Air Cargo Malawi, Ministry of Mining and all stakeholders in the industry on Friday came together for a mining indaba in Lilongwe.
The indaba was organized as one way of enhancing mining sector growth after reviewing its challenges and on how to find solution to address them.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Mining , Dr Joseph Mkandawire, has urged Malawians to take full control of the mining sector.
Dr Joseph Mkandawire PS Mining
He bemoned tendency of leaving the industry in the hands of foreigners.
“As government , we want you take full control of the industry because it is common to see people crying when foreigners are dominating the business,” he said.
Addressing the forum which was meant to discuss the critical aspect of national strategic economic component on mineral exportation, Dr Mkandawire thanked Air Cargo Malawi for showing interest in the mining sector.
He said he was happy that more stakeholders are coming in to partner with the ministry driving the national development agenda, Malawi 2063 which is being anchored on Agriculture, Tourism and Mining.
Mkandawire rebuked some people who have tendency of externalizing the mineral resources.
He said Malawi, like many African countries, is blessed with abundant mineral resources such as coal, uranium, rare earth minerals, phosphates, bauxite, kaolinitic, kayanite, limestone, gemstones, titanium, vermiculite just to mention a few. Â
He said these minerals provide immense potential job and wealth creation and socio economic growth of our country.
On promotion of best mining practices, Mkandawire said it is our responsibility to enforce good mining practices to promote sustainable mining.
As stakeholders in the mining industry, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the extraction and exportation of minerals benefit not only a few, but the entire nation.
“We must strive to maximize the value of our mineral resources while ensuring that the environment is protected and the local communities are not exploited. Transparency and accountability are paramount in mineral exportation. We must work together to combat illegal mining activities, smuggling, and corruption. By promoting good governance practices, we can build trust with our international partners and attract responsible investors who are committed to ethical practices, ” he said.
In her remarks , Aircargo Malawi Limited Thokozani Unyolo Chief executive officer commended stakeholders for coming together for the indaba.
She said the meeting was so important because it will help foster collaboration, share insights, and discuss the pivotal role each of yhe attendees play in shaping the future of the mining industry.
“Your expertise and commitment are crucial as we navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable and responsible mining practices, ” she said.
As a matter of background, Air Cargo Malawi Limited is in the logistics business. Every Friday there is an Emirates Freighter [ Cargo Plane]Â that comes to Malawi to haul exports among which are rare precious stones.
Air Cargo is in a strategic partnership with Emirates and facilitates cargo movement between Malawi and different destinations like USA, UK, Australia, UK, Hongkong and Germany.
The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) has said it will distribute 21,000 metric tonnes of maize in its custody to all its depots from next week. This came as a surprise as, in the 2022-23 rain-fed agriculture season, the grain trader did not buy maize from farmers in the country.
Admarc Chief Executive Officer Dan Makata told The Daily Times that preparations to start distributing the maize have been finalised. Makata said the maize would be sold at K600 per kilogramme. Makata confirmed that Admarc had maize in stock and that they were ready to open their markets the following week. People were advised to expect to buy maize from admarc at an affordable price as always. Admarc was drawing the SGR [Strategic Grain Reserves] maize which had been bought by the National Food Reserves Agency in 2023.
Dangers
The dangers of eating rotten food include: Meningitis. Kidney damage. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. Arthritis. Brain and nerve damage.
Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.15
What happens when your kidney function is low? A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
Maize Silos in Lilongwe
Symptoms of HUS include vomiting, bloody diarrhea (loose stool/poop), stomach pain, fever, chills, and headache. As infection progresses, persons may experience fatigue, weakness, fainting, bruising, and paleness. Hemolysis can lead to hemoglobinemia due to hemoglobin released into the blood plasma, which plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and can lead to increased risk of infection due to its inhibitory effects on the innate immune system.
Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure is fatal. You may survive a few days or weeks without treatment. If you’re on dialysis, the average life expectancy is five to 10 years. Some people can live up to 30 years on dialysis.
What are the first warning signs of kidney failure? Depending on how severe it is, loss of kidney function can cause: Nausea. Vomiting. Loss of appetite. Fatigue and weakness. Sleep problems. Urinating more or less. Decreased mental sharpness. Muscle cramps.
However, in rheumatoid arthritis the inflammation and extra fluid in a joint can cause the following problems: It can make moving the joint difficult and painful. Chemicals in the fluid can damage the bone and joint. The extra fluid can stretch the joint capsule.
The most common arthritis symptoms and signs include: Joint pain. Stiffness or reduced range of motion (how far you can move a joint). Swelling (inflammation). Skin discoloration. Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint. A feeling of heat or warmth near your joints.
Brain and nerve damage: A Listeria infection can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. If a newborn infant is infected with Listeria, long-term consequences may include mental retardation, seizures, paralysis, blindness or deafness.
Adults should see a health care provider or get emergency care if the following occur: Nervous system symptoms, such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling of skin. Changes in thinking or behavior. Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take for rotten food to make you sick?
