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Ministry Of Information, Private Bag 310, Capital City

27/06/2025

Court fines two K450,000.00 each for possesing fuel without authorisation

Machinga, June 26, Mana: Nanyumbu Second Grade Magistrate Court in Machinga on Wednesday this week convicted and ordered two men, Sipiyodi Akutenga,19, and Muhamad Kaponda, 35, to each pay K450,000 fine in default of 24 months imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for failing to produce documents relating to purchase or possession of fuel translating to 2,640 litres.

The court, through State Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Precious Makono of Ntaja Police Post, heard that, a team of detectives from Machinga Police Station and Ntaja Police (while on night patrols) came across a stationed motor vehicle, Toyota Dyna pick up registration number; MHG 5185 at Mtalala Trading Centre, Nayuchi border area which had jerricans full of diesel fuel.

Makono told the court that officers conducted an immediate search of the vehicle and discovered 63 jerricans of diesel, each containing 20 litres, along with three drums holding 10 litres each, bringing the total to 2,640 litres of diesel.

“Upon being asked to release legal documents from Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), the driver and his assistant failed to produce valid documents. This prompted the team of police officers to confiscate the products, impounding the motor vehicle in question as the duo got arrested on the spot,” the prosecutor added.

Appearing in court before Second Grade Magistrate Jogn kamphani, both Akutenga and Kaponda pleaded guilty to the offences levelled against them.

The state requested a stiffer penalty, arguing that the unauthorized transportation and storage of fuel poses a serious risk, given its highly flammable nature.

In mitigation, the two pleaded for the court’s leniency, stating that they were first-time offenders with family obligations, including children, relatives, and parents who depend on them for their daily needs.

Convinced with state submission and weighing gravity of the offence, Magistrate Kamphani therefore ordered the two to pay a K450,000 fine each, else serve two years IHL.
The Malawi Government confiscated the fuel, while the vehicle was returned to its owner.

Akutenga comes from Mkumbira Village,Traditional Authority Mchinguza in Machinga District, Kaponda is from Mbanila Village, Traditional Authority Kawinga also in Machinga.

By Alice Ndunya

27/06/2025

UNDP launches the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR)

Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform key sectors in Malawi by making education more accessible and affordable, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing the interpretation of weather patterns to support planning and resilience.

This was mentioned during the official launch of the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) under the theme ‘Power of Artificial Intelligence’ to help transform development at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Thursday.

According to the resident’s representative of UNDP, Fenella Frost, people should be the main focus when using AI saying it should be directed towards improving their daily lives.

“I believe that Al has a huge opportunity for Malawi to help overcome many barriers for development in this country.

“AI can also help to deliver smart public services hence transforms decision making and improves digital connectivity,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu said there are government funded projects to ensure that everyone becomes digital literate and have also partnered with MACRA, UNDP and World bank to improve connectivity.

"The world bank is financing 150 million Kwacha to increase connectivity.

“We are also collaborating with UNDP to expand digital programmes, so that everyone in the remote areas has connectivity,” he said.

According to the Minister, MACRA together with the government are building Information and Communication Technology laboratories in all schools, and are planning to have every Secondary School to not only built ICT laboratory, but also provide hardware where young people can access ICT skills.

Artificial intelligence is a set of technologies that enable computer to perform a variety of advanced functions including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language and analyze data.

By Natasha Kamakoko

26/06/2025

President Chakwera hails AFREXIM Bank for Malawis economic transformation

Abuja, Nigeria, June 26, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank for a longstanding partnership with Malawi, through finance and support for key sectors of Malawis economic development.

Chakwera underscored the Banks significant role in financing various projects in Malawi, including the US$100 million trade finance facility for the National Bank of Malawi.

The president also pointed out the US$425 million facilities (Amortization Term Loan and Trade Exchange with FDH Bank) for the construction of the Magwero Industrial Park in Lilongwe underscores the strong partnership between Malawi and AFREXIM Bank.

He said this during a bilateral meeting with President and Chairperson of the AFREXIM Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Banks 32nd annual meetings that are currently taking place in Abuja, the Capital City of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chakwera also stressed the transformative impact of the Magwero Industrial Park, which was launched in June last year, (2024) with AFREXIM Bank and Arise as a flagship project of Malawis Agriculture, Tourism and Mining strategy.

Speaking to members of the press after the indoor meeting by the two leaders, Governor for the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Dr. Macdonald Mwale said the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen their partnership, including on investment in key sectors, climate-resilient financing as well as strengthening strategic partnership.

