President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera says Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) Summit is an opportunity for Malawi to assert it’s development aspirations within the region and widen the country’s economic prospects through meaningful regional integration and cooperation.
The Malawi leader left the country on Wednesday 16th August 2023 through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) for Angola where he is expected to attend the SADC 43rd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government tomorrow.
From Angola, Chakwera will proceed to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Outreach Plus Summit from 22nd to 24th August 2023 where Malawi is one of the 67 non – member countries invited to attend.
Updating Malawians through his Facebook page soon after departure, Chakwera explained that he is heading to Angola to align with fellow SADC leaders on how best they can use human and financial capital to drive sustainable industrialisation within the bloc.
“The thematic thrust of this year’s summit mirrors our Malawi Vision 2063 especially under Enabler number 5 which positions our workforce especially the youth as a pivotal component for economic transformation when we invest in them appropriately. The discussions will also consolidate peace and security and democracy in the region,” added the president.
“As for the BRICS summit we will champion our cause with emerging and fellow developing markets through multilateral cooperation to rebalance the world’s economic and political tectonics and make the global system conducive for inclusive growth.”
Chakwera said he expects to engage two BRICS key members, China and India on easing the country’s debt repayment schedule.
Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has today left Malawi for Luanda in Angola where he will be attending the 43 Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit.
Speaking during his departure at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), President Chakwera described the summit as crucial.
“As an integral part of SADC region, this annual summit is crucial for us because we discuss issues to consolidate our integration and make sure our democracy is intact all over the region, and also make sure that there is peace and security [in the region]. These are issues that have been paramount in the last two summits and we will get updates as to where we are just to make sure that the Southern African Development Community becomes an example all over Africa on how to handle some of the things that concern all of us,” said President Chakwera.
Chakwera leaving for Angola
It is expected that after attending the Summit in Angola the Malawi leader will also attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa as well as hold outreach meetings.
The SADC meeting will take place from 17th to 18th August, 2023 under the theme: “Human and Financial Capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region.”
Among other activities, the Summit will elect Angola to become next Chair of SADC, succeeding the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Summit will also provide political direction and commitment on how the region should position itself in the face of diverse and complex opportunities and threats that increasingly demand regional cooperation.
After attending the SADC Summit Meeting, the President will proceed to Johannesburg, the Republic of South Africa, to attend the 15th Session of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Plus Outreach Summit from 22nd to 24th August, 2023.
Again the theme for the Summit Meeting is: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism”.
According to the statement which Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the objective of the Summit is to pursue, among other issues, alternative international financial systems.
“His Excellency the President will take advantage of both Summits to hold bilateral consultations with other world leaders with the objective of secuing support for Malaw’s economic recovery,” reads the statement.
Chakwera is expected to return home on Friday, 25th August, 2023.
The Ministry of Agriculture spells out measures for AIP smooth implementation
The Minister of Agriculture Sam Dalitso Kawale on Monday chronologised subsequent measures aimed at laying a strong foundation towards smooth implementation of the Agricultural Input Programme (AIP).
Kawale said over the past three weeks, his Ministry has been cleaning and harmonizing the data so that soon the public should be notified when the process is completed.
Your Ministry is sourcing fertilizer from thirteen companies that fulfilled all requirements after a restricted tender was floated.
The Minister said the very critical stage which was on signing of contracts with suppliers has been concluded and he spelt the companies which includes Optichem (2000) Limited, ETG Inputs Ltd Farmers World, Afriventures Blantyre Limited, Mediterranean Fertilizers DMCC, Malawi Fertilizer Company, Saeed Investments , Chipala Investments Sealand Investments Ltd, Midima Holdings Ltd, Chipiku Stores Stores Zathu Trading, and Paramount Holdings Limited.
Hon Sam Kawale
Kawale said , the approaches used to reach Beneficiaries has been devised saying, all fertilizer will be retailed to beneficiaries by SFFRFM through the following approaches: SFFRFM is opening additional retailing structures in each new constituency, according to the 2025 constituency boundaries. These will also act as mini-warehouses to facilitate mobile van sales.
