MANAonline
Tourism exposure crucial in boosting the ATM strategy- Chakwera
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana; State President, Dr Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has said tourism exposure to the outside world will play a crucial role in boosting the agriculture, tourism and mining strategy (ATM) that is in line with the vision 2063 strategy.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the official opening of the 2025 “Takulandilani” Malawi international tourism expo that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
“Malawi is very unique as it contains many tourists’ attraction things which includes wild animals in different national parks, lake Malawi, which has unique species of fish that are found only here in Malawi and Mountains that if properly exposed to the outside world can bring foreign exchange and boost the economy.
“Tourists coming to Malawi is always a right choice because the country has unique people who are warm hearted, people of empathy and humane, people of good relations and network as well as people who promote good hospitality and respect to elders who keeps culture and diversity that is seen in cultural dances;” he said.
Chakwera further said the coming of tourists during the launch will help in international relations, attract foreign exchange and boost business activities thereby promoting agriculture, tourism and mining.
He said this opportunity will also help to transform the tourism sector by exposing different resources which includes minerals, cultural dances and foods that are unique.
Minister of tourism, Vera Kamtukule commended the president for his presence during the official opening of the takulandilani tourism Malawi international tourism expo saying it had shown his interest in promoting the country’s tourism exposure to the world.
“We have raised a profile of tourism not only in Malawi but also across the world.
“This launch will provide business people with a platform to be exposed to other countries thereby boosting several sectors including the energy, water, health and tourism itself as we are selling our resources to other countries;” she said.
The three-day exhibition has attracted tourism players from Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, among others. It mainly aims to market Malawi's tourism industry, as one of the country's three key sectors, others being agriculture and mining.
The three days’ expo is being cerebrated under the theme “solidifying the gains” Everything. Everyone tourism”.
Many girls in rural areas remain unaware of ICT-Macra
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, April 24, Mana: Despite the advancement in technology, many girls, especially in rural areas remain unaware of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) career opportunities because of the gender stereotypes, cultural norms and limited to access.
Board of Director for Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Malla Kawale, disclosed this on Thursday during the commemoration of the International Girls in ICT Day at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
"If you go to the village and ask girls what career they want to pursue; they will say nursing or teaching because that is all they know. They don't talk about ICT because they have never been exposed to it," she said.
She highlighted MACRA's effort in bridging the digital divide through the ‘Connect a School’ project, which is establishing 75 computer labs nationwide, to help girls access digital tools and training prioritizing the rural areas.
Kawale encouraged girls to work hard, network with companies and leaders, and believe in their potential reaffirming that the future is digital and the future is female.
She called upon development partners, private sector leaders and other institutions to play a role in shaping an inclusive digital economy.
Head of Computer Science and Information System at MUBAS, Dr. Patrick Chikumba, reaffirmed the university's commitment to digital transformation through inclusive programs.
"We ensure that there is 50-50 selection in ICT courses and next year we are introducing new programs like Software Engineering and Cyber Security to equip girls with skills to solve local problem," he said.
Chikumba added that MUBAS is working with UNDP in digital transformation, targeting secondary schools and local communities to do awareness in digital skills.
"We are also working with girls in artificial intelligence to make sure citizens are equipped with enough ICT solutions," he added.
One of the participants from MUBAS, Ellen Liradala, a second-year student pursuing ICT, said she was motivated to pursue such a career because she was curious about how computers works and how to fix them.
She added that seeing female lecturers in ICT boost confidence in girls and it keeps them dreaming bigger.
The International Girls in ICT Day was commemorated under the theme ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’ and attracted girls from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), MUBAS and Chichiri Secondary School among others.
Social Protection programs propelling lives in Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, April 24, Mana: Participants in social protection programs in Nkhotakota district have commended government for the ongoing programs, saying they are improving the people’s livelihoods.
Speaking in an interview with Mana on Thursday, one participant of social cash transfer program, Kapochi Piyasi, of Mtete Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama, said he has managed to build a house, buy six goats, and a bicycle through the money he receives, adding that he is now investing to become self-reliant even without the program.
"Before the program, I was living in poverty: I was depending on my relatives to help me feed and manage my family, but now I have a good house that qualifies to be called home and it is all because of the support I get from the social cash transfer program," he explained.
Another beneficiary, Malita Chimera, said, with children to look after on her own, life was not as simple as all she did was rely on piece work to bring food and their family necessities.
