaries to motivate them to excel academically. We also engage their parents to encourage their children to fully utilize the opportunity," she added.
A teacher mentor at Parachute Battalion CDSS, Ethel Gondwe, underscored how the support directly tackles barriers to education.
"Most children come from families that cannot afford school materials and sanitary pads. This contributes to their absenteeism and poor performance. This initiative helps tackle such issues," Gondwe explained.
Principal Education Officer for Salima, Eliam Banda, commended CAMFED for their continuous support to enhancing girl's education in the country.
"Girls face numerous challenges to stay in school and there is always a high number of dropout rates in girls education, such interventions help to keep girls in school," he said.
Desire Ngoma, a Form 4 student at Parachute Battalion CDSS, expressed her gratitude for the resources, highlighting how they keep her education afloat.
"The resources make it easy to complete tasks that we get from teachers, which would be difficult to achieve without books," Ngoma stated.
CAMFED's initiative provides crucial support to vulnerable girl students in Salima, fostering an environment where they can focus on their studies and pursue their educational aspirations without the burden of lacking necessities.
Malawi to increase tourism base through SADC TFCA Summit
By Mary Makhiringa
Harare, May 22, Mana: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affair Patricia Nangozo Kainga says Malawi stands a better chance of increasing its tourism base through the Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCAs) summit.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview at the end of the SADC TFCA Council of the Ministers meeting on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism, Kainga said, President Chakwera will be among heads of states to attend SADC meeting, which will among other things mark 25 years of TFCA fostering Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.
Said Kainga: “It is important for the State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to be present at this very important meeting as Malawi is a senior member of the SADC and also it will enhance the bilateral cooperation and integration.
“The President will also hold several bilateral talks with fellow Heads of States to strengthen their cooperation and also the President will hold meeting with development partners who are already in here to have further talks on financing and other important issues that will benefit Malawi.”
Speaking earlier, Minister of Tourism Dr. Vera Kamtukule underscored the importance of tourism in Malawi saying the country has seen tremendous growth in the industry with more tourists coming.
Said Kamtukule: “This is one of the important meetings that Malawi as a country must attend. As you know when we talk about wildlife, they cut across the borders, animals do not see any borders or any lines, it can move from Malawi to Zambia, or vice versa, so it is important for our country to attend this meeting.”
He added: “60 percent of the tourists that come to Malawi are from SADC region, so it is important that we come to these regional block meetings where we can discuss several issues concerning our country.
“For example, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana are part of the Kavango Zambia (KAZA) Transfrontier arrangement which means, a visitor can come from Spain come into Zambia and pay $50 and visit all the countries, this is the coordination that we are talking about.”
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is among the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders attending the summit in Harare on Friday.
