MANAonline
Government fixes faulty dialysis machines at QECH
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, April 2, Mana: Government has fixed faulty dialysis machines at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre which were not functional for weeks, compelling the hospital to take patients to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe for treatment.
The development, described as inconvenient and costly, was disclosed Tuesday when Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, toured the Dialysis Unit at QECH to appreciate the status of the newly repaired dialysis machines.
The machines stopped functioning for weeks, a situation which QECH Deputy Director responsible for Clinical Services, Dr. William Peno, said created a huge economic burden as the hospital had to transport patients to KCH every fortnight for medical attention.
“We usually assist between 20 to 30 patients on dialysis machines every week from the five machines that cater for the whole Southern Region. After it stopped functioning, it became a challenge as the hospital had to transport patients, medical supplies and nurses to KCH,” he said.
Peno, therefore, said it is pleasing that government repaired the faulty machines.
“As of today (April 1) we have three machines that are functional. Two more machines are being worked on and we anticipate that by Thursday or Friday this week, all five machines should be functional.
“Currently, patients that come from home are dialyzed in the afternoon while those that are admitted at the hospital are dialyzed in the evening. This means that the machines are functional almost 24 hours every day," he said.
Chimpeni expressed relief saying the repairing of the machines is a positive development in the health sector.
“I am happy because patients have been complaining of staying long in Lilongwe. Their complaints have been heard as the machines at QECH are now up and running such that some patients have already been serviced.
“Patients that were admitted to KCH will now travel back to Blantyre to continue with their treatment,” Chimpeni said.
QECH receives about 100 patients per month from districts in the Southern Region for dialysis.
The dialysis machine is used as an artificial kidney to clean blood by filtering out waste and excess fluid when kidneys fail, using a process called hemodialysis, where blood is circulated through a dialyzer and back into the body.
After QECH, Chimpeni also toured Adventist Hospital in Blantyre to appreciate how the facility operates.
Motorhino donates 10 beehives to Chitipa District Council
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, April 1, Mana: Motorhino Electric Motorcycles Malawi has donated 10 Kenyan Top Bar Beehives valued at K1 million, which the company pledged during the K20 million 2024 Misuku Motorhino Eco Rally competition in Chitipa District in 2024.
The organization’s country director, Barros Atupele Mweso said his company is proud to take the first step in supporting the conservation of Misuku Hills Forest by donating the beehives.
Mweso said this on Tuesday in Chitipa after delivering the beehives to the district council.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to protect the forest while empowering local communities through sustainable economic activities. Beekeeping not only contributes to forest conservation by encouraging tree preservation but also provides a valuable source of income for the community through honey production,” he explained.
He said they will soon donate an additional 10 beehives, adding that the organization remains dedicated to implement more impactful projects that will ensure long-term protection of Misuku Hills while fostering economic resilience for the people.
Chitipa District Forest Officer, Daniel Mbeu, thanked Motorhino for the donation, saying as a district, they work with communities in the development of forest-based enterprises, and beekeeping is one of them.
“The donation will encourage more community members to venture into beekeeping. The communities will be benefiting from the forest through beekeeping, and eventually this will lead to forest conservation since they will be the direct beneficiaries of the beekeeping enterprise,” Mbeu said.
He further said the beehives will help the community through income generation and poverty reduction.
“We are going to form a cooperative for women, youths and other vulnerable people to start a beekeeping business. When the cooperative sells its honey, they can save their money in village savings loans groups,” he said.
Motorhino Electric Motorcycles Malawi are the sponsors of the K20 million Misuku Motorhino Eco Rally competition, which is part of the district council's reform agenda, and is meant to contribute to the realization of the Malawi 2063 agenda.
SEZs are crucial in attracting investment
By Josephine Chipofya
Lilongwe, April 1, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry has emphasized the significance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) regulations in attracting investment and fostering industrialization.
Secretary for Trade and Industry Christina Zakeyo said developing regulations for SEZs is crucial in attracting investments and promoting economic growth.
She made the remarks in Lilongwe during the validation meeting of Special Economic Zones regulations attended by consultants and developers.
“The SEZs regulations will provide a clear and transparent framework for the establishment and operation of the SEZs, ensuring alignment with our national development goals under Malawi 2063 and the draft industry policy,” she said.
She further said SEZs will facilitate job creation, foreign investment flows, export growth and economic diversification.
In her remarks, Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Mickelle Hughes, said the success of SEZs depends on dedicated and specifically calibrated policy, legal frameworks and an effective implementation framework.
“With the enactment of the Special Economic Zones Act (2024), Malawi is well positioned to leverage SEZs as a catalyst for industrialization, economic diversification and regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“However, for SEZs to deliver their intended impact, clear and actionable policies and regulations are essential,” she said.
The Special Economic Zones Act assented in January 2024 and came into force in March 2024 to allow the provision of more liberal economic laws.
SEZs' aims include increasing trade balance, employment, increasing investment, job creation and effective administration
Government sets target for Ntcheu Stadium
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, 1 April, Mana: Government has set 30th June, 2025, as a deadline for Ntcheu Stadium to commence some of its operations.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and National Unity, Joyce Chitsulo, made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Ntcheu district council to appreciate some of the projects that are being undertaken in the district.
