Items filtered by date: July 2025

By Wilson Zagafu

Nkhata Bay, June 24, Mana: Malawi Government in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is set to launch a six-year Eco-system-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM) Project in 11 districts which are vulnerable to effects of climate change across the country.

The project, funded by the Green Climate Fund at a tune of US$53.2 million aims at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Deputy Director in the Department of Land Resources Conservation, MacPherson Nthala made the disclosure when he introduced the project to members of Nkhata Bay District Executive Committee.

“The project would, among others, restore approximately 88,800 hectares of degraded land and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. This will help to enhance food and water security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Nthala.

Chief Technical Advisor for FAO, Ben Vickers said the project will also integrate landscape management, resilient livelihoods, food systems and enabling institutional and financial environments.

“The intervention will also address adverse impacts of climate change which emanate from human activities such as poor agricultural practices,” said Vickers.

Chief Agriculture Officer for Nkhata Bay, Selina Malaga commended government for including the on the list of districts participating in the project.

"This project will mitigate the impacts of climate change which leads to prolonged dry spells; hence, affecting agricultural productivity in the district," said Malaga.

The project will be implemented in Nkhata Bay, Rumphi, Chitipa, Karonga, Thyolo, Zomba, Mwanza, Dedza, Neno, Nsanje and Mangochi and will run from 2025 to 2030.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: The National Children's Commission (NCC) has issued a strong call to action to protect children before, during, and after the 2025 General Elections.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare headquarters in Lilongwe, NCC Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Benedicto Kondowe, urged political stakeholders to prioritize children’s rights and protection, stressing that children are citizens, not tools for political gain.

Kondowe said that the commission is committed to holding duty bearers accountable and ensuring that children's rights are safeguarded.

"The NCC is calling for concrete measures, including formal child protection protocols within political parties, child-focused desk in electoral bodies, and the deployment of trained child rights observers," he said.

Kondowe also emphasized that child protection is not optional, but a legal and moral duty.

As the country prepares for the 2025 General Elections, the NCC's call to action is a timely reminder of the need to prioritize children's rights and protection.

By Ralph Charles Chinomba

Mangochi, June 24, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja has urged Malawi Police Service, Malawi Defence Force and Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to uphold their constitutional duties in collaboration with the commission in conducting peaceful, free and fair election on September 16, 2025.

Mtalimanja made the call on Monday during a joint security meeting between MEC and security agencies in Mangochi.

She said security agencies have legal and moral responsibility to serve, protect and defend the people of Malawi and the institutions of the Republic of Malawi.

Mtalimanja described elections as the largest, most complex national undertaking, saying it mobilizes institutions within government sectors, engages millions of citizens and attracts local and international scrutiny; hence, the need for security agencies to work as mandated.

“Today's meeting is so important because it marks our resolve to strengthen inter-agency cooperation. It is about moving from isolated responses to coordinated planning.

“We must be intentional, proactive and coordinated. The 2025 General Election must be peaceful, orderly, inclusive and secure,” she added.

Mtalimanja said the commission wanted every Malawian to go to a polling station, vote freely and return home safely

“This is our shared vision and the commission is committed to fulfilling this desire,” the Commissioner added.

She, therefore, commended the Malawi Police, Malawi Defence Force and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services for their dedication since commencement of the 2025 electoral calendar.

In her remarks, Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service, Merlyne Yolamu said the service was confident to provide ultimate security during the electoral cycle after a thorough assessment and addressing gaps identified in previous elections.

Major General Saiford Kalisha, from Malawi Defence Force, described the joint electoral security meeting as significant, emphasizing the need for security agencies to uphold their mandate in providing tight security, thereby allowing citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.

The joint security taskforce has developed strategies, including capacity building, professional conduct, enhanced collaboration and established joint command centres to facilitate smooth coordination in providing security to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment.

By Aliko Munde in Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo, June 24, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has arrived in Maputo, Mozambique to attend celebration of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence, which will take place on Wednesday June 25, 2025 at the monument of the Mozambican Heroes in Maputo.

The Vice President will also attend the highest moment at the Machava Stadium in Maputo Province, the venue that hosted the ceremony of the proclamation of the National Independence on June 25, 1975.

Arriving at Maputo International Airport, the Vice President and other dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas and Malawi's High Commissioner to Mozambique, Wezi Moyo, among others.

The Vice President will represent the state president, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera after being invited to attend the National Independence Day Celebration by Mozambican President, Daniel Francisco Chapo when he visited Malawi last month.

The visit is an opportunity for the two countries to deepen and strengthen their cordial bilateral relations.

By Kondwani Magombo

Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), has appealed for more humanitarian efforts to support over 5.7 million Malawians who are food insecure due to adverse weather conditions across the country.

Commissioner for DoDMA, Reverend Moses Chimphepo made the appeal on Tuesday at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Kanengo, Lilongwe, as the Chinese government officially handed over 1,830 Metric Tons of rice to Malawi Government in response to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s earlier appeal for humanitarian support.

