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Standard Bank donates K17.2 million to Malawi Investment and Trade Forum

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By Chisomo Phiri

One of the country’s top financial institutions Standard Bank plc has donated  K17.2 million towards Malawi Investment and Trade Forum scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from June 12-13, 2024.

Speaking during the official handover of the donation in Lilongwe on Friday,  Standard Bank head of business and commercial clients Graham Chipande said this is a joint contribution by Standard Bank Malawi (US$5,000) and Stanbic Bank Tanzania (US$5,000).

Chipande handing over the cheque



He said: “We are proud to support this important initiative, which aligns with our bank’s goals of promoting economic growth and development in Malawi, and our mission of driving economic growth as outlined in our purpose: ‘Malawi is our Home we Drive Her Growth’.”

On his part, minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwegwe, who received the donation, said Standard Bank’s contribution will help bring together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore opportunities and address challenges in regional trade and investment.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Standard Bank for their trust and support in this initiative. Your contribution of US$10,000 will undoubtedly enhance the forum’s impact and success.

“Together, let us work towards strengthening trade and economic ties between Malawi and Tanzania, through unlocking our nations’ full potential, and by creating a brighter future for our citizens,”he said

The Malawi Investment and Trade Forum is an important event that promotes Malawi’s investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, power generation, mining, tourism and infrastructure.

This year, the forum will be held under the theme ‘Enhancing Regional Integration for Malawi’s Investment Potential and Future Prosperity’.

Chakwera emphasizes on the restoration of  lost factories

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By Elia Chibwe

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said his government is working on restoring factories and banks, that were sold by the previous government, as one way of controlling the country’s currency.

Speaking on Saturday during the launch of Magwero Industrial Park Project at Area 55 in Lilongwe, Chakwera said some of the challenges the country is facing generates from the selling of factories and banks that would have assisted to control the country’s currency.

President Chakwera and the First Lady

“I do not have time to fight with anyone but to ensure that the lost economy is restored. The companies and factories that were sold should be brought back,” Chakwera said.

He, therefore, cautioned against abusing power to delay the project, saying such behavior is not condoned and those found doing that will be brought to book.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, said the project is important in building Malawi.

“This is important to any investor. Those who invest in these parks and do production, should also have the markets locally and they will be supported,” Gwengwe said.

President for Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Wisely Phiri, said the project is an opportunity for vocational skills and mutual development.

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya, hailed government for the project, saying it will accord employment to the youth and impart skills among people.

“I see piped water and electricity coming here and I see youth getting jobs from this park,” he said.

The park, which sits on a 400 hactare land, will have different industries specialized in agro-processing, chemical and plastic and is expected to help advance the country’s economy as envisioned in the Malawi 2063.

Government acquired US$200 million from Afrexim Bank for the project whose area will be developed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platform.

The launch was held under the theme “Catalyzing Industrialization in Malawi”.

MISA Malawi mourns Hope Chisanu

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By Chisomo Phiri

MISA Malawi says it is deeply saddened by the untimely death of veteran broadcaster and actor Hope Chisanu.

Chisanu died on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in the United States of America (USA) where he had been staying since last year.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said:“We have lost a distinguished broadcaster and talented actor. We will remember him vividly for contributing to both sectors with great skill and dedication.

The late Hope Chisanu


“Our condolences go to Chisanu’s family and those who worked with him as an actor and the entire media fraternity.May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

The late Hope Chisanu worked for Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) for over 20 years before leaving the public broadcaster in 2023.

Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Bemberezi’ for his deep and rich voice, Chisanu was a charming friend to many and resonated well with listeners including children.

Among others, he expertly presented and produced light entertainment programmes such as the popular MBC Radio 1 morning programme ‘Tadzuka Sitidziwa Anzathu’.

He was also a talented stage, radio and movie actor who featured in Du Chisiza’s Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre performances, Story Workshop’s radio drama and Charles Shemu Joyah’s award-winning movies.

Chakwera blames price hikes on past govt’s ‘unwise’ sale of state-owned companies

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said that the rise in product prices and services is due to the unwise sale of government-owned companies by the previous government, resulting in inflated market prices, which has affected the people in the country

He made the remarks on Saturday during the official launch of the Magwero Industrial Park Project at Area 55 in Lilongwe, held under the theme “Catalyzing Industrialization in Malawi: Transforming the Nation’s Economic Landscape.”

Chakwera

Chakwera however, said his government is working on restoring factories and banks, that were sold by the previous government, as one way of controlling the country’s currency.

“I do not have time to fight with anyone but to ensure that the lost economy is restored. The companies and factories that were sold should be brought back,” Chakwera said.

He, therefore, cautioned against abusing power to delay the project, saying such behavior is not condoned and those found doing that will be brought to book.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, said the project is important in building Malawi.

“This is important to any investor. Those who invest in these parks and do production, should also have the markets locally and they will be supported,” Gwengwe said.

President for Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry(MCCCI) Wisely Phiri, said the project is an opportunity for vocational skills and mutual development.

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya, hailed government for the project, saying it will accord employment to the youth and impart skills among people.

“I see piped water and electricity coming here and I see youth getting jobs from this park,” he said.

The park, which sits on a 400 hactare land, will have different industries specialized in agro-processing, chemical and plastic and is expected to help advance the country’s economy as envisioned in the Malawi 2063.

Government acquired US$200 million from Afrexim Bank for the project whose area will be developed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platform.

Innovation: Growing sweet potatoes in soil bags

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By Burnett Munthali

Food security is the measure of an individual’s ability to access food that is nutritious and sufficient in quantity.

Some definitions of food security specify that food must also meet an individual’s food preferences and dietary needs for active and healthy lifestyles.

Innovation

The number of chitted potatoes needed depends on the size of the bag being used.

As a general rule, each potato plant needs about 2.5 gallons of soil. Therefore, a 10-gallon bag will support four potato plants, while a 5-gallon bag will accommodate two potato plants.

Roll the sides of your Tater Totes down until they form a shallow bag. Place the Totes over the holes in the paper.

Dig very shallow holes in the ground to plant your seed potatoes and lightly cover them with soil and compost.

Place one or two rocks in the bottom of the Totes to weigh them down.

Add 10 centimeters of peat-free compost to the bottom of the bag and place three to five chitted potatoes on the surface. Cover with another 8-10 centimeters of compost and water well.

When the shoots have grown to around 8 centimeters, ‘earth them up’ by covering them with another 10 centimeters of compost.

Potato grow bags come in various shapes and sizes, with one of the most important features being the capacity of the bag, typically specified in gallons.

The most common size is about 10 gallons, suitable for growing potatoes and carrots.

You can expect at least five to six new potatoes for each potato you plant.

If only every plant multiplied this way! There’s something magical about pulling up a potato plant and seeing many new potatoes attached to the small one you planted months ago.

Unlike other major field crops, potatoes are reproduced vegetatively from other potatoes. Therefore, a part of each year’s crop – ranging from 5 to 15 percent, depending on the quality of the harvested tubers – is set aside for re-use in the next planting season.

Early-season potato varieties are planted first in spring and are ready to harvest in 60-80 days. Mid-season varieties mature in 80-100 days.Late-season potato varieties are ready to harvest in 100-130 days.

How do you know when potatoes are ready to harvest? Wait for the foliage to fully die back before harvesting.

If your leaves are starting to lose their bright color, leaning over, and becoming dry to the touch, you’re probably a couple of weeks away from harvest.Your potatoes are finishing up.