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Ntcheu Central legislator pushes for completion of Ntcheu Stadium

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Ntcheu Central legislator pushes for completion of Ntcheu Stadium



By Dean Chisambo

Member of Parliament for Ntcheu Central, Hon. Paul Wongani Ng’oma, has renewed his call for the completion of the Ntcheu Stadium, which he says is already 90 percent finished.

Ng’oma appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to finalize the project, noting that the stadium had already been officially opened during the Malawi Congress Party administration.

Paul Wongani Ng’oma



He further commended the ministry for supporting the people of Ntcheu Central Constituency through the expansion of the Ntcheu Market under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that the government would deliver on its commitments, saying: “I know this government will always deliver its promises. The project was initiated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, and with the assurance from the minister, I am confident they will complete the stadium.”

Ng’oma acknowledged that the constituency still has numerous development needs, but said some projects would only be initiated after the approval of the 2026–2027 national budget due to funding constraints.

He highlighted persistent challenges such as water shortages, and the need for a police unit, a hospital, girls’ hostels, and other critical infrastructure.

Ng’oma described water scarcity as one of the most pressing issues, noting that some communities go up to three months without access to clean water despite being near the Mpira Dam, which supplies water to residents of Balaka. He said even the dam’s immediate owners are experiencing water shortages.

He pledged to engage relevant stakeholders to resolve the water problem once and for all so that residents can have reliable access to safe water.

Commenting on the stadium’s completion, Minister of Local Government, Honourable Ben Phiri, said the government would support efforts to finalize the project and encouraged the legislator to consider allocating part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) towards its completion.

Reflecting on Parliament’s proceedings for the week, Deputy Leader of the House, Shadreck Namalomba, said it had been a busy period that included ministerial statements and responses from party spokespersons during the mid-year budget review.

Namalomba noted that discussions around the Constituency Development Fund dominated the week, with a private member’s motion contributing to extended debate that continued into Friday’s sitting.

He added that the Minister of Finance is expected to wind up the budget debate on Monday before the deliberations move to the committee of supply.

The August House is scheduled to resume business on Monday afternoon.

Malawi Cabinet Retreat kicks off as Ansah calls for bold action, discipline and national renewal

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Malawi Cabinet Retreat kicks off as Ansah calls for bold action, discipline and national renewal



By Burnett Munthali

Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA (Retired) officially opened the Cabinet Retreat in Mangochi, delivering a message on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika that emphasised decisive leadership and national responsibility.

She reminded Cabinet members that the President’s vision, announced during his 4 October 2025 inauguration, remains the guiding framework for governance and public service.



That vision, she explained, is rooted in patience, discipline and sustained effort as the foundation for rebuilding Malawi.

Dr. Ansah highlighted a renewed social contract between Government and citizens, stressing that Ministers must exemplify commitment and accountability in fulfilling it.

She cautioned that the retreat is more than a routine meeting, describing it as a strategic platform to confront Malawi’s economic, social and political challenges.

The Vice President outlined the pressing difficulties the country faces, including persistent shortages of foreign exchange, fuel, essential medicines and basic commodities.

She observed that the business environment is currently more constrained than it was in 2020, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Millions of Malawians, she said, continue to live below the poverty line and are awaiting tangible improvements from Government action.

Dr. Ansah acknowledged the measures already implemented by the DPP-led administration, such as cost containment, expansion of the farm input subsidy programme, and the removal of ghost workers through payroll audits and digitisation.

However, she emphasised that these actions represent only the beginning of the work required to transform the nation.

The Vice President encouraged Ministers to think creatively and courageously in identifying pathways to sustainable prosperity.

She stressed that achieving meaningful progress requires disciplined, accountable and responsible leadership at every level of Government.

Dr. Ansah noted that Malawi often excels in policy design but struggles with policy implementation, highlighting the importance of follow-through.

She urged the Cabinet to consider global financial shifts and changing geopolitical priorities, which increasingly direct aid and investment to regions deemed strategically important.

In response, Malawi must be innovative with its limited resources and proactive in seeking new financing avenues.