The Minister said fund officials, are already in constituencies, identifying these places.
Kawale added that the Ministry will use existing ADMARC deports used across the country just like previous years.
On the seed and livestock, contract arrangements are underway and slated to have suppliers sign contracts by end of this month August.
On redemption of AIP , Kawale said all contracted fertilizer suppliers, regardless of the source, will deliver to regional warehouses of the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) in order to check conformity with contract specifications as well as de-congesting the physical shops.
“To check the condition of the fertilizer supplied and make sure it is not solidified, watery, or fake fertilizers. To check the weights in conformity to the contract specifications. To check the type of fertilizer delivered against the contract agreements. To check quantities of fertilizers delivered against the contract. To check if the fertilizer bags are marked with Suppliers Name in case of any issues for easy follow-ups”
On the use of Mobile Van sales, Kawale said, knowing that the physical shops opened by SFFRFM will not be enough, the Ministry will allow the Fund to do sales of fertilizer close to farmers regardless of the building (mobile van sales) as long as the mobile network is there for the system to work.
“This approach assists in reaching out to more beneficiaries, reducing distances to be traveled by beneficiaries and de-congesting in physical shops. The actual places for mobile van sales will be finalized once we liase with ADC and other office bearers in all constituencies. Recruitment of Temporal Sales Clerks. Realizing limited human resources for retailing fertilizers, SFFRFM is recruiting more staff as sales clerks to cover retailing areas to be opened per new constituency and mobile van sales. On the issue of network coverage, your Ministry is building upon the network system upgraded last year. As you recall, we had a problem the first month of sales. After that, the network performed well for the remaining four months, apart from the localized network problem. This time, the system is being upgraded even more to allow sales clerks to do redemption using GSM service, in the absence of internet,” he said.
The program inputs requirement is estimated at 149,025 MT of fertilizer (74,512.5 MT each of NPK & Urea); Seed will be 7,451.25 MT, while 19,500 female goats which will be distributed in Phalombe, Balaka and Salima districts.
Collection of money. One of the areas that delayed redemption was the delay in collecting money after sales. This also led to two incidences of theft by sales clerks. Your Ministry has discussed with NBS bank to work with the Fund to collect money quickly so that we do not delay redeeming the products.
5.0 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Madam Speaker, as earlier stated, fertilizer supplied will be ferried to SFFRFM warehouses. This means that this fertilizer will have to be moved close to the farmers vicinity in their respective selling points. In this regard, your Ministry has finalized procuring transportation services from the service providers in the country. They are just waiting to be told when to start transporting to your constituencies. And this time around, hard-to-reach places will be first to get the fertilizer.
6.0 INVOLVEMENT OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Members of Parliament will not be requested to help transport fertilizer to their constituencies. Members of Parliament will be requsted to be in their constituencies to assist in making sure that there is order at selling points.
7.0 CONCLUSION Madam Speaker, let me at this point, thank His Excellency the State President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for putting people’s food security problems at his heart through continued provision of resources to my Ministry to implement the programme. Let me also thank my fellow Cabinet colleagues for taking keen interest in the programme and providing guidance and support on its implementation.
Emmanuel Mbewe is the second born in a family of six children, born to Shadrick Mbewe a former Police Mobile Force (PMF) soldier and he was born a Malawi Congress Party(MCP) cadre as his grand father Apunael Mwale was a Treasurer General for the party in Mchinji District.
Mbewe who hails from Noti Village, Traditional Authority(TA) Mkanda in Mchinji, was born on 2 July1983 at Kamuzu Central Hospita(KCH) in Lilongwe.
He attended his primary school at Kazyozyo in the same district and later moved to Kaigwazanga Primary School where he sat for his primary school examination in 1999.
Mbewe was selected to Bua Community Day Secondary School and then moved to Mthunzi Private Secondary School, then later obtained his Malawi School Certification of Education ( MSCE) at Unity Private Secondary School in Lilongwe.