Illness often starts in about 1 to 3 days. But symptoms can start any time from 30 minutes to 3 weeks after eating contaminated food. The length of time depends on the type of bacteria or virus causing the illness. Each person’s symptoms may vary.
Conclusion
In December, Malawi’s government banned the import of unmilled maize grain from Kenya and Tanzania because of concerns that the spread of MLN could wipe out the country’s staple crop. The ministry of agriculture said the disease has no treatment and can cause up to 100% yield loss.
It is therefore ironical to see our own actions when admarc sold rotten Maize to its own people, ignoring all the dangers attached to rotten I’ll food. People who say they hate rotten food but always sell the same rotten food? They are engaging in hypocrisy, or behavior that is different from what they say they believe. We have a hypocrite government is a which practices hypocrisy: what they say is not what they do.
Thugs armed with stones, panga knives and catapults who were reportedly wearing masks in order to disguise themselves have damaged cars and scattered Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members who gathered on Saturday 24 February, 2024 at Mbowe filling Station in Lilongwe.
A lorry number plate “LA 9108” was spotted carrying thugs at Mbowe filling station where DPP members who were gathered in readiness for their Blue Convoy Parade.
Some DPP members have been severely hacked and their personal cars badly damaged in the fracas.
The DPP members planned to hold their peaceful road shows sensitising people the importance of registering for the coming 2025 election and obtaining a national ID.
DPP senior officials have said that they do not doubt that the fracas has been caused by Malawi Congress (MCP).
In the meantime, Malawi Police have arrived at the scene but have not said anything yet.
One of the DPP law makers, Victor Musowa, who was also present at the scene said they have followed all procedures notifying and lodging a complaint to police on the matter.
Decade gone now when Malawi has seen a lot of its citizens living the diaspora taking a genuine interest in the politics of the Country. One such name is Chalo Mvula, a UK based politician who currently leads the Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Network (MCPDN). We sat down with Chalo to grasp his views on a number of important issues affecting Malawi
What is the role of Malawi Diaspora in changing the economic fortunes of Malawi?
Chalo: The Malawi Diaspora plays a crucial role in changing the economic fortunes of Malawi through various means. Remittances from Malawians living abroad contribute significantly to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and household incomes, thus stimulating consumption and investment. Additionally, members of the diaspora often bring valuable skills, knowledge, and connections back to Malawi, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology transfer. Furthermore, they can act as ambassadors for Malawi, attracting investment and fostering trade partnerships. By leveraging their financial, human, and social capital, the Malawi Diaspora can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in their home country
Politically, is there room for the diaspora in Malawi Politics?
Chalo: In recent years, Malawi has taken steps to engage its diaspora politically. The Malawi government has shown openness to involving diaspora members in national development initiatives and even explored the possibility of diaspora voting rights. However, challenges such as logistical issues and differing political perspectives have hindered full integration. While some diaspora members have expressed interest in participating in Malawi’s political landscape, formal mechanisms for their direct involvement remain limited. Nonetheless, the potential for diaspora influence in Malawian politics is recognized, and ongoing dialogue and initiatives seek to further incorporate their perspectives and expertise in shaping the nation’s political future
Chalo Mvula
What challenges do you as leaders of the diaspora find in engaging leaders back home?
Chalo: Leaders of the diaspora encounter various challenges when engaging with leaders back home. These hurdles include limited channels for meaningful dialogue, differing cultural and political contexts, and potential mistrust or skepticism from local leaders. Moreover, navigating complex bureaucratic processes and legal frameworks presents additional obstacles. Building trust, understanding local dynamics, and overcoming logistical and cultural barriers are crucial for diaspora leaders to effectively engage with their counterparts back home and contribute meaningfully to the development and progress of their home country
You have been the Chairperson of Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Network for sometime now, what role do you think the diaspora will play in Malawi General elections in 2025 and do you think MCP stands a chance of winning ?
Chalo: I believe that the diaspora will play a significant role in the 2025 Malawi General elections. The diaspora can contribute by raising awareness, mobilizing support, and even providing financial resources for their respective political parties. Their influence may extend to campaigning, leveraging their networks and resources to reach voters both within and outside the country. Regarding the MCP’s chances of being reelected, it’s essential to consider various factors, including the party’s performance, public sentiment, and the political landscape closer to the election. While it’s challenging to predict election outcomes, the MCP’s prospects will depend on its ability to address citizens’ concerns, deliver on promises, and effectively communicate its vision for Malawi’s future. Looking at how the party has performed, as part of the Tonse Alliance,there is no reason to doubt that it will be back in power.
What is your assessment of President Chakwera’s performance since he came into power?