The Vice President called for a transformation of Malawi’s national narrative, centred on results, integrity and accountability.

She reminded Cabinet members that citizens expect campaign promises to be converted into real, everyday improvements.

Dr. Ansah said the retreat should reinforce the Government’s commitment to stabilising the economy and restoring confidence among Malawians.

She urged Ministers to remain aligned with the long-term vision of MW2063 and to prioritise agriculture as the engine of inclusive growth.

She also emphasised the need for disciplined investment in industrialisation, mining and value addition, supported by reliable energy and robust infrastructure.

Digital innovation and artificial intelligence, she suggested, must be leveraged to enhance identity systems, streamline procurement, and increase transparency in Government operations.

The Vice President encouraged the exploration of private capital, diaspora resources, and innovative partnerships to support sustainable development.

She urged faster progress in decentralisation, noting that empowering secondary cities and local authorities would broaden economic opportunities nationwide.

Ministers were reminded that effective leadership is measured by the results achieved after the retreat, not by speeches delivered within it.

Dr. Ansah underscored the importance of unity, discipline and innovation in shaping every decision moving forward.

She highlighted the necessity of consistent policy execution as the foundation of strong and reliable governance.

President Mutharika’s commitment to attracting serious investors was also reaffirmed, with the Vice President quoting his emphasis on partnerships rather than handouts.

To create an investor-friendly environment, she stressed the importance of respecting contracts, enforcing clear rules, and combating corruption.

Dr. Ansah noted that Malawi already has a clear developmental direction, with political momentum beginning to build.

She urged Ministers to draw inspiration from nations that overcame adversity through determination and resilience.

The Vice President challenged leaders to act with integrity, deliver results faithfully, and rebuild public confidence in national institutions.

She expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme, for their continued support.

Acknowledging UN Assistant Secretary General Ahunna Eziakonwa, she highlighted the importance of international solidarity in Malawi’s development journey.

Dr. Ansah formally declared the Cabinet Retreat open on behalf of President Mutharika.

She concluded her address with a prayerful blessing over the nation.

Jani Grey Kasunda for presidency

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Jani Grey Kasunda for presidency

By Chisomo Phiri

Malawian scholar and political aspirant Jani Grey Kasunda has announced his intention to contest in the 2030 presidential election, vowing to lead what he calls a ‘People’s Revolution’ aimed at restoring dignity, economic empowerment, and meaningful political participation for all citizens.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Kasunda described himself as a revolutionary, a nationalist, and a patriot whose worldview is shaped by indigenous knowledge and the values passed down by Malawi’s ancestors.

Jani Grey Kasunda



He said he is motivated by what he termed the ‘systemic betrayal’ of ordinary Malawians.

Kasunda pointed to widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, and persistent challenges facing farmers as some of the most urgent issues Malawi must confront.

He said he believes these problems have endured because successive leaders abandon the people once they attain power.

Said Kasunda:“Over 70 percent of our people live in abject poverty. Our youth are jobless, and farmers remain stranded despite Malawi being an agro-based economy. I have watched politicians use, abuse, and dump Malawians for years. I can’t stand this anymore.I am fighting for the dignity of our people.”

He noted that his experience as a journalist, teacher, and public servant at the Parliament of Malawi has deepened his understanding of the country’s structural challenges.

Kasunda said his mission is to place citizens at the centre of governance and ensure that political power truly rests with the people.

He said he envisions a Malawi free from corruption, hunger, ethnic division, and man-made poverty.

Kasunda said his administration would address social inequalities and guarantee that every Malawian has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.

“I want to change the story of our people. Power belongs to them.My aspiration is to create a Malawi that prioritizes the welfare and dignity of its citizens,” he said.

He accused past and current leaders of failing to address Malawi’s challenges because they benefit from a disempowered populace.

Kasunda said his administration would be logical, tactical, and intentional, targeting root causes rather than short-term fixes.

The presidential hopeful said his strategy involves a disciplined, problem-based approach to economic development.

He stressed a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, including uncompromised lifestyle audits and strong penalties for any public officials found abusing office.