She said it is unfortunate that the project has stalled for three years now.
"At 95 percent completion, it should not be too much work to be done by the end of June 2025," said Chitsulo and added that it is President Chakwera’s wish to have Ntcheu Stadium operational.
Finance Service Committee Chairperson, Councilor Jumbe Mambo, said once opened, the stadium is more likely to boost revenue for the council.
Ntcheu District Sports Officer, Mathero Kambalame Sitima, said the facility will not only promote football in the district but also other sports disciplines.
"Besides football, there are so many sporting activities that the stadium will promote, such as netball, volleyball, among others," said Sitima.
Sitima said the delay in completing the stadium is forcing sporting activities to be conducted using school grounds, which sometimes would end up in a clash with school activities.
The stadium project, which is worth K4.6 billion, has various key elements such as the VVIP building, VIP covered stands, general uncovered stands, football pitch and running track, security metal fence around the football pitch, a screen wall perimeter fence and entrance gates, four ticketing offices and four ablution blocks.
The deputy minister also visited Gomani Chikuse Community Day Secondary School, which was constructed under the Constituency Development Fund and the District Development Fund.
Floods affect over 1000 households in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 1, Mana: Floods have affected 1017 households in Karonga forcing 161 from Senior Chief Kilupula's area to seek refuge in makeshift camps.
According to Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi, from 25th up to 30th March 2025, the district has been receiving heavy rains which led to the flooding of Kyungu River, North Rukuru River, Wovwe River, Songwe River and other small streams.
"So far from the preliminary report produced, 1017 households have been affected, and out of this, 161 households from Senior Chief Kilupula's area are in camps. Three people have been reported dead, one male after being hit by lightning and two children who drowned in the Kyungu River," said Magalasi.
"The affected Traditional Authorities are Mwakaboko, Kilupula, Kyungu, Mwilangombe and Wasambo, and we have established three camps all in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, namely Chimalabanthu Village Camp, Chakwera Village Camp, Yalero Village Camp," he added.
According to Magalasi, the affected population requires relief support such as shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, kitchen utensils and clothes.
"The devastating floods in Karonga have rendered some areas inaccessible, causing delays in report submissions for the affected regions. Inadequate resources for assessment and verification are also hindering efforts, while the continued heavy rains threaten to increase flooding incidents," he added.
On his part, Village Headman Chimalabanthu said people in camps require food and shelter.
"At the moment, women and men are putting up in the same room, which is not ideal. We need toilets, tents as well as food, because since they came here, they have only eaten once, and we would like government to assist quickly," said Chimalabanthu.
Rights of women and girls with disabilities, crucial-HRWGD
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, April 1, Mana: Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities (HRWGD), says limited knowledge of the law and its implementation leaves women and girls with disabilities vulnerable to violence.
Stella Nkhonya, Executive Director for the organization, made the remarks on Monday in Dedza at a two-day trainer of trainers Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (NPK) Consortium advocacy workshop, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government.
Nkhonya said that although the law mandates inclusivity, participants reported facing barriers, including access to quality education, denial of employment and social protection benefits.
“Enlightenment on key legal provisions that protect the rights of women and girls with disabilities is crucial, for this helps us to advocate for our rights.
“From here we are expected to go back and promote awareness among fellow women and girls with disability for action,” said Nkhonya.
A member of Network for Girls and Women with Disabilities in Malawi, Scoder Louis said the workshop empowered participants to hold duty bearers accountable.
She said it is important for women and girls with disabilities to continue advocating for the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act.
“The Act is protecting us. The skills acquired here will help us to effectively advocate for its full implementation to realize our rights,” she said.
The workshop attracted at least 30 participants from across the country.
PKN Consortium comprises of Women’s Legal Resources Centre, Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities.
It aims to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities in the country through the identification of key areas of the Disability Act that require advancement to ensure effective implementation.
Senior Chief Ndindi dies at 77
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 1, Mana: Senior Chief Ndindi of Salima has died in the early hours of Tuesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
Confirming the death to Malawi News Agency, Salima District Council's Acting Director of Administration and Human Resource Development, Chipiliro Mtambalika, described Ndindi's death as a heavy blow to the district due to his commitment to develop his area.
"The late Chief Ndindi was at Kamuzu Central Hospital where he was referred from Salima District Hospital for further treatment after suffering from appendicitis," she said.
Mtambalika said the late Senior Chief Ndindi, whose real name is Juma M'bwana Matola, will be laid to rest on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, at Chipoka (Ndindi Headquarters).
The late Ndindi was born on 12th July 1948 and was 77 years old at the time of his passing.
He was installed as a Traditional Authority on 30th July 2015 and elevated to the position of Senior Chief on 31st May 2023.
He is survived by wife and ten children.
Malawi to Benefit from AI Through Tiny Machine Learning Workshop
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, 31 March, Mana: The Ministry of Higher Education, in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), a UNESCO organization, has launched a groundbreaking workshop on Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) in Zomba. The initiative is expected to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Malawi and support national development efforts.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Levis Eneya, Secretary for Higher Education, who emphasized the need for democratizing AI by making it accessible and affordable.
