MANAonline
Minister hands over K115 million TDC on Chizumulu Island
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 29, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa on Tuesday officially handed over a K115 million Same Teachers Development Centre (TDC) on Chizumulu Island in Likoma.
Kambauwa noted that teachers at Same Primary School were using a classroom block before the TDC was constructed.
She said the infrastructure will help uplift educational standards on Chizumulu Island.
“I am very happy to handover the TDC where teachers can use for their development activities. Teachers will no longer use a classroom block as a TDC which is an anomaly because it means that students were being disadvantaged, they had their classroom taken away,” said Kambauwa.
She also noted that teachers from the island encounter some challenges, which needs to be looked into such as transport costs when they need services from the mainland, hence the need for hardship allowances and promotions.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma Constituency, Ashems Songwe said he was overwhelmed by the Minister’s visit, being a second visit to Likoma District by a Minister of Education since 1966.
“The minister has landed on Chizumulu Island on such a historic visit after 59 years since the last minister of education visited. We are pleased that she has conducted a tour to appreciate the projects that have been taking place for the past five years,” said Songwe.
Director of Education and Sports for Likoma District, Zimulange Mhango thanked Government for the provision of the infrastructure such as classroom blocks, libraries, TDC, among others in the district.
However, he noted several challenges in the education sector that need to be addressed, including the absence of a district education office, inadequate school toilets, and the lack of a vehicle.
President Chakwera challenges graduating students to be patriotic
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 30, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appealed graduates to be patriotic and help the country achieve middle-income economy status.
Speaking at the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Great Hall in Zomba on Wednesday during the graduation of 2643 students, the President said when he ascended to power in 2020, he emphasized the need to make a significant shift in the higher education sector.
Among others, the president said, he made sure that the quota system should be abolished, dissolved entrance examinations and made sure there was separation of the sector of higher education from primary education.
“I promised to break the past and build new bridges for us to cross to the new future. During this time, I have managed to delink the University of Malawi into separate universities to improve focus. In addition, I have increased resources to the loan board to improve education access from 10,000 to 30,000 students,” Chakwera who is also Chancellor of UNIMA said.
Dr. Chakwera also said he deliberately separated the office of higher education which has been instrumental in tracking down fake certificates.
Looking at all the achievements, the president said it was important for the newly graduating students to remain patriotic and help develop Malawi beyond 2030.
The president promised to deal with accommodation challenges in academic institutions which he said is one of his missions as he leads the country for the next five years.
Chairperson of the UNIMA Council, Dr Christopher Guta hailed the government for continued financial support, saying this enabled the growth and expansion of the university.
Guta said with the support, UNIMA expects to increase its intake due to the construction of student hostels to ease accommodation challenges.
He there assured the president that UNIMA will contribute to Malawi Vision 2063 through human capital which is one of the enablers.
“Graduation is a ceremony which acknowledges academic achievements. As the University of Malawi, we are proud to be part of the 2063 development agenda,” Guta added.
The UNIMA Council Chairperson reported to the president that the university is implementing all the functional reviews and policies that were approved by the government and this will contribute to improved tertiary education.
UNIMA, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samson Sajidu said the graduation of 2,643 students was a major contribution that the university made to Malawi society.
The Vice Chancellor applauded government for various support towards the university, saying this enabled UNIMA to broaden access to education on top of maintaining higher education standards.
“With the support from government, we constructed office blocks, and built prefabricated class blocks which will accommodate over 2,000 students,” Sajidu added.
Out of the 2,643 graduating students, 218 were awarded master's degrees, eight were awarded doctorate degrees, and the rest got bachelor's degrees.
26 students graduated with distinctions of which 14 were females while 12 were males.
African Parks nets K106 Million from Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in 2024
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, April 30, Mana: African Parks which manages Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, says it collected a total revenue of about K106 million last year from the tourism area.