Chalo: President Lazarus Chakwera has faced significant challenges since assuming office, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and global geopolitical tensions. Despite these obstacles, he has made notable strides in various areas. His administration has prioritized combating corruption, promoting good governance, focus of food security and implementing necessary changes aimed at fostering transparency and accountability. Additionally, efforts to improve the business environment and attract investment have been evident, as well as initiatives to strengthen healthcare, education, and infrastructure. President Chakwera’s commitment to strengthening international relations and pursuing regional cooperation has also been noteworthy. However, some critics argue that progress has been slow, and expectations for rapid change have not been fully met. Nevertheless, considering the complex circumstances inherited from the previous administration, President Chakwera’s efforts toward long-term systemic improvements are notable, and his performance reflects a concerted effort to address the challenges facing Malawi.
What’s the economic catalyst that can trigger Malawi economy to improve. Despite IMF restarting the economic facility,is there any economic blueprint that Malawi should follow from now going into the future? And can the diaspora help in anything?
Chalo: To improve Malawi’s economy, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Prioritizing agricultural modernization and value addition can enhance productivity, create jobs, and boost exports. Investing in infrastructure, particularly in energy and transportation, can improve connectivity and facilitate trade. Additionally, promoting a conducive business environment, including streamlined regulations and incentives for investment, can spur economic growth. Embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices can also drive innovation and attract international support. Moving forward, Malawi could benefit from a comprehensive economic blueprint focusing on diversification, industrialization, and human capital development. The diaspora can contribute through knowledge transfer, investment, and fostering trade relations, as well as supporting skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives. By leveraging the diaspora’s expertise and resources, Malawi can tap into additional avenues for economic growth and resilience.
What should Malawi expect from you ,Chalo Mvula? Is the future Politics ? Are you coming back home or forever diaspora?
Chalo: I am deeply committed to contributing to Malawi’s progress and prosperity, whether from within the country or as part of the diaspora. My love for Malawi and my desire to see positive change go beyond physical location. I envision a future where Malawi experiences significant improvements in various areas, including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and economic development. I am pro-business and advocate for both local and foreign investment to spur growth and opportunity for all Malawians. President Chakwera’s efforts to lay strong foundations for a more prosperous Malawi are commendable, and I am eager to play a role as a patriotic citizen in supporting these initiatives. Whether that role involves frontline politics or other forms of civic engagement, my commitment to contributing to a better future for Malawi remains steadfast. As Malawians, we all share the responsibility of working towards a more prosperous and equitable nation
Malawi’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been a vital source of funding for local development projects in the country get.
The CDF is a government initiative that aims to empower Members of Parliament (MPs) to address the needs of their constituents and support local development projects.
In the latest development, the Malawi government has announced an increase in the CDF allocation, doubling it from 100 million Kwacha to 200 million Kwacha for the upcoming financial year of 2024/25.
Chithyola, delivered budget
This significant increase in funding has been met with resounding applause from all MPs, both from the ruling party and the opposition.
The Minister of Finance, Felix Chithyola, received a standing ovation from MPs across the political spectrum for this announcement, highlighting the bipartisan support for the decision.
The CDF plays a crucial role in empowering MPs to address the needs of their constituents and support local development initiatives. The fund is instrumental in funding various projects, such as infrastructure development, healthcare facilities, education initiatives, and other community-driven projects.
By increasing the CDF allocation, the government is providing MPs with more resources to make a meaningful impact on the communities they represent.
In a country like Malawi, where access to basic services and infrastructure is limited in many areas, the CDF serves as a lifeline for communities in need.
The fund allows MPs to prioritize local development projects, respond to community needs, and drive positive change at the grassroots level. With the increase in funding, MPs will have the resources necessary to address a wider range of issues and implement more impactful projects in their constituencies.
The announcement of the increased CDF allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to grassroots development and empowering MPs to make a difference in their constituencies.
By providing MPs with more resources, the government is enabling them to act as effective representatives for their constituents and drive sustainable development in their communities.
The decision to double the CDF allocation has been met with widespread approval from MPs, who see it as a significant step towards supporting local development efforts and addressing the needs of their constituents.
The standing ovation given to Minister Chithyola reflects the appreciation and support for this move, highlighting the unity and collaboration between MPs from different political parties.
With the increased funding, MPs will be able to embark on more ambitious projects, improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare services, and support education initiatives in their constituencies. The CDF serves as a crucial tool for local development and empowerment, and the government’s decision to boost its allocation will have a positive impact on communities across Malawi.
As the country moves forward into the 2024/25 financial year, the increased CDF allocation will provide MPs with the resources they need to drive meaningful change and make a tangible difference in the lives of their constituents.
This move represents a significant investment in grassroots development and underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local communities and fostering sustainable growth.
In conclusion, the decision to raise the Constituency Development Fund to 200 million Kwacha is a welcome development that will empower MPs to support local development projects and address the needs of their constituents.
The bipartisan support for this decision reflects the unity and collaboration among MPs in striving towards a common goal of driving positive change and sustainable development in Malawi.
With the increased funding, MPs are poised to make a significant impact on their communities and contribute to the overall development and well-being of the country.