“The discussion between the two Presidents was very important as you know that Malawi has been dealing with AFREXIM Bank for quite a long time and the two Presidents met and renewed some of the commitments that we have been doing especially on helping Malawi to enhance our export capacity.

“Through the bilateral meeting, President of the AFREXIM Bank has committed to see how it can support Malawi through the exportation drive that we have, including through the construction of Magwero Industrial Park, where he has committed that before the end of July, they are coming to Malawi to start the activities,” said Mwale.

Mwale added that the Bank has committed to start buying farm produce from Malawi for value addition for export market.

In June 2023, AFREXIM Bank signed an agreement with Malawi Government for the construction of the Magwero Industrial Park in Lilongwe, a 417-hectare integrated industrial park designed to accelerate the countrys industrialization, a project which is expected to generate at least 15, 000 jobs and will attract US$600 million in annual export revenue and US$600 million foreign direct investment flows.

On his part, Professor Oramah reaffirmed AFREXIM Banks commitment to supporting Malawi development agenda and expressed optimism about the countrys potential for growth.

Oramah said the Bank has already approved US$200 million for financing the Magwero Industrial Park, which he said, will help to cut down the smuggling of goods from Malawi and will promote local participation in the agriculture industry.

“Malawi is a trusted partner of AFREXIM Bank, as such; through the meeting, we reviewed our relationship and expressed our appreciation to His Excellency for finding his time to attend the 32nd AFREXIM meetings with his own delegation which is an opportunity to agreeing terms of advancing our agreement of developing the Magwero Industrial Park,” he said.

“We also looked at the other aspects in the support that we are providing in the banks, but also in export of agriculture in order to accelerate the implementation so that we can touch more lives,” said Oramah.

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

Amongst high level delegates to the bilateral meeting included Principal Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Coleen Zamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, Principal Secretary for Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyu and board members of AFREXIM Bank.

By Bishop Witmos

26/06/2025

NBM empowers SMEs through networking & collaboration

Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Trade, Patrick Botha has expressed satisfaction with the National Bank of Malawi's (NBM) 2025 Vision, which aims at supporting, uplifting and celebrating the important role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the month of June and beyond.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Botha lauded the collaborative efforts of the NBM in empowering Malawian entrepreneurs, guided by the theme: Business for MSMEs: Connecting the Entrepreneurs.

"We still believe that the SMEs can go a long way in improving our economy in job creation," Botha said.

He emphasized the government's commitment to promoting local production, noting: “Instead of importing goods that are locally produced, we preserve that forex for other important things that cannot be produced in Malawi.”

“Government through the ministry gazettes restrictions on some imports; precisely, for the very same fact to encourage productions on local production and growth of industries including SMEs," he added.

Botha pointed out some visible progress in this regard, saying: “Now if you go to big super markets like Chipiku, ShopRite, you will see that the shelves which used to have exported goods now have our products, including fresh vegetables, pea-nut butter and onions, which is a step towards industrialization.”

NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa concurred with Botha, saying as part of their ongoing commitment to empowering Malawian entrepreneurs, they are excited to participate in this year's MSMEs Day celebrations, guided by the global theme, Business for MSMEs: Connecting the Entrepreneurs.

"To mark this important occasion, we will be hosting two key initiatives during the month of June. Firstly, SME appreciation visits, where the bank will be conducting weekly visits to 30-50 SME customers across the country; secondly, we will host an SMEs expo market day at the Gateway Mall,” Hiwa disclosed.

She also elaborated on the purpose of the visits: "This will essentially be done to personally appreciate our SME clients for choosing National Bank of Malawi, encourage and support them in their business journey and strengthen long-term relationships with our valued partners.”

NBM provides various facilities to SMEs of different sizes and categories such as the women-owned businesses of Amayi Angathe facility.

Moreover, NBMs subsidiary, NBM Development Bank, also provides facilities and business knowledge to SMEs across various sectors.

By Japonicah Jabu

26/06/2025

BT CYO, CLO host workshop to establish CSO platform charter

Blantyre, June 26, Mana: Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO) in collaboration with Commonwealth of Learning (COL) of Canada recently held a meeting where almost 25 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) discussed a draft constitution for Blantyre Civil Society Platform (CSP) charter which is expected to help foster a coordinated front of organisations that should empower women and girls through a coordinated effort.

Civil Society Platforms are structured, collaborative networks where CSOs and individuals come together to coordinate activities, share information and advocate for shared goals, according to the discussions at a meeting of 25 CSOs in Blantyre this week.