Kasunda also outlined plans to reform the education system to better prepare young people for emerging opportunities.

Additionally, he expressed interest in promoting national unity by celebrating Malawi’s cultural and historical heritage,something he believes can unlock potential in the arts, sports, and innovation.

He expressed confidence that he possesses a unique combination of grassroots understanding, professional experience, and genuine patriotism that sets him apart from other candidates.

“I am the only leader who knows who and what it means to be Malawian. I have a clean record, the strength to make tough decisions, and a heart dedicated to our people’s well-being,” he said.

Kasunda vowed to end what he described as a long-standing ‘cycle of betrayal’ and insisted that corruption would have no place in his government.

He urged Malawians to recognize the power they hold in shaping the nation’s future.

“The power to change Malawi does not lie with the person eating our taxes at Kamuzu Palace; it lies with the people,” he said.

He called on citizens who are tired of political manipulation to join his People’s Revolution, saying the 2030 elections represent a pivotal moment in which Malawians must choose between genuine freedom and continued oppression under recycled leadership.

Kasunda also underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge in national development.

Using the proverb ‘khoswe sitimuika mu mbiya ya mtedza,’ he argued that Malawi has for many years entrusted national resources to leaders with a history of mismanaging public funds.

“For how long shall we entrust our taxes, mining contracts, and our children’s future to the same old politicians? The People’s Revolution is here to guard our national coffers with integrity,” he said.

The presidential aspirant concluded by thanking Malawians for the opportunity to share his vision and expressed hope for continued engagement as the country approaches the 2030 election.

Kasunda comes Nkhotakota District.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Malawi(UNIMA ) and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations at Jinan University in China.

MP Nkhwazi urges government to attract investors and improve infrastructure in Nkhatabay North

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MP Nkhwazi urges government to attract investors and improve infrastructure in Nkhatabay North



By Dean Chisambo

Member of Parliament for Nkhatabay North, Mackenzie Chipalamoto Nkhwazi, has appealed to the government to create a conducive environment for investors, both local and foreign, to strengthen the country’s forex reserves.

Nkhwazi made the appeal on Wednesday during parliamentary debates on the mid-year budget review presented last week by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization.

Nkhwazi- let’s strengthen country economy



He explained that attracting investors is key to boosting foreign exchange inflows and stimulating economic growth.

The lawmaker also highlighted pressing development needs in his constituency, calling for the opening of the Mzuzu–Bula Usiskya road, which he described as critical due to its potential to promote tourism in the area.

Nkhwazi further raised concerns over access to clean water, noting that many residents of his constituency still rely on lake water for drinking.

He disclosed that the community has secured water from Usingini and said that, next year, through a K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the plan is to construct water tanks and supply clean water to the lower-lying areas along the lake shore, which he emphasized is a matter of life and health.

During the parliamentary session, legislators continued their comments on the mid-year budget review, with newly elected members contributing their maiden speeches.

Nkhwazi also noted that Malawi Congress Party lawmakers had temporarily abandoned the proceedings due to rumors circulating on social media about a potential arrest of their president, Lazarus Chakwera; however, the Leader of the House, Jappie Mhango, publicly denied these allegations.

Osman urges immediate response to escalating violence against women, girls

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Osman urges immediate response to escalating violence against women, girls



By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, has urged urgent action to curb rising cases of gender-based violence against women and girls in the country.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday, Osman highlighted that one in three girls in Malawi has experienced sexual violence, a statistic she described as deeply alarming and indicative of the need for immediate, coordinated interventions to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Habiba Osman



She further appealed to development partners to strengthen capacity-building efforts that amplify the voices of women and girls especially those from marginalized communities.

According to Osman, empowering these voices is essential for advancing the ratification process of key human rights instruments.

On his part, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Gender,Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Ronald Phiri,encouraged stakeholders to support the implementation of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).

He said the convention provides a critical framework for combating all forms of violence against women in Malawi.

Adopted in February 2025, the AU-CEVAWG is a comprehensive legal instrument designed to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls across the African continent.

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