By Chisomo Phiri
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his full confidence in the appointment of Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, as his presidential running mate in the upcoming September general elections.
Speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), shortly after officially submitting his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Thursday,Chakwera described Mumba’s selection as both strategic and unifying choice aimed at broadening the coalition of support across the electorate.
The president urged all Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members and supporters to remain united and committed to a campaign marked by peace, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
He emphasized that unity within the party and a respectful political environment would lay a strong foundation for electoral victory and long-term national progress.
In a brief address following his appointment,Mumba expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chakwera for the confidence placed in him, particularly given the many capable contenders considered for the position.
His highlighted that his endorsement signifies a deliberate step by the president toward youth inclusion and empowerment at the highest levels of leadership,an important message to young people across the nation.
Mumba is a professional civil engineer with over 13 years working experience.He is registered with Engineering Registrion Board (Botswana) and Board of Engineers (Malawi).He has worked in the private and public sector in Malawi, Botswana and Namibia.
Having worked for contractors, consultants and the government (client/employer), he has a good understanding of the construction sector as he has worked for all the players in the construction industry.
Currently, he is the Director for Surge Infrastructure Developments Ltd. He is involved in development projects in Malawi at all stages from planning, implementation and management.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering obtained in 2006 from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS ),formerly the Polytechnic.
Mumba also possesses a Master of Business Administration from University of Stellenbosch Business School (RSA).
His slogan is ‘I don’t have Plan B, in any case, Plan B is enforcing Plan A’. His vision is to plunder hell and populate heaven in whatever he does.
His mission is to work on investments that will in the long run finance evangelism, missionary work and Pan-African ideas.
He is a Presbyterian with a charismatic approach to the gospel and believes in the Apostles Creed.
Mumba is passionate about all forms of leadership that have meaningful impact on humanity.
The civil engineer strongly believes that economic and political emancipation in this day and age is mainly dependent on Christian morals and values.
His values are spirituality (God), family, economic independence, integrity, equality, fairness, efficiency, commitment, charisma and compassion. Isaiah 43:1-4, Isaiah 61:1 and Jeremiah 1:10 are the verses where he draws his inspiration from.
He does not have any role model but combines characteristics from a number of Pan-Africans and men of God.