This was disclosed on Tuesday during the park's 18th Joint Liaison Committee meeting held in Nkhotakota district council chamber, involving District Commissioners, Chiefs, and other stakeholders from Kasungu, Ntchisi, Nkhotakota, and Mzimba districts, which surround the reserve.
Park Manager, David Nangoma, said this is attributed to more local and international tourists that are visiting the reserve since additional animal species were translocated into the reserve.
“Traffic to the reserve increased since we added additional animals, and this has positively increased the turnout of tourists, both local and international,” said Nangoma.
Chairperson of the joint liaison committee, Inkosi Khonsolo of Mzimba District, said the meeting was crucial as it served as a platform for Africa Parks and the various stakeholders to report on progress made in the implementation of various initiatives, challenges faced, and possible solutions moving forward.
Meanwhile, Nkhotakota District Commissioner, Ben Matengeni Tohno, has commended African Parks for its continued commitment to wildlife conservation, saying thriving tourism activities in the reserve shall enable the council to move Nkhotakota from a Boma to a tourism city.
“We embrace African Parks and provide them with the necessary support so that they are successful in pushing the tourism agenda of the local authority, which we believe will help Nkhotakota District become a tourism city in the future,” added Tonho.
MEJN donates to Mother Care groups in Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, April 30, Mana: Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) on Tuesday donated to Chididi Mother Group and Our Hope Youth Club in Nkhotakota district six sewing machines and other related accessories to aid them in their various activities relating to the communities they serve.
Coordinator for MEJN, Mike Mpanda, said the donations were made in consideration of the charity work that the two groups have been doing in collaboration with MEJN in climate resilience and afforestation program.
Mpanda said that they learnt that the groups needed the materials to aid them in their other activities like vocational training and carpentry needs.
“The two groups have been involved in a lot of charity work, and we felt they needed a boost in activities that help them raise funds to support the work that they do. That is why we thought of donating the sewing machines and carpentry equipment as the best way to support them,” said Mpanda.
District Youth Officer, Aberson Mwale called on the beneficiaries of the materials to manage them with care and ensure they reap lasting impacts from the donation.
He bemoaned the tendency of failure to maintain the donations and wait for continued handouts in the management of these donations, which he said would lead to losses.
Elizabeth Chilonda, Chairlady of the Chididi Mother Group, expressed immense gratitude for the donation, saying they are overjoyed as it will enhance their efforts to support the community. The donation will enable them to provide school uniforms and sanitary pads to underprivileged girls more effectively. She added that the arrival of the machines will boost their capacity for mass production, allowing them to reach even more beneficiaries.
Malawi rekindles self-help spirit as government launches 2025/26 Community Development Month
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, April 30, Mana: The Government of Malawi has officially launched the 2025/2026 Community Development Month (CDM) initiative, reigniting the self-help spirit among Malawians and empowering communities to take charge of their development through collaboration, mindset change, and local resource mobilization.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Gender in Lilongwe, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, officially launched the 2025/2026 Community Development Month (CDM) implementation season, emphasizing the government’s renewed commitment to grassroots-driven development and reduced dependency.
“I am pleased to be part of the Government of Malawi’s commission on the implementation of Community Development Map (CDM) initiatives. This initiative is designed to build capacity in our communities to meaningfully participate in development efforts that directly benefit them,” said Sendeza.
Established in April 2023 and formally launched in November 2024 alongside the National Community Development Policy (2024–2030), the CDM initiative promotes a spirit of self-reliance in line with Malawi’s Vision 2063, particularly under the Human Capital Development and Mindset Change enabler.
Sendeza highlighted the worrying decline of community ownership and participation in development work over the years.
“The self-help spirit has declined substantially with the rise of the dependency syndrome. People now wait for money or aid before taking part in projects like road maintenance, school construction, or sanitation,” she noted.
She further pointed out that uncoordinated efforts by stakeholders have confused communities and led to inefficient use of resources.
“Some organizations entice communities with incentives, while others rely on voluntary participation. This inconsistency hampers sustainability,” she said.
