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TFM Centre of Excellence dangles leadership programme

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By Linda Kwanjana



The Thomson Frank Mpinganjira (TFM) Centre of Excellence has unveiled a six-month Advanced Leadership Programme designed to build resilient leaders capable of thriving in complexity and creating lasting impact within their organisations and the country.

The programme starts on March 18, 2026 at TFM Complex in Mpemba, Blantyre, combining face-to-face and online sessions to give participants flexibility and immersive engagement.

Senior Manager for TFM Centre of Excellence, Hannah Kankuzi, said the leadership programme is focused on nurturing leaders who are not only results-driven but also grounded in purpose and inclusion.

Hannah Kankuzi



“Institutions and businesses in the country are operating in times of rapid change and this programme is essential to  equipping leaders with practical knowledge, build  resilience and ethical clarity required to navigate disruption while sustaining performance,” said Kankuzi.

“The faculty brings together expertise in economics, executive coaching, leadership consulting, human capital development and management training. We want participants to build deep self-awareness and emotional intelligence so that even under pressure, they can act with integrity and inspire trust.”

“When leaders are equipped to think systematically and lead responsibly, they create long-term value for their organisations and  the country,” added Kankuzi.

According to Kankuzi, the six-month programme is priced at K5 million per participant and will accommodate a limited cohort of executives and high-potential leaders drawn from both the public and private sectors.

The TFM Centre of Excellence was established to reduce reliance on international training institutions and position Malawi as a regional hub for world-class executive education.

The state-of-the-art facility features modern conference and training rooms, executive boardrooms, advanced audiovisual technology, high-speed internet and disability-friendly infrastructure, serving corporates, government institutions, parastatals, SMEs and individual professionals.

Chaponda Calls for Action on Trade Barriers at Commonwealth Meeting in London

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By Durell Namasani



LONDON — Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. George Chaponda, has urged the Commonwealth to shift from discussion to action, calling for the implementation of concrete, time-bound programmes to dismantle trade barriers and boost economic opportunities for its developing member nations.

Speaking at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London on Sunday, Dr. Chaponda emphasized that initiatives targeting intra-Commonwealth trade are essential to unlocking the organization’s full economic potential. He stressed that such efforts are critical to ensuring that the benefits of cooperation are shared more equitably, particularly for countries like Malawi.

“We need programmes that have a clear timeline and a high impact,” Dr. Chaponda told fellow ministers gathered at Lancaster House. “Addressing trade barriers is not just an economic exercise; it is a pathway to shared prosperity for all member states, especially the most vulnerable.”

Chaponda in London



The closed-door meeting, which brought together top diplomats from across the 56-nation bloc, focused on repositioning the Commonwealth to better navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

In a show of consensus, the ministers threw their weight behind a series of reform proposals designed to boost the organisation’s efficiency. Key areas of agreement included strengthening multilateral cooperation amid global uncertainty, raising the Commonwealth’s international profile, fostering strategic partnerships, and providing enhanced support to vulnerable member states.

On the sidelines of the main event, Dr. Chaponda held discussions with several key figures, including UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

The diplomatic engagements will continue later today, as Dr. Chaponda joins King Charles III and other foreign ministers for official events marking Commonwealth Day. This year’s theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth,” closely mirrors the very points Malawi championed during the ministerial talks.

Empowering Malawi’s future leaders: A call to action

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By Burnett Munthali

Chairperson of the organizing committee, Godfrey Kambewa delivered a powerful speech, reminding the audience of the importance of empowering young women and the impact it can have on the future of Malawi.

He expressed his hope that the biggest desire of the audience would be to hear the words “well done” from the son of man when he returns, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence.

Mr. Kambewa apologized for a previous mistake, attributing it to the excitement of the moment, and introduced himself as a retired Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, though it seems there was a mix-up as Dr. Jane Ansah is the Vice President mentioned in the context.

Godfrey Kambewa


A few months ago, a group of friends, including Mr. Kambewa, came together to organize the Miss Malawi pageant, with the goal of creating an empowerment platform for building the next generation of leaders.

The event was not just about beauty, but about young women who are ready to take charge and change the country, emphasizing that the focus was on empowerment rather than just physical appearance.