After being enrolled into the Public Works Program in 2019, she said life changed, and she is now one of the well-known livestock farmers in her area of residence since she started investing the money she got from the program into goats and chicken farming.
A 78-year-old Mumdelanji Chimbano of Ngumbwe in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama, who is also enrolled in the social cash transfer program, said the money she received every month, is assisting her to, among other things, access health services due to her age.
“When I feel sick due to my old age, I use the money as transport to receive medical treatment. I am also depending on the money for food and basic needs as you can see, I can’t manage to venture into farming activities,” she said.
Principal Social Welfare officer for Nkhotakota, Osward Mwale, said these programs are important to communities as they improve their livelihoods beyond expectations.
He encouraged participants to invest in livestock, or save their money through other related ventures like savings and loan groups in their communities for further benefit.
Between the social cash transfer and public works programs funded by the World Bank and Multi-donor Trust Fund, over 26,000 households are enrolled in these social protection programs in Nkhotakota.
K445 million Safe Water Project excites people of Lilongwe
By Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana: People of Lilongwe in the area of Traditional Authority Masula have applauded Water Mission Malawi for providing solar water pump equipment worth K445 million to help the people of the area access clean and potable water.
Speaking at Kalesi Community Ground in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Masula on Thursday during commissioning ceremony of the facility, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja South Constituency, Francis Belekanyama, said the facility will assist the people in his area, especially women, whom he claimed used to walk nearly 6 kilometers to fetch clean water.
“It is a huge relief that this project has brought, making the people’s life easier. It has lifted the burden women had of waking up at dawn, or leaving home in the evening, searching for water, a task that was tiring and unsafe for them.
“Apart from walking long distances in search of clean water, we have also been hit with cholera outbreaks and one of the contributing factor was that a number of people were unable to access clean water,’’ he said.
Belekanyama then urged people in his area to take ownership of the facility by avoiding vandalism so that it lasts longer, serving the people.
Speaking in a separate interview, Sellina Mikayelo, a 48-year-old woman also thanked Water Mission Malawi for coming in with such project, saying they used to wake-up early in the morning, around 4am, to fetch clean water, an experience that put their lives at risk and disturbed several marriages.
“We have been experiencing an increase in waterborne diseases due to contaminated water since we would just opt to source water in the nearby streams; but now this project has changed that, and we are very grateful,’’ she said.
Water Mission Malawi Country Director, Nixon Sinyiza, said proper sanitation and healthy living cannot be achieved in the absence of safe and potable water.
“Access to clean water is an entitlement to every individual regardless of where they live. After conducting an assessment in the area we discovered that there were few clean water sources and some residents were traveling long distances just to access water.
“So we came up with a solution to install a water source powered by solar which distributes to 12 water points serving over 1, 517 households per point,’’ he said.
The project, which was funded by the Mckinnon Family from United States of America (USA) and it will provide safe and clean water to a population of 8,389 people in Kalesi village and surrounding areas.
MEC says information sharing critical in electoral process
By Sarah Munthali
Lusaka, April 24, Mana: Legal Services Manager for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Lawrence Lunguzi, says the commission recognizes the critical role of a healthy information ecosystem in promoting electoral integrity and public trust.
Lunguzi made the remarks on Thursday in Lusaka, Zambia, during the opening of a two-day workshop organized by the Centre for Human Rights-University of Pretoria in collaboration with the PANOS Institute Southern Africa, focusing on healthy information ecosystems and elections in Zambia and Malawi,
“As we prepare for the 2025 general elections, we have taken proactive steps to enhance the flow of credible information, strengthen media relations, and empower voters to discern truth from falsehood," Lunguzi said. "We are also engaging with digital platforms, civil society, and fact-checkers to collaboratively tackle misinformation.”
He added that MEC has intensified the dissemination of information on electoral processes through the National Election Consultative Forum (NECOF), and public engagements to ensure a free and fair election on September 16, 2025.
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, referenced the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa.
She said access to information empowers the electorate to be well-informed about political processes, enabling them to elect political office holders; participate in decision-making on laws and policies; and hold public officials accountable.
“I urge the Election Management Bodies of Malawi and Zambia to take the lead in promoting transparency," Topsy-Sonoo said, and she continued: "Proactive disclosure, as set out in the Guidelines, is not just good practice; it is a legal and moral obligation. It is also the most effective antidote to misinformation and disinformation, which have increasingly tainted the information space and, thereby undermining democratic processes.”