The CDM initiative seeks to reverse this trend by fostering coordination among stakeholders and encouraging communities to contribute resources — including labor, materials, and funds — toward local projects. Over 4,600 projects have been completed since the pilot phase began in 2021, including school blocks, bridges, health shelters, and sanitation facilities.
In the upcoming 2025–2026 fiscal year, communities across the country have already planned more than 4,500 projects.
“This proves that the self-help spirit is being adopted,” said Sendeza.
To ensure the success of CDM, the government has empowered the Ministry to work with other key sectors including the Ministry of Information, Civic Education and Digitalization, and the Ministry of Local Government. Together, they will spearhead awareness campaigns, establish partnerships with NGOs and development partners, and enforce quality and standards in implementation.
“This is a reform area where no one is left behind,” declared Sendeza. “The Community Development Month is helping us rediscover and harness the lost glory of self-help by empowering communities to take charge of their development.”
She concluded with a strong call to action: “I therefore call upon all stakeholders to join hands. Let us entrench the spirit of self-help and achieve the noble goals of Malawi 2063.”
Government making strides to provide potable water
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: The Ministry of Water and Sanitation says government is making significant progress to ensure access to safe, clean, and potable water for all communities in Malawi, despite facing financing challenges in the sector.
This was highlighted during the 15th Joint Sector Review Workshop held from April 29 to 30, 2025, at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. During the event, the Ministry also launched the National Water Policy (2025) and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said that although the sector continues to experience funding limitations, the government is committed to improving access to potable and accessible water across the country.
Mia noted that the government is currently constructing multipurpose dams in various parts of Malawi to enhance water security.
“We are currently constructing multipurpose dams across the country to enhance water security. These dams will provide water not only for domestic use, but agricultural purposes, fisheries, energy production as well as tourism.
“In the face of climate change where the frequent intensity of floods and droughts have increased, we aim to draw climate resilience from these dams. As WASH sector, we are also mandated to rehabilitate gravity water supply schemes across the country to enable people to have access to clean and safe water,” said Mia.
Representative of Malawi’s donor partners, Johannes Wedenig, emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure the availability of safe and accessible water in communities, despite financial constraints affecting the sector.
“We are here not just to reflect but to work together to improve the situation of water, sanitation and hygiene in Malawi, with concerted efforts. Safe water is essential to life itself, and proper sanitation and hygiene prevent spread of diseases and ensures human dignity. Without these essential services, the most basic needs of life are unmet.
“However, this is a time for urgency, ambition and accountability. We are realistic about the challenges, fiscal constraints are tight, global aid is shifting, and climate change risks are growing. But we are equally confident in Malawi's potential in its leadership and its people and the solutions within reach,” said Wedenig.
He added that donors are encouraged by the projected stability of the WASH budget for 2025/2026 but stressed the need for Malawi to strengthen its financial resilience, as currently 80 percent of the total WASH budget is sourced externally.
Board Chairperson for the Water and Environment Sanitation Network (WESNET), Panganani Njolomole, applauded the government for its efforts in constructing dams across the country, saying this will significantly improve access to water.
The review meeting is being held under the theme: “Fostering Resilient WASH Infrastructure Investments Amidst Financing Challenges.”
Emmie Deebo lights up Neno with homecoming concert
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, April 29, Mana: Afro pop music sensation Emmie Deebo returned to her roots in Neno over the weekend when she hosted a free homecoming concert under the theme: Giving back to my community.
The 2024 MBC Entertainers of the Year award winner for secular female artist category, real name Emily Zintambila, lit up Chikonde ground with a powerful live performance that not only thrilled fans but also inspired young people to chase their dreams.
Deebo delivered a vibrant set list that included fan favourites like Shelibanana, Theka, Chi mood, Kale, Akumbutseni, Befu, and Fragile, among others, as she kept the crowd energised and engaged throughout the show.
The artist said the concert was not only about entertainment, adding that it had a deeper purpose.
