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Standard Bank Plc posts impressive K42.4 billion after-tax profit

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By Chisomo Phiri

One of the country’s top financial institutions, Standard Bank Plc, has announced an impressive after-tax profit of K42.4 billion for the first half of 2024, marking a significant 57% increase. The bank’s head of personal and private banking, Charity Mughogho, shared this exciting news during an investor briefing in Lilongwe on Monday morning.

Mughogho attributed the remarkable achievement to the innovative solutions the bank has introduced to its customers, which have been a key driver of the high returns.



She also acknowledged that the forex shortage remains a challenge, despite the recent influx of tobacco market revenues.

Nevertheless, Mughogho highlighted that the import cover has improved substantially, now standing at around 2.3 months.

Standard Bank Plc, previously known as the Commercial Bank of Malawi, was registered as a commercial bank on March 15, 1969.

The bank’s start-up share capital was K2.5 million and the founder shareholders were the Malawi Development Corporation (20%), Press Holdings Limited (20%) and Banco Pinto Sotto Mayor (60%).

Its first branch was opened in Limbe on 11 April 1970.

Chakwera meets His Holiness Pope Francis

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By Cedric Nkungula

In a historic official visit to Rome, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Monday 19th August 2024 met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the progress of bilateral relations between Malawi and the Holy See, drawing both on historical ties between the two States and on their shared unique place in the global community as the only Heads of State whose formal training is in Theology and Philosophy and whose transition to leadership in the State emanated from their leadership in the Church.

Pope Francis and President Chakwera



In his remarks, President Chakwera conveyed to His Holiness the Pope his great delight in having an audience with him, stressing that he had come not only representing the Malawian people, a significant portion of which are Catholics, but also as a student and disciple eager to continue learning about servant-leadership that puts the needs of the people first.

President Chakwera also used the meeting to commend Pope Francis for his leadership in matters of global concern, such as climate change and rising economic inequality, advocating for partnership between the two States.

On a personal note, the Malawi leader also expressed his sadness and condolences to His Holiness on the recent tragic passing of Former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, whom the Pope had met in 2016.

Chakwera described late Dr. Chilima as “a devout Catholic and a source of inspiration for millions of Malawians”, and thanked the Pontif for the exceptional leadership and ministry of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi in shepherding Malawians through the daze of shock, grief, and confusion that followed the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of the Vice President and right others on June 10th.

For his part, Pope Francis expressed great joy at meeting the President and pronounced his blessing upon him and the people of Malawi, pledging support for and solidarity with Malawi’s quest for greater prosperity and peace.

His Holiness the Pope also directed that the Vatican’s Secretary of State meet the President before his departure from the Holy See, not only to make further progress on how the relations between Malawi and the Vatican can be strengthened, but to also to see to it that the President was conducted on a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica for a moment of prayer for Malawi-Vatican relations.

Chomanika describes Thyolo accident as heart-wrenching

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By Chisomo Phiri

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Owen Chomanika, has expressed his deepest condolences following a devastating accident at Thaboni market in Thyolo, describing it as “heart-wrenching”.

According to reports, a lorry’s brakes failed, causing it to sweep through the market, resulting in a tragic loss of life and injury.

After visiting the bereaved families and patients on Sunday, Chomanika reported that eight people had lost their lives, 12 were in critical condition, and 30 had been admitted to nearby Fatima hospital in Nsanje.

Chomanika visiting some of the victims



He also shared that one of the victims, a pregnant woman, had succumbed to her injuries, but miraculously, her baby girl had survived and was doing well in the hospital.

Chomanika noted that Fatima hospital was facing a shortage of medical supplies due to the influx of victims, but assured that the government had promptly liaised with the health ministry headquarters to provide emergency support and basic supplies.

The deputy minister also announced that the government had provided coffins for the eight deceased individuals, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the affected families during this difficult time.

Lilongwe Youth NGOs to host International Youth Day on August 24

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By Chisomo Phiri

Lilongwe-based youth Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in collaboration with Lilongwe District Council Youth Office have organized an International Youth Day to be held on August 24, 2024, at Chilimampunga Ground in Ntandire, Lilongwe.

International Youth Day is an annual celebration that brings attention to youth issues and celebrates the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

Bridget Chaponda

In an interview with 247 Malawi News, the event’s publicity and marketing personnel, Bridget Chaponda, said the guests of honor for this year’s event is the Mayor of Lilongwe City, Esther Sagawa, and the District Commissioner, Lawford Palani.

She said the event promises to be an exciting one, with activities such as innovation awards, music, drama, dance, and a big walk.

According to Chaponda, over 58 youth organizations and several international organizations will attend the event, making it a significant gathering of young people from different backgrounds and sectors.

“On behalf of the Lilongwe City Council Youth Office and all the youth organizations that have come together to host this event, we extend an invitation to local and international organizations to join us by partnering with us or providing moral, material, and financial support.

“We want to make this 2024 international youth day event, a memorable one in the history of Lilongwe city council youth office , and your support would be valuable.

“We also invite all youth around Lilongwe to participate and experience this memorable day. If you are from a nearby district and have means of transport, you are also welcome to join us.

“For more information, please email yofonat@gmail.com.

“Let us come together to celebrate the potential of youth and make a positive impact on our community,” she said.

Fatsani Chione publishes book

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By Chisomo Phiri

A 28-year-old writer and spoken word artist from Dedza, currently based in Zomba, Fatsani Chione has published a book titled “An Ace of Death”.

In an exclusive interview with our journalist, Chisomo Phiri, Chione said “An Ace of Death” is a thought-provoking book that explores various issues affecting the youth, including hope, love, searching for meaning, unemployment, politics, and marriage.

Fatsani Chione



He stated that the motivation for writing the book was to share experiences, both personal and fictional, to inspire reflection and potentially spark change.

Chione mentioned that the book was launched on August 16, 2024, via Google Meet, with Mr. D. Kalinde, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Languages at Domasi College, as the guest speaker.

He added that readers can obtain a copy of the book by contacting him directly on 0881780057 or 0997765159.

“The book is available for delivery via courier service, making it easily accessible to readers across the country,” he said.

The young writer observed a significant progress in Malawi’s writing industry, with many young writers publishing their works.

“This growth is a remarkable development compared to previous years, and I am proud to be a part of it,” he said.

Chione then encouraged readers to support Malawian writers by purchasing their works, promoting the arts.

He said he believes that by supporting local writers, readers can help grow the industry and create a vibrant literary scene in Malawi.