Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has launched the Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS) and Land Information Management System (LIMS) at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC).
In his address, President Chakwera emphasized the significance of these systems in revolutionizing governance and promoting economic prosperity in the country. He highlighted the pivotal role played by various government departments, including the Department of E-Government, the National Registration Bureau, and the Department of Innovation and Creativity, in spearheading the implementation of these initiatives.
Chakwera at the Launch
“These systems mark a significant milestone in our journey towards efficient governance and economic development,” stated President Chakwera. “They will streamline business registration processes, ensure effective land management, and enhance access to crucial information for all Malawian citizens.”
President Chakwera highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, emphasizing the need for seamless integration of these systems to optimize their functionality. He urged stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and adhere to ethical standards in their utilization of these digital platforms.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has contributed K2.5 million towards this year’s Wealth Woman Summit slated for Friday and Saturday in Lilongwe.
Speaking after presenting the Cheque to the Summit organisers on Wednesday, NBM Plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the Bank considered partnering with Wealth Magazine as it commits to fostering female representation in leadership positions and providing equal opportunities for career growth.
Hiwa presenting the Cheque
“Critically, this summit, organized by Wealth Magazine, serves as a platform to champion the cause of diversity, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to thrive.”
“Currently, 41 percent of our total staff members are female, and 28 percent of our managers are female. National Bank of Malawi plc will sponsor this Summit with a contribution of K2.5 million, demonstrating our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion,” said Hiwa.
CEO Africa Roundtable Malawi Chapter and Board Member, George Damson thanked the Bank for supporting the fourth edition of the summit celebrated under the theme ‘Inspiring Inclusion’.
“We are very thankful that the National Bank recognizes that inclusion is a very important aspect in today’s world. Organizing this summit is our way of making sure that we bring to the fore the issue of inclusion,” said Damson.
Organized by CEO Africa Round Table Malawi Chapter, the summit fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to society.
In the heart of Balaka district, a quiet revolution is underway. Child neglect and divorces have led to a growing number of children being forced into the streets, but one family is determined to change that narrative. The Tigawane family, under the Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust, is on a mission to rescue these vulnerable children and give them a chance at a better future.
During the district’s international day of education commemoration, Balaka police victim support unit coordinator, Robert Njalam’manu, revealed that child neglect and divorces are the main reasons behind the increasing number of children living on the streets. These children face untold hardships and dangers, but the Tigawane family is shining a light of hope in their lives.
One such child is seventeen-year-old Rose Langwani, a student at Andiamo Secondary School. Rose found herself on the streets after her parents divorced, leaving her with no one to turn to. The Tigawane family stepped in and rescued her, providing her with a safe home and the opportunity to continue her education. Despite the challenges she has faced, Rose dreams of becoming a medical doctor and is determined to make her aspirations a reality.
The deputy director of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust, Alessandro Marchetti, shared that they are currently housing around 30 children who have been rescued from the streets. These children are given a second chance at life, a chance to dream and pursue their passions. Marchetti emphasized that with more resources, they could accommodate even more children and make an even greater impact on their lives.
The work of the Tigawane family is not just about providing shelter and education to these children; it is about restoring their dignity and giving them hope for the future. Through their unconditional love and support, they are showing these children that they are valued and deserving of a better life.
The stories of children like Rose serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that exists within every child, no matter their circumstances. The Tigawane family is not just changing the lives of these children; they are changing the narrative of Balaka district. They are showing that with compassion and dedication, a brighter future is possible for every child.
As we reflect on the work of the Tigawane family, let us be inspired to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in our own communities. Let us stand up against child neglect and provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children to thrive. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to dream and succeed.
In a bid to alleviate the hunger crisis facing families in Mzimba, the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) has partnered with the Scottish Catholic International Aid fund (SCIAF) to implement an emergency cash transfer intervention. With a funding of K475 million, this initiative aims to provide support to 400 families in Mzimba who are currently facing food insecurity.
Speaking at a press conference in Mzimba, Daniel Zimba, the CADECOM Mzuzu diocese coordinator, highlighted the importance of this intervention in addressing the needs of vulnerable households in the district. He explained that the K40 million allocated for Mzimba will be disbursed through mobile money transfers, with each beneficiary receiving K100,000 to help them meet their immediate food needs.