“It was about giving hope, sharing inspiration and reminding the youth of Neno that greatness can come from right here.” Deebo said.
She encouraged the youth to value their talents with confidence, work hard and never give up, saying persistence and assertiveness are key to success.
“If any youth knows that he or she has talent, they must put in the effort. The beginning is always tough and people might underrate you, but if you stay focused, everything is possible,” she advised.
Deebo also reminded the youth that resilience is a critical part of any journey, especially in fine and performing art like music.
Her message was echoed by fellow performer and close friend, Lady Aika, real name Malaika Chikalimba, a reggae dancehall artist and student at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“There are a lot of challenges when one is starting, especially for girls in music. But if one believes in the dream and stay focused, nothing can easily distract you,” said Lady Aika.
Elizabeth Banda, a girl who patronised Deebo’s music show, hailed the event as a great inspiration.
“We don't get shows like this. We had a lot of fun, inspired and the show brought us all together,” she said.
The music show left a lasting impression among music lovers in Neno, many of whom went home impressed and motivated.
Other artists that lit up the show included Neno based Aubi, Rhino dem, Cozkeed, Sharpkid, Jozy B, Themba P, Nyavson, and Coprah.
Chibiso Motors donates reflective jackets to Area 12 Police Unit
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana; Chibiso Motors has donated 40 reflective jackets to Area 12 Police Unit which is under Lingadzi Police Station.
Receiving the donation on Tuesday, Officer In-Charge Superintendent Anastasia Botomani said the donation has come at the right time as it will support their operations by providing safety to officers working more especially at night.
"The reflective jackets will greatly enhance the safety and visibility of our officers during day and night time patrols or low-light operations,’’ she said.
In his remarks, the representative for Chibiso Motors, Ishmael Makawa, described the gesture as an evidence to the company's commitment to supporting the community and enhancing security in the area.
“By providing the police unit with essential equipment, Chibiso Motors is demonstrating its dedication to the well-being and safety of both the officers and the community they serve," he said.
Bonongwe wins Kasungu West primaries
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, April 29, Mana: Incumbent Member of Parliament for Kasungu West, Jairos Bonongwe, has been declared winner in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) parliamentary primary elections for the constituency.
During the elections took place on Tuesday at Kamphulu in the area of Senior Chief Njombwa, Bonongwe amassed 973 votes to see off seven other contestants in polls decided by 1080 delegates.
Denis Mseu came a distant second with 124 votes, trailed by Bobbex Chinthu who polled 46 ballots.
The remaining ballots were shared by Priscilla Chimphimda who got 4, Sailesi Gulule 8, Margret Lukwa 22, George Alexander who earned 9 and Brian Mwale 43 votes.
In the polls for councillors, Kasungu District Council chairperson Mwambiraso Mbedza has claimed victory in Lifupa Ward while Gift Ntolola will represent the party in Lisasadzi Ward.
Malawi to host AfricaWide Agricultural Extension Week
By Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has announced that Malawi will, for the first time, host the 7th Africa Wide Extension Week (AAEW) from 12 May to 18 May 2025 in Lilongwe.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Kawale said the AAEW will bring together key players in agriculture related sectors from across the continent to rethink as well as to reshape the agriculture extension services.
“It is a chance to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore innovations that can transform farming in Africa; by working together, we can improve access to new technologies, better farming methods and market opportunities, helping farmers thrive as well as grow the nation,” he said.
Malawi Government, in partnership with the African Forum for Agricultural and Advisory Services (AFAAS) and Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (MAFAAS), has organized the event under the theme ‘Rebranding Extension for Enhanced Public/Private Sector driven Commercialization, Industrialization, and Inclusive Food Systems’.
The event will focus on strengthening policies and institutions for better extension services, improving access to high quality training and tools for farmers, using digital technology to revolutionize agriculture and harnessing innovation and research for resilient farming and markets.
Government is encouraging farmers, businesses and development partners to register for the event, which will feature keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and exhibitions, showcasing latest innovations and success stories.