CYO Executive Director, Harvey Chimaliro told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that the constitution is intended to help CSOs amplify their voices, increase influence and strengthen collective action to address gender inequalities in education.

He added that the chapter will also guide CSOs in improving Blantyres gender equality index.
“We hope this workshop will lead to the creation of a strong constitution that will support our advocacy for gender equality. We also expect the platform to boost our capacity to generate ideas and mobilize resources,” he added.

Chimaliro, however, disclosed that participating CSOs in the activity were carefully selected based on their focus areas, particularly organisations working in womens empowerment, gender equality, child rights and education.

Executive Director of Women for Fair Development (WOFAD), Apostle Lindiwe Matanya, a participant in the workshop, expressed gratitude over COL and CYO collaboration to facilitate the constitution development process.

“We appreciate the efforts of the COL and CYO in establishing this charter which will help strengthen collaboration among CSOs in Blantyre who are working to support women and girls,

“Our organization will use this opportunity to contribute to improving the socio-economic status of vulnerable women and the youth through education, capacity building, economic empowerment and advocacy,” Matanya said.

Other organisations that attended the meeting were; ANPPCAN Life line, African Movement for working Children and youths — AMWCY, WOFAD - which said, in their contribution, were looking forward to the charter that should help build networks with other organisations, help in resource mobilization and connect them to development partners.

Nellie Nyirenda

26/06/2025

MACODA on new Disability Act awareness.

Machinga, June 26, Mana: Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA)on Thursday held a disability rights clinic in Machinga to raise awareness on recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 that ensures a more inclusive environment for social, economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities.

MACODA Public Relations Officer, Harriet Kachimanga said told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on the sidelines of the awareness campaign at Mpotola Community Ground in the district that there was need for wider public awareness on the Act.

“This effort will help to promote equality, dignity and opportunities for persons with disabilities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society,” she said, adding that the new Act promotes and protects rights of persons with disabilities in Malawi across various sectors.

Group Village Head Mpotola attributed the rising cases of injustice against persons with disabilities to the societys ignorance on rights of persons with disabilities, saying MACODAs awareness was necessary in his area.

“Many community members lack understanding on how to interact with and support persons with disabilities, leading to unintentional marginalisation and abuse.

“Today, we've gained valuable knowledge on how to manage and report cases of abuse against persons with disabilities. I pledge to disseminate this information further to fellow chiefs and community members to ensure that cases of abuse are reported to relevant authorities for timely intervention and support,” he added.

A person with a disability, Joseph Matemba expressed hope that the initiative will lead to increased empathy and support towards persons with disabilities.

“We have really struggled with mistreatment and marginalisation in our communities; this awareness is crucial in highlighting our rights and promoting understanding, respect and inclusion,” he said.

Matemba observed that some organisations that implement development programmes do not involve persons with disabilities, saying most have wrong perception that disability is inability.

“Disability is not an inability — create a more inclusive and impartial society where everyone can thrive,” he said.

Malawi recently enacted a new Persons with Disabilities Act which established MACODA and also repealed and replaced the Disability Act and the Handclapped Persons Act.

By Doricah Mkwapatira

26/06/2025

Malawi pledges ethical and inclusive AI at UNESCO global forum

Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila has reaffirmed governments commitment to developing ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI).

Kabwila was speaking during a ministerial dialogue on Wednesday at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok, Thailand.

She, however, commended UNESCO and the Thai Government for convening a platform that unites global leaders and AI experts to tackle the ethical challenges of disruptive and emerging technologies.

Kabwila also acknowledged that Malawi has not yet passed a dedicated Al law but noted that the country is making progress through its nearly completed Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report in line with UNESCOs guidelines.

“Recent legal developments including the Data Protection Act (2024), National Digitisation Policy (2023-2028) and other key laws that provide a strong foundation for responsible AI use,” she disclosed.

Kabwila, therefore, pointed out that the countrys endorsement of the Windhoek Statement and the AU Declaration on AI as well as its efforts to ratify the Malabo Convention as a testament to the fact that Malawi is also participating in broader continental initiatives.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that AI systems reflect Malawis diverse cultural landscape, which includes various ethnic groups such as the Chewa, Yao, Tumbuka, Lomwe and Ngoni.

“Despite limited research funding-only 0.176% of GDP — Malawi is seeing growing interest in AI, stating that Universities have begun integrating AI into their curricula and institutions like the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and STEAM Education (CAIST) and Kuyesera AI Lab (KAI) are taking the lead.