Chimphepo thanked the Chinese Government for a ‘timely’ response, noting that this was not the first time that China had supported Malawi with humanitarian aid in time of need.

“Overall, the Chinese rice donation would cover over 36,600 households (164,700 people) through a once-off distribution,” said Chimphepo, adding: “This donation has been made at the right time when people needed life-saving support in terms of food requirements.”

He further appealed for more humanitarian support as the country continues to experience the increasing impacts of climate change.

“…It is imperative for Malawi to transition away from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to ensure long-term food security,” said Chimphepo.

“I, therefore, urge the Government of the People’s Republic of China and all development partners to continue supporting affected households by implementing resilience-building interventions such as irrigation farming.

“This approach will cushion communities against climatic shocks and reduce the substantial resources currently allocated to emergency food relief,” he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xu said the donation fulfils Chinese President Xi Jingping’s announcement during China-Africa Leaders Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa that his government will provide emergency food assistance to African countries in need, including Malawi.

Lu pledged her government’s continued support to Malawi Government, saying solidarity matters more than ever at a time of rising global uncertainties and intertwined crises.

“China stands ready to continue providing assistance within its capacity and align its cooperation with Malawi’s development priorities, advancing both major flagship programmes and “small but good” livelihood initiatives across key sectors such as agriculture, health and infrastructure,” she said.

The Chinese rice donation came in three shipments, starting November 2024 and the Government of Malawi through DoDMA started distributing the rice to food-insecure households in Lilongwe District under the 2024/2025 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme, according to DoDMA.

Both the second and third consignments were earmarked for distribution in Lilongwe City.

By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, June 24, Mana: Salima District Council has expressed satisfaction with the progress and impact of interventions being implemented under the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Project by World Relief Malawi.

This follows a two-day review meeting held from Monday to Tuesday in Mponela, Dowa District aimed at evaluating the progress and sustainability of the climate-resilient initiatives.

The interventions which include the construction of an evacuation centre, installation of a solar-powered irrigation system and drilling of boreholes are part of efforts to build community resilience to climate shocks and enhance livelihoods in vulnerable communities across Salima District.

Speaking during the review meeting, Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment for Salima District Council, Adam Jason commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.

“The interventions are timely and relevant to the district’s development agenda, especially in mitigating the impact of climate change, providing safe water and irrigation farming.

“We are particularly impressed with the evacuation centre which will serve as a safe haven for communities during floods and the solar-powered irrigation system that is already transforming dryland farming,” he said.

Jason underscored the importance of continuous engagement between council officials and World Relief Malawi.

“As a council, we are open to offer technical support and guidance to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives. We urge implementing partners to maintain regular communication with our environmental and planning departments,” he added.

Jason also noted that the interventions align well with the council’s broader vision of promoting reforestation and enhancing environmental conservation efforts across the district.

Country Director for World Relief in Malawi, Matilda Matitha also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the CJC Project. She reiterated the organization’s commitment to building climate resilient communities.

“The project has largely achieved its objectives that were outlined at the beginning, we have seen improved access to water, increased food production through irrigation and a stronger sense of community preparedness in the face climate-related disasters,” she said.

Matitha, therefore, acknowledged the role played by local stakeholders, particularly the district council in ensuring the smooth implementation of project activities.

“This success would not have been possible without the active involvement of the local leadership and community members. Their ownership of the project is what gives us hope that these gains will be sustained beyond our intervention,” she said.

CJC Malawi aims at working with communities to help manage the material and social effects of climate change.

By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, June 24, Mana: Malawi Girls Guides Association (MAGGA) has emphasized that the need for authorities in Balaka District to collaborate with other partners to stop gender-based violence (GBV) and child labour in an effort to create conducive learning environment for children both at school and home.

MAGGA Project Officer for Balaka District, Patrick Nyerere said children in rural areas face various forms of GBV such as child labour due to limited knowledge on child rights among the care givers and other child care service providers.

Nyerere made the remarks on Monday when presenting progress of Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza Ma Ufulu a Ana (TiKuMA) Project to Balaka District Council officials, saying MAGGA primarily focuses on two key areas namely; child protection and child rights governance.

“The project is meant to ensure that 47 primary schools in four education zones of Chembera, Mpilisi, Ulongwe and Namalomba learn in an environment free from all forms of disruption. We target boys, girls and other children with disabilities in standards three to four,” he added.

Nyerere said the project is being implemented in education zones under Traditional Authorities Kalembo, Mbera, Kachenga, Sawali, Makwinja and Amidu.

“Children have been equipped to protect themselves from child marriages and teenage pregnancies including other forms of violence so that they can make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

“Additionally, families and communities have started to promote positive norms, foster positive relationships and build protective environments for their children,” he added.

