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Board sets policy targets to improve ESCOM service delivery

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Board sets policy targets to improve ESCOM service delivery

By Linda Kwanjana

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited Board Chairperson, Alfred Nhlema, says the Board has set clear policy targets aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, improving fault response times, and restoring public confidence in the Corporation.

In an interview on the sidelines of Board orientation at ESCOM Mpemba Training Centre in Blantyre on Monday, Nhlema acknowledged that persistent operational challenges particularly shortages of mobility and technical resources have continued to undermine service reliability and delay fault clearance across the country.


He said the Board has responded by repositioning operational performance as a top strategic and enterprise risk, subject to direct Board-level oversight.

Nhlema said this will include close monitoring of fault response times, maintenance backlogs, and overall network reliability.

“To improve service delivery, the Board has realigned institutional priorities to ensure that frontline operations are adequately supported. This includes ring-fencing resources for mobility, accelerating procurement of critical spares, and shifting the organisation towards a more preventive maintenance approach,” he said.

Nhlema added that accountability remains a cornerstone of the Board’s policy direction and as such, the Board will strengthen performance contracting arrangements by directly linking executive and management performance to service restoration times, network uptime, and customer responsiveness.

On execution, the Board Chairperson said ESCOM will focus on improving discipline across the organisation by clarifying priorities, reducing bureaucratic delays, and empowering management to act decisively within clear governance controls.

In addition to policy and resource alignment, Nhlema outlined a robust performance monitoring framework that the Board will enforce to ensure timely fault resolution and improved customer experience across all regions.

The framework includes Board-approved service standards for fault response and restoration times, network availability, and customer complaint resolution. A balanced scorecard with a strong emphasis on operational performance and customer experience will enable consistent regional performance assessment.

“Performance contracts will be cascaded from the Chief Executive Officer to regional managers, directly linking accountability to fault resolution timelines and customer service outcomes. Standardized dashboards and reporting systems will also be introduced to provide real-time visibility on faults, restoration performance, fleet availability, and customer feedback,” said Nhlema.

Nhlema added that regular Board operational reviews and consequent management mechanisms will ensure underperformance is addressed promptly, while best practices are scaled across the Corporation.

“In essence, the Board’s focus is to ensure that governance decisions translate into tangible operational improvements. Our objective is to restore service reliability and rebuild public confidence through measurable, visible outcomes that customers can feel,” said Nhlema.

Msaka lauds WFP’s role in boosting education through school feeding programme

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Msaka lauds WFP’s role in boosting education through school feeding programme

By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has commended the World Food Programme (WFP) for its continued support to Malawi, particularly through the School Feeding Programme, which he describes as a key investment in the country’s future.

The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a WFP delegation to the Ministry’s headquarters.



Msaka highlighted the programme’s impact, noting that it has contributed to higher school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and improved academic performance.

“This initiative not only helps children escape poverty but also invests in the citizens of tomorrow,” he said.

The minister also praised WFP’s homegrown approach to implementation, saying it promotes sustainability and encourages ownership by schools and local communities.

He assured the delegation that the government remains committed to supporting and collaborating with WFP to ensure the programme continues.

On his part,WFP Country Director and Representative  Hyoung-Joon Lim described the School Feeding Programme as a strategic entry point for broader national development, emphasizing its role in building healthy and well-educated human capital.

Lim encouraged the government to take full ownership of the programme and work towards establishing a national school feeding system that reaches all schoolchildren by 2030, in line with national policy goals.

Since 1999, WFP has provided meals to 825,000 schoolchildren across 788 primary schools and 140 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Malawi.

Yinhua’s corruption trial adjourned to March 2026

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Yinhua’s corruption trial adjourned to March 2026



By Chisomo Phiri

The High Court in Lilongwe on Tuesday January 13,2026 adjourned to March 10, 2026, the case in which convicted wildlife crimes and money laundering offender Lin Yinhua faces seven charges related to corruption and abuse of public office.

Making the adjustment,High Court Judge Redson Kapindu  issued directions for the conduct of the case, which is scheduled to run for three days, from March 10 to 12, 2026.

Kapindu directed that within 14 days, the defence must identify a competent interpreter to facilitate communication between the client and counsel.



He also instructed that within seven days, the Assistant Registrar of the court should ensure that Messrs Maele Law Practice files a written notice confirming that it no longer represents the accused.

The judge further ruled that the prosecution must, within 14 days, ensure the High Court file contains all required disclosures, which are to be served to the defence along with the supporting materials.