Daniel Zimba
The decision to implement this emergency cash transfer intervention was based on the findings of the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, which revealed that a staggering 153,000 people in Mzimba district are currently food insecure. This alarming statistic underscored the urgent need for additional support to ensure that families in the region do not go hungry.
Shadreck Mingo, the social welfare officer responsible for social cash transfer at Mmbelwa district council, praised the collaboration between CADECOM, SCIAF, and the government in addressing the hunger crisis in Mzimba. He emphasized that initiatives like this emergency cash transfer intervention play a crucial role in complementing the efforts of the government to provide relief to vulnerable households during lean periods.
The impact of the emergency cash transfer intervention in Mzimba is expected to be profound, as families grappling with food insecurity will now have access to much-needed financial support to purchase essential food items. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable households but also helps to build resilience within the community by providing them with the means to secure their own food security in the long term.
Furthermore, the partnership between CADECOM and SCIAF demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing complex challenges such as food insecurity. By pooling together their resources and expertise, these organizations are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Mzimba who are struggling to put food on the table.
As the emergency cash transfer intervention gets underway in Mzimba, the hope is that more families will be able to weather the current hunger crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges. Through initiatives like this, we are reminded of the importance of coming together as a community to support one another in times of need, and the positive impact that collective action can have on the lives of those most vulnerable among us.
In the heart of Malawi, the vibrant city of Blantyre is facing a challenging situation that is threatening the future of many young children who rely on the Mary’s Meals school feeding programme. The organization, known for its commitment to fighting hunger and providing meals to school children in need, is now expressing deep concern over the skyrocketing food inflation in the country, which is putting a strain on their resources and ability to continue feeding those who rely on them.
During the unveiling of Lawi as Brand Ambassador for Mary’s Meals, the Country Director, Angela Chipeta-Khonje, spoke boldly about the impact that the rising food inflation is having on their ability to reach and feed the most vulnerable children in Malawi. With food inflation currently at a staggering 43 percent, the cost of providing meals to school children has become increasingly difficult for the organization.
Angela Chipeta Khonje
Chipeta-Khonje emphasized that now, more than ever, it is crucial for the corporate world to come alongside Mary’s Meals and support their mission of feeding the children of Malawi. The organization has been a lifeline for many young students, ensuring that they receive at least one nutritious meal a day so that they can focus on their studies and thrive in school. However, with the current economic challenges, there is a real concern that the programme may not be able to sustain its operations and reach all the children who desperately need their help.
Out of the 5 million children in early childhood development and primary school in Malawi, only 2 million are currently being fed through school feeding programmes, and Mary’s Meals is providing meals to 1 million of those children. The impact of these meals goes far beyond just filling empty stomachs; it boosts attendance rates, improves academic performance, and empowers children to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued their communities for generations.
The school feeding programme run by Mary’s Meals has been a beacon of hope for many families in Malawi, giving them the assurance that their children will receive a nutritious meal each day while they attend school. For some children, this may be the only meal they have access to, making it a critical lifeline in their lives. However, with the current food inflation crisis, there is a real fear that this lifeline may be in jeopardy.
The impact of high food inflation is not just felt by Mary’s Meals, but by families across Malawi who are struggling to put food on the table. The rising cost of basic necessities like maize, cooking oil, and vegetables is making it increasingly difficult for families to afford even the most essential items. This economic strain is only exacerbating the already dire situation for many families who are living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet.
As Angela Chipeta-Khonje pleaded for support from the corporate world, she highlighted the urgent need for assistance in maintaining the school feeding programme and ensuring that every child in need is reached. The work of Mary’s Meals is essential in providing a pathway out of poverty for many children in Malawi, and without the support of donors and partners, their mission is at risk.
In a country where education is seen as a key to breaking the cycle of poverty, the importance of the school feeding programme cannot be overstated. It is not just about providing a meal; it is about giving children the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment. For many children in Malawi, Mary’s Meals is the difference between a future filled with hope and one filled with hunger and despair.
As the people of Malawi grapple with the impacts of high food inflation and economic uncertainty, the plea from Mary’s Meals is a call to action for all who believe in the power of education and the importance of investing in the future of our children. The time to act is now, before it is too late for the millions of young lives that depend on the generosity and compassion of organizations like Mary’s Meals. The future of Malawi’s children is at stake, and it is up to all of us to ensure that they have the chance to succeed and thrive.