The candidates, who were all exceptional young women, had unique stories and were from various schools, including Lilongwe Girls and Likuni Girls, showcasing the diversity and talent of Malawian youth.

Mr. Kambewa expressed his pride in being a part of their journey and emphasized that Malawi’s youth are capable and ready to take over, but they need to be supported and given opportunities.

He extended his gratitude to the office of the Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, thanking her for honoring the event with her presence, which was a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering young people.

Notably, Dr. Ansah has also donated K1 million kwacha to support young women, demonstrating her commitment to empowering the next generation of Malawian leaders.

Mr. Kambewa also thanked the President of Malawi, Professor Arthur, for his support and understanding of the importance of empowering young people, showing that the government believes in the potential of its youth.

He encouraged the students present to strive for greatness, saying that they were capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, and emphasized the power of one question to bring about change in their lives.

Mr. Kambewa concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Miss Malawi organization and the event organizers, thanking them for hosting the event and highlighting the importance of such platforms in empowering young women.

The event was a call to action, urging everyone to support and empower the next generation of leaders in Malawi, with the belief that they have potential to achieve great things.

Malawi Parliament Extends Warm Wishes to Women on International Women’s Day

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By Burnett Munthali

The Parliament of Malawi has extended warm and heartfelt wishes to all women in the country on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, according to a statement released by the Parliament’s communication team.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” highlights the critical role that women play in driving development and progress in their communities, and the need for continued investment in their empowerment and well-being.



The Parliament’s message acknowledges the significant contributions that women have made to Malawi’s development, from politics and economics to social and cultural spheres, and recognizes the challenges that they continue to face in their daily lives.

As the country marks this important day, the Parliament is calling on all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to promote gender equality, protect women’s rights, and address the persistent inequalities that hold women back.

The statement also notes that the Parliament is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential, and is working to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

The International Women’s Day celebrations in Malawi have been marked by various events and activities, including marches, rallies, and discussions, all aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.

As the country looks to the future, the Parliament’s message is clear: investing in women is investing in Malawi’s progress, and it is only by working together that we can build a more just and equitable society for all.

The Parliament’s warm wishes to all women in Malawi on this special day, and may your contributions to the nation’s development be recognized and valued, now and in the years to come.

‘I didn’t expect the VP to stand and sing along!’ – Esther Chitheka Nkhoma, rising star of Malawian Gospel Music



By Burnett Munthali

In a captivating exclusive interview with 247 Malawi, Esther Chitheka Nkhoma, the undiscovered talent in gospel music, opens up about her electrifying performance at the Women’s World Day of Prayer celebrations at Pearl Conference Center in Lilongwe.

Esther, a member of the renowned Chitheka family, took the stage by storm, performing two powerful songs, “Okongola” (“Beautiful”) and “Odala Munthu” (“Blessed Man”), a classic originally done by her mother, Apostle Chitheka. But it was her interaction with Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah that left her beaming with joy.

Esther Chitheka Nkhoma



“I was overwhelmed seeing the VP stand and sing along with me in the second song,” Esther says, still in awe. “I didn’t expect her to do that. It showed me her humbleness and love for God. It was amazing!”

Esther’s music reflects her life, shaped by growing up in a family of musicians and her faith in God. “The message in ‘Okongola’ is that we don’t have to change for anybody else,” she explains. “We are all different, and in our difference, we are beautiful. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. We are all beautiful just the way we are.”

Her performance celebrated women’s empowerment and resilience. “I came here to celebrate women in Malawi and listen to their stories,” she says. “I’ve learned so much from the Vice President and other panelists. We face challenges, but we need to move on and push forward. We need to be strong.”

Esther’s journey is a testament to her determination and passion. Growing up left-handed, she taught herself to play musical instruments and has traveled the world with Zathu Band, performing in the UK, Netherlands, and other countries.

With her debut music release set for March 2026, Esther says, “Let’s be bold, despite what we go through. We must push forward.”

In a world where comparisons and self-doubt can be overwhelming, Esther Chitheka Nkhoma’s music is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that we are all beautiful just the way we are.

Esther Chitheka Nkhoma