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Ministry of foreign affairs embraces digitalisation

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By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step towards improving its service delivery by partnering with the Department of E-Government to digitalise diplomatic protocol services.

The partnership aims to bring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, aligning with Malawi’s vision for a more digitalised and technologically advanced public service.

During the signing ceremony of the project document, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mwayiwawo McLloyd Polepole emphasized the need to embrace digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and user satisfaction. “This initiative is crucial in enhancing our service delivery and ensuring that we provide the best possible services to our stakeholders,” Polepole said.



The digitalisation project aligns with Malawi 2063, particularly the pillar on Digitalisation and ICT, which emphasizes the importance of smart public service in accelerating economic transformation and strengthening governance.

By leveraging technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can streamline its processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve the overall quality of service delivery.

Principal Secretary for the Department of E-Government, Stephen Mjuweni, said the agreement seeks to eliminate paper-based processes in the current manual system. “The digitalisation initiative aims to address challenges previously faced by the diplomatic community, including delays and inefficiencies in service delivery,” Mjuweni added.

The project will allow diplomatic missions and international organizations to access protocol services such as accreditation of diplomats, issuance of diplomatic IDs, and processing of duty-free exemptions.

This will not only improve the efficiency of service delivery but also enhance the overall experience of diplomats and international organizations operating in Malawi.

The digitalisation of diplomatic protocol services is a significant step towards modernising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operations.

By embracing technology, the ministry can improve its responsiveness to the needs of diplomats and international organizations, promoting a more favorable business environment and strengthening diplomatic relations.

The partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of E-Government demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve public service delivery. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Malawians and the country’s economic development.

The digitalisation initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving development goals.

By working together, government institutions can share expertise and resources, leading to more effective and efficient service delivery.

As the project moves forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of E-Government will work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation process.

The digitalisation of diplomatic protocol services has the potential to transform the way the ministry operates, making it more responsive, efficient, and effective in serving the needs of diplomats and international organizations.

The partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of E-Government marks a significant milestone in the digitalisation of diplomatic protocol services.

The initiative has the potential to improve efficiency, transparency, and user satisfaction, aligning with Malawi’s vision for a more digitalised and technologically advanced public service.

As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Malawians and the country’s economic development.

MEC introduces  mobile phone voter roll verification

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By Chisomo Phiri

As one way of advancing the electoral process ahead of the 16 September 2025 General Elections,Malawi Electoral Commission( MEC) has introduced a mobile phone voters’ roll verification. 

Speaking during a meeting with traditional and religious leaders from Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaledzera and Nyambalo in Phalombe District on Wednesday, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja said the Short Message Service (SMS) voter verification platform will be conducted by all the country’s major mobile phone network providers.

Mtalimanja


She said registered voters are expected to verify their details by dialling *2509*and entering voter certificate identification number.

The MEC Chairperson said the mobile phone free voter verification number will commence on 5 May,2025   ahead of the first phase of the exercise slated for 13 to 15 May 2025.

The exercise is expected to be conducted in three phases across the country.

Court sends MPS procurement case to Chief Justice

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By Chisomo Phiri

The High Court’s Financial Crimes Division in Lilongwe on Wednesday referred an alleged K18 billion procurement case involving the Malawi Prison Service(MPS ) and former cabinet ministers Nicholas Dausi and Joseph Mwanamveka, along with three others to the Chief Justice for constitutional review.

In the court room,Judge Violet Chipao ordered the trial to proceed unless the Chief Justice rules on the constitutional question raised by Mwanamveka’s defense.

Mwanamveka’s defense argues that, as Finance Minister, he legally approved extra-budgetary funds upon request from a government department. 



They contend this action is consistent with the Constitution but conflicts with the Public Finance Management Act.

Previously, the state offered to make Mwanamveka a witness, but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Masauko Chamkakala, did not issue a certificate of discharge. 

Therefore, Mwanamveka remains a defendant.

The other accused in the case include former Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security, Samuel Madula, Chief Director Kennedy Nkhoma, and Senior Deputy Director Patricia Liabuba. 

They are accused of approving the purchase of prison supplies—including socks, underwear, steel plates, cups, handcuffs, belts, and whistles—from the UAE-based firm One Guard FZE at inflated prices, between February 2019 and June 2020.

Chakwera tours Hotel projects in Lilongwe

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By Linda Kwanjana

Malawi leader, President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, says the country has the potential to make it big as a tourist destination by establishing the right infrastructure.

President Chakwera made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon when he inspected the construction progress of the new state of the art 4 h star Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls at the Lilongwe Golf Club in Lilongwe City.

Speaking to the media, the Malawi leader said he was impressed with the construction works.

Chakwera at Protea construction site



“This is an elegant project and it’s helping us actually move together in partnership, being able to rally all the money we can, create the jobs we can, and be sure that together we can truly make Malawi a tourist destination,” he said.

Well-developed infrastructure not only beautifies cities but also helps to enhance tourist experiences, boosts economic growth, attracts investments, and creates job opportunities in the tourism sector.

The President Chakwera led administration has set it’s sights on developing Malawi through the three pillars, Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy.

The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Chakwera tours Hotel projects in Lilongwe

0

By Linda Kwanjana

Malawi leader, President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, says the country has the potential to make it big as a tourist destination by establishing the right infrastructure.

President Chakwera made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon when he inspected the construction progress of the new state of the art 4 h star Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls at the Lilongwe Golf Club in Lilongwe City.

Speaking to the media, the Malawi leader said he was impressed with the construction works.

Chakwera at Protea construction site



“This is an elegant project and it’s helping us actually move together in partnership, being able to rally all the money we can, create the jobs we can, and be sure that together we can truly make Malawi a tourist destination,” he said.

Well-developed infrastructure not only beautifies cities but also helps to enhance tourist experiences, boosts economic growth, attracts investments, and creates job opportunities in the tourism sector.

The President Chakwera led administration has set it’s sights on developing Malawi through the three pillars, Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy.

The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.