“While in the private sector, startups like Nxtgen Lab and mHub are innovating with support from local funding programmes and development grants,” she added.

Kabwila, therefore, raised concerns about digital access and affordability, noting that only 27.7% of the population is online with just 4.2% of household own a computer and that mobile data cost remain high.

She called for more coordinated investment in infrastructure especially in cyber security, energy and affordable technology to support AI development and access across the country.

The minister also emphasised on the critical role of education, particularly digital and AI literacy, in building an ethical AI eco-system with Malawis literacy rate at 62%, calling for empowering students and researchers to responsible innovation.

She, therefore, reaffirmed Malawis commitment to an inclusive and well-regulated AI future, noting that stronger investment and better inter-agency coordination were key to achieving full AI readiness.

By Patience Longwe

26/06/2025

ESCOM appeals for support to combat vandalism of its infrastructure

Lilongwe, June, 26, Mana: Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has called on people in the country to join forces in the fight against the rampant vandalism of electricity infrastructure, which has become a significant challenge for the organization’s operations.

Recent reports indicate a worrisome increase in the theft of sophisticated ESCOM components, including transformers, copper wire and conductor lines. This alarming trend has led to power disruptions, compromising public safety and diminishing the quality of service provided to consumers.

ESCOM’s Public Relations Officer, Pilirani Phiri expressed concern that despite numerous awareness campaigns, incidents of vandalism continue to escalate across various regions of the country.

“We have been holding awareness campaigns, but vandalism persists, often leaving communities in darkness for extended periods. We urge the public to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities to the police,” Phiri appealed.

Deputy National Public Relations Officer for the Malawi Police Service, Harry Namwaza confirmed that law enforcement is actively collaborating with ESCOM to apprehend those responsible for these crimes.

“Anyone found in possession of ESCOM components will face legal consequences. We adhere strictly to the penal code and the law will take its course against offenders,” Namwaza warned.

ESCOM's social media channels have recently been awash with incidents including a case in Phalombe where vandals destroyed ESCOM components, resulting in severe blackouts in areas such as Mwanga, Milepa and Chitseka.

Additionally, a 50KVA transformer at Sunrise Private Clinic in Mpingu was vandalized on June 18, further worsening the situation.

Meanwhile, ESCOM has urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperative in safeguarding essential infrastructure for the benefit of all Malawians.

By Nyandema Mhango

26/06/2025

Tabitha Chawinga receives RASA Award at Bingu National Stadium

Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire has honoured Malawis football star, Tabitha Chawinga with the prestigious Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) accolade during a special ceremony held at the Bingu National Stadium (BNS).

Speaking during the award presentation on Thrusday, Mkandawire described the accolade as a recognition of Malawis sports, saying Malawis sports is moving in the right direction.

“We have never had a chance of getting awards at the RASA, but this year we managed to get one and that was because of Tabitha Chawinga,” he said.

The minister said the government is committed to supporting sports initiatives, which have been included in the countrys national budget, especially sports disciplines that have been struggling for some time.

Tabitha Chawinga who was not available during the presentation ceremony this year in Zimbabwe, was represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports and was available today to receive the award.

During the ceremony at BNS, Chawinga was overjoyed at officially being decorated with the prestigious award and pleaded with upcoming young players to carry the Malawian flag and represent the nation with great prowess.

“I am very thankful to the President of Malawi and the Sports Council because of the effort they made to make this come home. This award is not just for me, it's for the whole country of Malawi and to all my fans out there,” said Chawinga.

Malawi National Council of Sports Board Chairperson, Sunduzwayo Madise said the moment should serve as a motivation and encouragement to all young athletes across the country.

“This should motivate the youths that will be taking part in this year's 11th African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games to take place in Windhoek, Namibia. Tabitha Chawingas reputation has greatly influenced many people and has encouraged many young people,” Madise said.

Madise added that the Ministry of Sports would, for the first time in history, send 165 athletes to the AUSC.

“I believe that awards like these are very encouraging and I believe that this year we are going to come back home with a great number of medals. But besides the medals, these games are created so that the youths should also network and learn from each other,” said Madise.

By Dan Mhango

26/06/2025

Kabaza Association signs Mwanza DC to strengthen cooperation

Mwanza, June 26, Mana: Kabaza Association and Mwanza District Council on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which aims at strengthening collaboration that shall see motorcycle taxi operators adhere to road safety regulations for the sake of passengers and other road users.