“We cannot democratize AI when equipment is scarce and inaccessible. This workshop is designed to expose participants to Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) and bring us closer to a future where AI is everywhere,” Eneya stated.
The workshop features global AI experts, including John Shawe-Taylor, Director of the International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and UNESCO Chair of AI at University College London (UCL), United Kingdom (UK).
Shawe-Taylor highlighted the importance of Machine Learning for sustainable development, stating that AI should be adaptable to local contexts rather than relying solely on traditional, high-powered computing.
“This is an opportunity for people to learn AI from the grassroots level. Machine Learning is not just for High-Tech Labs, it can be applied creatively in developing countries. AI is not a finished business, and Malawi can contribute new ideas that impact the global AI community,” Taylor said.
David Cuartielles, Co-Founder of Arduino, introduced Nicla Vision, a compact AI-powered microcontroller that will be used in the workshop.
“This tiny but powerful device has a built-in camera, microphone, and sensors that allow real-time monitoring. It can be used in industries to detect defects on conveyor belts or in agriculture to optimize irrigation,” Cuartielles explained.
He also shared success stories from previous workshops, such as a young innovator from Kenya who used AI to detect queen bees in beehives, helping beekeepers monitor hive health with sound-based analyses.
The government is exploring partnerships with UNESCO and Japan to establish an AI Sustainable Lab. All these will be promoted through the upcoming Higher Education Overarching Bill to boost research and funding for innovation.
The workshop underscores the importance of technology transfer, local innovation, and international collaboration. By scaling up such initiatives, Malawi aims to build national AI capacity, modernize its education system, and drive industrial growth through technology.
Malawi Celebrates Excellence in Research, Science, and Technology
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 31, Mana: The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has recognized and rewarded outstanding achievements in research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) in Malawi.
The occasion marked a significant milestone in the country's efforts to promote RSTI and capacity building.
Speaking during the event on Monday at Capital hotel in Lilongwe, Vice Board Chairperson for the National Commission for Science and Technology, Limbikani Matumba, acknowledged the positive impact of the grants on innovators and researchers, ensuring continued support for RSTO initiatives.
"NCST has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting scientific endeavors throughout grants, including the small grants scheme.
The small grants scheme is part of the science and technology fund, which also includes institutional grants, technology innovation Grant’s, and others, NCSY periodically invest in research and development of technologies that benefit the nation" he said.
He also congratulated the awardees for their hard work, dedication, and patience, and he also encouraged them to network, partner, and collaborate with fellow awardees, emphasizing the importance of their project's impact on the nation.
Lecturer at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Chawanangwa Mwakwisayu has made a rallying call to the private sector to provide critical support to innovators, a move seen as vital in propelling Malawi towards its ambitious goal of becoming a middle-income country.
"By supporting innovators, the private sector can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation, helping to turn creative ideas into tangible solutions that address the country's pressing challenges" he said.
The university's plea comes as Malawi continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development, seeking to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and transformation.
The government, through the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has awarded grants worth over K 97 million to 33 local Innovators and researchers under the small Grants Scheme programme.
Hungry Hunters crowned FAM Cup champions in Neno
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, March 31, Mana: Hungry Hunters FC clinched FAM Cup title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Lisungwi Young Stars in the finals at Neno Community Stadium on Sunday, as the win crowned them the champions with grand prize of K1 million.
The Hunters made an explosive start, scoring in the first minute through Chikondi Yohane, compelling Lisungwi Young Stars a quick response, equalizing in the 15th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 30th minute when Davie Hoffman netted a well-taken goal, restoring Hunters' lead.
Despite relentless pressure from Lisungwi Young Stars in the second half, they failed to capitalize on their chances, allowing Hungry Hunters to maintain their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory capped off an impressive tournament run for Hungry Hunters, whose standout performances were further highlighted by Ndaona Kanjala who finished as the competition's top scorer with seven goals, earning a K50, 000 prize.
Lisungwi Young Stars settled for second place, receiving K400,000, while Ligowe Young Soccer finished third and walked away with K200,000.
Hungry Hunters coach, Enifant Singini praised his players for their resilience and commitment.
"The boys gave their all throughout the tournament. We face challenges, including a lack of jerseys and balls,
“We will use the prize money to address these issues. Our goal is to take this team to greater heights," he added.
Lisungwi Young Stars coach, Anderson Laban admitted that complacency played a role in their defeat.
"Our boys underestimated our opponents after winning big games previously. They thought this would be an easy match and we relaxed. Unfortunately, that cost us the game," he reflected.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament was widely praised for its peaceful and well-organized nature.
Neno District Education Sports Officer, James Sawerengera commended the discipline displayed by all teams throughout the competition.
"We are pleased that the FAM Cup in Neno was violence-free. This is exactly what we have been advocating for, as violence tarnishes the image of district football," he said.
Neno District Football Association Chairperson, Henry Mkandawire emphasized importance of growing football in the district and attracting more sponsors.
"It was a successful tournament with all teams displaying quality football. We need more people to support these games so that we can attract corporate sponsors to invest in football here in Neno," he noted.