Deputy Director for the Centre for Human Rights-University of Pretoria, Lloyd Kuveya, said the workshop was organized to promote the integrity and credibility of election processes and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with the African Union (AU) normative framework on information rights in the context of elections.
“We want to see Malawi and Zambia respecting freedom of expression and access to information,” Kuveya said.
Chairperson for the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum, Benedicto Kondowe, stressed that non-state actors have an “imperative role” in conducting voter education to ensure that the public exercise their right to vote.
However, Kondowe noted that civil society organizations (CSOs) often face financial constraints.
He highlighted the need for partners to fund the organizations to help ensure credible elections, adding that while many CSOs are eager to participate, most lack adequate funding.
Malawi is scheduled to hold its general elections on September 16, 2025, while Zambia will follow on August 13, 2026.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Election Management Bodies, civil society organizations, the media, academia, and political parties from Malawi and Zambia.
Mandala drops first album
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, April 24, Mana: Renowned Blantyre-based up-and-coming gospel artist Happy Man, real name Noel Mandala, has released his debut album since joining the music industry.
The new album, titled 'We Say Come', which features 11 tracks, marks a significant milestone in Happy Man's music career, showcasing his talent and dedication to spreading the message of faith through songs.
Speaking in an interview with Mana on Wednesday, Happy Man said gospel music has a rich history and cultural significance.
He explained that the album is aimed at highlighting and conveying messages of hope, joy, and redemption, providing emotional uplifting through the word of God.
“Gospel music allows individuals to express their faith, spirituality, and connection with a higher power. With this album, my heart's desire is to reach a wide range of people, uniting them in worship and praise to God.
“Through the powerful messages and melodies, I hope to inspire listeners to deepen their faith and connect with the divine. My goal is to create a sense of community and shared spirituality—transcending boundaries and touching hearts,” said Happy Man.
The album features a diverse and powerful collection of tracks, including Izwi Lakho, Wethembekile, Mhlekazi, Ke a Leboga, Liwu Lanu, Mukhale Ambuye, Yesu Mwafika, We Say Come, There is No Other Name, Holy Spirit Reign, and Jesus Took Away My Sin.
The album blends multiple languages, metaphors, and styles to reflect the beauty of devotion.
A music promoter, Thomas Madulira, recommended the album, describing it as a “soul-stirring” collection of songs that uplift, inspire with heartfelt melodies and it's a testament to faith, devotion and perfect for personal reflection, or communal worship.
"This game-changing gospel album revolutionizes the music scene with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. With powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, the album creates a fresh and captivating listening experience, and it is a must-listen for fans of gospel and beyond," said Madulira.
Happy Man, a 40-year-old gospel artist and entrepreneur, has been making waves in the music scene as he has already produced five music videos.
His musical influencers include artists like Benjamin Dube, whose style and message have had a profound impact on him.
NLGFC advises councils against favoritism in awarding contracts
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 24, Mana: Board Chairperson for the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), Richard Chapweteka, has cautioned councils against awarding contracts to politically connected contractors, saying there is need for merit based and transparent procurement practices.
Chapweteka said this in Karonga during a visit by the NLGFC board to appreciate some of the projects being implemented by Karonga District Council.
Chapweteka said; "Councils should not give project contracts to politically connected contractors because if the funds are misused, the council will be held accountable and it will be sanctioned.
“We need to deliver quality services for Malawians by looking beyond politics and use these public funds appropriately, instead of filling the pockets of greedy politicians who want to enrich themselves at the expense of Malawians."
Chapweteka also reminded councils that failure to complete Cycle 3.0 of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) projects by June 30, 2025, will result in withheld funds for 2025-26.
He also said contractors abandoning or delaying projects will face contract termination and potential reporting to the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC).
Chairperson for Karonga District Council, Bellium Msukwa, hailed the visit by the NLGFC, saying it gave them insights on how to utilize resources made available by government and other donors.
"It is important to ascertain whether there is value for money, accountability and transparency in project execution and as a council we have positively taken on board the guidance which they have offered us," Msukwa said.
“As a council, we ensure development works are happening according to plan and in line with budgeted for resources without excesses and abuse. Today's sharing of experiences, ideas, and challenges is a progressive engagement which will further ensure fiscal prudence and management," he added.
Farmers challenged to embrace new agriculture technologies
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Lilongwe district council Ezra Mbendela has challenged farmers in the district to start embracing new agricultural technologies in order for them to have bumper yields.
Mbendela made the call Wednesday at Mapuyu headquarters ground in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Chileka Extension Planning Area (EPA) during agriculture field day.