Chairperson of the Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders Association (MACOKASA), Moses Mwalabu applauded the MOU, saying this marked a new chapter in formalising relationship between the Kabaza operators and the authorities.

“The MOU outlines expectations around safety, discipline and legal operation of motorcycle taxi operations,” said Mwalabu.

The MOU signing took place at Mwanza District Council offices with various stakeholders, among them, officials from Mwanza Police, council representatives and district Kabaza taxi operators association leadership witnessing the event.

In an interview, Mwanza Kabaza Association Chairperson, Wilson Mpita hailed the MOU, saying the agreement will help bring order among motorcycle taxi operations.

“This is a move in the right direction. The MOU shows that we are willing to work with the council and the police to ensure that road safety regulations are adhered to all the time,” he added.

Mwanza Police Station Public Relations Officer, Hope Kasakula described the MOU as a positive move in improving road safety in the district.

“We believe this agreement will reduce accidents. It will also make it easier to engage Kabaza operators through awareness campaigns and regular dialogue,” he said.

Feston Kwezani who represented Mwanza District Commissioner during the event, commended Kabaza Operators Association for its willingness to sign the MOU with the council, noting that it will go a long way in enhancing the collaboration between the two entities.

By Cassandra Mangulama

26/06/2025

600 litres of petroleum products seized in Phalombe

Phalombe, June 26, Mana: Police in Phalombe have arrested three Mozambican nationals for illegally possessing 600 litres of petroleum products and for trying to smuggle the products into Mozambique without a permit.

Phalombe Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Jimmy Kapanja identified the suspects as Frank Chinowa, 29, from Majanga Village, Frank Laston, 25 and Charles Mwaitana, 25, both from Masala Village all from Kholomana District in Mozambique.

“The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, June 24 June, around 19:15 hours at Likangala Border Post. They wanted to bribe the police officers on duty with cash to assist them cross the border into Mozambique,” he added.

Kapanja said the police officers apprehended the suspects after realising that they were smuggling petroleum products without proper documents.

Police have since recovered 600 litres of petroleum products as the suspects will soon appear before court to answer two charges of being found with petroleum products and attempting to externalise petroleum products without permit.

Kapanja said police in the district will continue to protect petroleum products from being smuggled into Mozambique.

There are concerns over the malpractice as some people in the district, say the trend contributes to fuel scarcity in most parts as the price of fuel on the black market rises up to K9,000 per litre in some instances.

By Blessings Sabiti

26/06/2025

Ras Chikomeni withdraws from the 2025 presidential race

Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: Popular presidential aspirant, Ras Chikomeni Chirwa has confirmed that he will not appear on the 2025 presidential ballot due to his inability to meet the revised nomination fee requirement of K10 million.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Chirwa, a known advocate for grassroots political inclusion and the legalization of cannabis, disclosed that he has only raised K5 million out of the K10 million required by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

“Ill not contest. According to the new MEC electoral guidelines, I must pay the full amount of K10 million in order to obtain my nomination paper, but I have only sourced K5 million so far,” Chirwa told Mana.

Interestingly, Chirwa said the funds raised from ordinary Malawians will now be redirected to initiate a cannabis farming project, which he believes will help generate capital for his 2030 presidential bid.

“No, it is not that I will return the money to my well-wishers. They should understand that the money will be used as capital so that in 2030 we should meet MEC demands and join the contest again,” he added.

Meanwhile, MEC confirmed that as of close of business on Wednesday, no new nomination papers for the presidential race had been collected, maintaining the current list of presidential hopefuls at 14.

In a public statement, MEC encouraged all prospective candidates to utilize the pre-inspection period to verify their nomination papers with either their Constituency Returning Officers or the Commissions headquarters.

“All electoral stakeholders are free to take their nomination papers for pre-inspection by the Constituency Returning Officer at any point they are ready,” MEC said.

The Commission has scheduled the pre-inspection period from 16 to 23 July 2025, ahead of the official nomination submission window.

According to MEC, presidential candidates will submit their completed nomination papers at the Bingu International Conference Centre, while parliamentary and local government aspirants will make submissions at their respective constituency offices.

MEC has further reminded all political parties and independent contenders that the collection of nomination forms and payment of nomination fees will continue until July 30, 2025, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Among the 14 confirmed candidates are incumbent President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi Congress Party, Arthur Peter Mutharika, Democratic Progressive Party, Atupele Muluzi, United Democratic Front, Joyce Banda, Peoples Party, Dalitso Kabambe, United Transformation Movement and several independent aspirants.

By Innocent Manda

Malawi News Agency

27/06/2025

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