However, he urged all relevant sectors such as the education, social welfare, the judiciary and the police to work collectively, saying mobile courts system will be there to ensure child justice in cases when children have been victimised in any form.

Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) District Manager for Balaka, Ketson Mulebe hailed the project, noting that the project was in tune with YONECO’s objectives on child protection.

Balaka District Social Welfare Officer, Stanley Chisi, also commended child rights activists and other partners in the district for protecting children against violence and other forms of injustice.

Chisi also urged the stakeholders to take advantage of MAGGA’s project's resources, saying government and its partners invest a lot of resources to safeguard children’s lives in schools and in their communities.

With financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD), MAGGA is among the partners supporting Save the Children in implementing TiKuMA Project in Balaka running for four years from 2024 to 2028.   

By Bishop Witmos in Abuja, Nigeria

Abuja, June 24, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria where he is expected to join fellow African and Caribbean Heads of State and Government, development partners and global financial thought leaders at the 32^nd African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) annual meetings, scheduled to take place from June 25 to 27.

AFREXIM Bank annual meeting is one of the most anticipated gatherings on the African Continent, which features high-level policy discussions on issues pertinent to the socio-economic development of the region.

Upon arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, President Chakwera, accompanied by the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera was welcomed by Nigerian Chief of Protocol, Ibrahim Agumbi, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo and other government officials.

During the high-level summit, President Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with world leaders to forge deeper partnerships in priority sectors within Malawi’s development agenda namely; Agriculture, Tourism and Mining, together with other key sectors.

Among the series of meetings, President Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFREXIM Bank and other key African leaders to promote investment opportunities in Malawi and forge partnership.

This year’s theme: ‘Building the future on decades of resilience,’ reflects the progress that African nations have made over the past three decades and the bold steps that are imperative to navigate the increasingly complex global landscape.

AFREXIM Bank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance, facilitate and promote intra and extra-African trade.

For over 30 years, the bank has been deploying innovative instruments to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerate industrialization and intra-regional trade.  

The bank has for the past years supported Malawi’s economic development and industrialization efforts through various initiatives, including a landmark US$100 million (K173 billion) Trade Finance Facilitation Facility agreement in September 2024, with National Bank of Malawi (NBM) to support trade transactions in the manufacturing, energy and agriculture sectors.

By Aliko Munde in Maputo, Mzambique

Maputo, June 24, Mana: Malawi High Commissioner to Mozambique, Wezi Moyo has described the 50th Mozambican National Independence celebration slated for Wednesday as important as the two countries are also celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Malawi High Commission office in Maputo, Moyo said the two countries have shared good neighbouring relationships for a long time.

Moyo said coincidentally, Malawi and Mozambique are celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations, which she said, has become better with time.

“We have seen that with Mozambique, we have overcome our challenges together. We have found solutions for our shared prosperity together and I can cite examples of how Mozambique and Malawi have worked jointly in the areas of transport interconnection.

“Now our countries are connected by railway and road. We have a power interconnection project that our President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is going to preside over very soon. We are importing 50 megawatts of power from Mozambique, which is a milestone for the two countries,” Moyo said.

Moyo added that the two countries have strengthened regional integration.

“This is a moment of joy for our closest neighbour who has also been our closest friend. It is imperative for us to celebrate together,” she said.

The Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi will represent the President Chakwera after being invited to attend the National Independence Day Celebration by Mozambican President, Daniel Francisco Chapo when he visited Malawi recently.

The Mozambican War of Independence was an armed conflict between the guerrilla forces of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and Portugal. The war officially started on September 25, 1964 and ended with a ceasefire on September 8, 1974 resulting in a negotiated independence in 1975.

By Japonicah Jabu

Lilongwe, June 24 – Eight men have been arrested in Lilongwe on suspicion of vandalizing the Chisiyo Police Unit, torching two vehicles, and stealing police equipment.

The arrests follow an incident on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, where a group of individuals allegedly attacked the police unit.

According to the Lilongwe Police Unit Public Relations Office, Hastings Chigalu, the arrests were made during an intelligence-driven police raid on Thursday night at Zumkutu-Bypass. During the raid, law enforcement officers also recovered two wooden doors stolen from the vandalized police unit.

The suspects have been identified as Wilson Maloya (21), Ishmael Mitengo (21), Zuzo Pedson (24), Blessings Dyson (21), Philmom Maupo (21), Aaron Wellington (32), Willard Jeremani (21), and Thokozani Makolija (21).

“The suspects are believed to be among a group of individuals who vandalized the police unit after officers declined to hand over a murder suspect whom the villagers wanted to burn alive,” stated Chigalu.

The irate villagers then reportedly set ablaze two vehicles, vandalized the office structure—including water and electricity installations—and stole a desktop computer, furniture, and other items.

Meanwhile, according to Chaigalu, the Police have intensified investigations to apprehend more culprits and recover the stolen items.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court next week to face charges of arson, malicious damage, theft, and unlawful wounding.