On his part,Anti-Corruption Bureau(ACB)Principal Legal and Prosecution Officer Peter Sambani said the state is ready to present its witnesses when the case resumes in March.

Yinhua is accused, among other charges, of offering K30 million to Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda, then officer in charge of Maula Prison, to influence Chief Resident Magistrate Violet Chipao, who was presiding over his wildlife and money laundering case, to give him a reduced sentence while he was on remand in 2019.

Kambanje lauds Mutharika’s first 100 days in office

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Kambanje lauds Mutharika’s first 100 days in office

By Chisomo Phiri

Human rights activist Edward Kambanje has praised president Arthur Peter Mutharika’s performance during his first 100 days in office, citing what he describes as notable progress in food security, fuel availability, price stability of basic commodities, and merit-based public appointments.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Kambanje said Malawi has never lacked critics, but often struggles to separate constructive truth from what he termed as noise.

He warned that jealousy can sometimes disguise itself as advice and cautioned against allowing pessimism to overshadow national progress.

Mutharika



“Not every loud voice carries wisdom, and not every grey hair signifies weakness,” said Kambanje.

He called on Malawians to choose unity and progress over division and stagnation.

The human rights activist commended the president for sustaining food availability, which he said has helped ensure that many Malawians have access to stable food supplies.

He also noted a reduction in prices of some essential commodities, such as cooking oil, which he said has brought relief to many households.

On fuel availability, Kambanje observed that service stations remained adequately supplied, even during the festive season when demand is traditionally high.

He contrasted the situation with previous years, saying the country did not experience chaos, fighting, or prolonged struggles to access fuel.

“The difference compared to last year is clear. This time around, there was no widespread disorder at fuel stations,” said Kambanje.

He further applauded what he described as the president’s commitment to merit-based appointments in public office.

The human rights activist cited the recent appointment of Henry Mathanga as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi(RBM), responsible for economic affairs, as an example.

According to Kambanje, Mathanga’s appointment reflects a focus on experience and competence, noting that he previously held a similar position in 2019.

He questioned why Mathanga’s qualifications were being challenged, arguing that his return to the role demonstrates continuity and confidence in his professional track record.

“He is a qualified individual with proven experience, making him suitable for the position,” said Kambanje .

The human rights activist urged Malawians and relevant authorities to support the president Mutharika in his efforts to shape the country’s future, warning that the consequences of poor advice are often borne by the poor.

Kambanje concluded by calling on citizens to embrace unity, wisdom, and courage in nation-building.

“Let us move forward as one people, focused on progress rather than noise,” he said.

Mutharika has been president of this country  since emerged victorious in the September 16  presidential election last year.

FDH Bank gives K50 million food aid through BEAM Trust

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FDH Bank gives K50 million food aid through BEAM Trust

By Linda Kwanjana

FDH Bank plc has given maize flour worth K50 million to the Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) to help address the food shortages facing families affected by the recent floods across the country.

The donation was handed over to the First Lady of Malawi and BEAM Matron, Gertrude Mutharika, during a ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday.

The consignment comprises 2,820 bags of maize flour, including 1,420 bags of five kilogrammes each and 1,400 bags of 10 kilogrammes each.



The maize flour will be distributed to flood-affected households through BEAM’s humanitarian response programme.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, FDH Managing Director, Noel Mkulichi said the Bank was moved to act following the First Lady’s call for support to assist Malawians who have been severely affected by the floods.

“The heavy and persistent rains have caused widespread destruction, leaving many families without homes and food. As a responsible corporate citizen, FDH felt compelled to come forward and contribute towards easing the suffering of the affected communities,” said Mkulichi.

He said FDH Bank views its role as extending beyond financial services to national development and the welfare of Malawians.

“We believe that our responsibility goes far beyond banking. We are partners in national development and the wellbeing of our people. When communities suffer, we all feel the impact, and when they recover, the whole nation becomes stronger,” he said.

In her remarks, Mutharika commended FDH Bank for demonstrating compassion and urgency in assisting flood-affected families.

“I am grateful to FDH Bank for responding so promptly. This contribution will make a real difference to families who are struggling to put food on the table after losing so much to the floods,” she said

Mutharika added that BEAM is mobilising resources to deliver immediate relief as affected communities work to recover.

“Our goal is to ensure that no family is left without support in this period of hardship. With partners like FDH Bank, we are able to extend help to more people and restore a sense of dignity to those in need,” she said.

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