“Times have changed because of Climate change and farmers now should start cultivating in a different way. So by bringing in different new farming methods, we want farmers to start managing soil, water and increase productivity,” said Mbendela.
He added that it is interesting and encouraging that many farmers in the district have started using and appreciating the new agricultural technologies in their farms.
Mbendela further said apart from increasing crop productivity, the district is also promoting dairy production, and he described it as one of highest paying enterprises among the livestock class in the district.
Speaking on behalf of other farmers, Tithokoze Kamkwamba, a banana farmer in Namitete in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo, urged other famers to take their farming as a business if they are to reduce their poverty levels.
“We started this farming in 2019 after seeing that there was a gap in banana production in the area. We are now supplying our bananas and vegetables to Namitete Secondary school and Natitete Technical College and our lives are never the same,” he said
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kalolo expressed excitement to see his subjects showcasing different crops and livestock after adopting new agricultural technologies.
“I am so happy that farmers in my area have now started realizing bumper yields unlike in the past due to the new agriculture methods, and I am optimistic that this will change their livelihood,” he said.
The field day was conducted under the theme: ‘Climate Smart and Diversified Agriculture, Key to Sustainable Food and Nutritional Security.’
Malawi Government Launches First Foods Africa Initiative
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe, 23 April Mana: The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, the National Planning Commission (NPC), and other stakeholders, has launched the First Foods Africa Initiative in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni stated that the initiative is important as it addresses child food poverty in Malawi.
He added that the government will promote the use of local food products to tackle child nutrition challenges by supporting local production, improving policies, and encouraging consumption.
Acting NPC Director Joseph Nagoli emphasized that transforming the food system is key to ensuring vulnerable children have access to nutritious food.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening food systems and help achieve Malawi’s Vision 2063.
UNICEF Country Representative Johannes Wedenig affirmed that UNICEF remains committed to supporting the production and consumption of food, which is nutritious, safe, affordable, and sustainable for young children.
Malawi vital statistics and verbal autopsy report imperative in ensuring citizen identity information secured- Ng’oma
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 23 Mana: The Minister of Homeland Security, Honourable Ezekiel Peter Ng’oma, says the report signifies the government's commitment to enhance data correction, processing and its usage in the country while securing the legal identity of every citizen's information electronically.
He made the remarks during the official launch of the vital statistics and verbal autopsy at Crossroads Hotel on Tuesday in Lilongwe.
Ng’oma explained that since the establishment of the NRB and also through the help of the National Registration Act, the government has embarked on a transformative journey moving away from the outdated 2004 Birth and Death Registration Act.
“Before these reforms, civil registration was not compulsory for the indigenous population which resulted into countless Malawians born before 2015 to be without birth or death certificates hence it’s launching today is very imperative as it will help to address this legacy while striving for a future where every citizen is recognised and afforded Equal rights as guaranteed by the constitution of the nation.
“For government to make important decisions, they have to know the number of people in the country starting with the number of people born each day at every hospital and the number of people who have died per day to make good development plans that includes economy, education, health and others to avoid over budgeting for the nation,” explained Ng’oma.
Principal secretary under the National Registration Bureau (NRB), Mphatso Augustine Sambo, said the implementation of the civic registration commenced in 2015 by the introduction of the birth and death certificates, with the first registration on the first of August 2015 in four districts of the country.
“From 2015 up to the year 2022, we reached 28 districts and the bureau noted that other deaths are happening outside the health facilities due to many factors and it is estimated to about 2.5 percent across the country and about 75 percent of the deaths occur in the communities hence as such the process introduced the community both and death registration and up to date only ten districts are remaining to finalise the process.
“The bureau is working hand in hand with the ministry of health and the national statistics office of that nation to come up with all the right processes and all health facilities to be able to register birth and death certificates easily in line with our mandate and procedures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Principal secretary in the ministry of health, Steven Kayuni expressed gratitude over its launch as it will enable the ministry to register and know the number of children born per day in every district as well as knowing the number of people who have died each day electronically in line with the NRBs procedures and mandates.
“The official launch of the Malawi vital statistics and verbal autopsy report will help the ministry to be able to identify the causes of deaths of the people at the hospitals as well as it will help the ministry to plan better when it comes to it’s services by offering trainings to all health personnel on the most common diseases that causes death among people in the country.
“We need to share data with our facilities and be able to learn about it by discovering the top ten causes of deaths in the country and finding the best preventive measures,” he explained.