After doing well in his MSCE, on 25 October 2002, Mbewe joined the Malawi Defense Force after a successful completion of Military training and was posted to Cobbe Barracks. On 25 September in 2006 was transfered to Kamuzu Barracks after four years of commitment to the service.
In 2011, he did African Contingency Operations training and assistance and in 2012 was sent to Ivory Coast for Peace Keeping Mission under the United Nations (UN) representing Malawi.
After showing a lucrative and noble service to the nation, in 2014 and 2016, Mbewe was readmitted to the Malawi Armed Forces College ( MAFCO) where he completed his Potential and Section Commander Courses, respectively.
In September, 2018, he retired from the MDF and started advocating for the rights of serving soldiers men in uniform.
In his course of advocacy, Ghost Mbewe released a song titled “Asilikali Akuzunzika” in which Zambia’s musician General Kanene was featured.
After hearing the contents of the song, government under the Democratic Progressive Party ( DPP) regime, started chasing him and was forced into exile to Zambia.
While in Zambia, the former MDF soldier later obtained Special Forces and Commanders course in 2020.
In 2021, he went to University of Zambia where he obtained a Degree in Business Administration and he is currently studying field martial with Russian Army.
Mbewe is a Founder and Managing Director of Elcam Construction Company registered in Malawi and Premiz Construction Company registered in Zambia as a Bitumen suppliers in both countries.
Mbewe’s Companies are the only suppliers of bitumen (tarmac) in large quantities in both Zambia and Malawi. Both companies have employed over 50 people in Zambia and Malawi
He is married to Cathreen Sosten Mwale with three Children namely Loveness, Miracle and Emmanuel Jnr.
Meanwhile, the Business Administration holder, has shown interest to vie for presidential position in the MCP’s forthcoming elective convention, to oust the incumbent Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
Mbewe is a young business tycoon who is focusing to raise the voice of youths in terms of entrepreneurship in both countries of Zambia and Malawi
He is energetic, patriotic, passionate about the development of youths and the nation especially Malawi.
Currently Emmanuel Ghost Mbewe has a net wealthy of 500 million kwacha from construction companies.
One of the country’s renowned researchers Kondwani Monjeza has published a book titled ‘Mastering Business Research’.
The book is a practical guide to scholars and practitioners.
Speaking in an interview with 247 Malawi News, the author said the main message of his book is to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the field of business.
He said the book also offers a step-by-step exploration of the research process, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Said Monjeza:”The book empowers readers with the necessary tools and insights to conduct rigorous and impactful research.
“It brings the research theory in a context, making it easy to understand. It helps those doing research to do it professionally.”
Asked what motivated him to write the book, the author said:”The desire to share my extensive background in both academia and business consulting.
“I wanted to offer a resource that combines practical applications with theoretical foundations, helping individuals enhance their research skills and contribute meaningfully to the dynamic field of business.
“Since I have been offering consultancy services to various scholars, I noticed that most of them just do research as a mandatory requirement by their colleges/universities.”
He said the book was released on June 7, 2023 and is soon expected to be available on Amazon and other online platforms.
“Physical books are available in Malawi and will be available in book stores soon.
“You can access the hardcopy by contacting me through WhatsApp on +265881698615,” he said.
To his fellow writers, Monjeza said:”Embrace your unique blend of experiences and expertise.
“Your voice matters, and your insights have the potential to shape and impact your chosen field. Keep writing, keep sharing, and keep inspiring others with your words.”
Monjeza
He concluded by thanking everyone who supported him for having the book published.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this writing journey. “Mastering Business Research” is a testament to the power of collaboration between theory and practice, and I hope it empowers others to make meaningful contributions to the world of business research. Thank you for your support,” he thanked.
About the Author
Kondwani Monjeza is a versatile business professional and academician with a deep passion for research.
He is currently pursuing two MBA degrees in International Business and Information Technology Management in India.
Monjeza also holds a BBA-Management from Malawi Adventist University and a Certificate in Computing and Information systems.
He is the Managing Director for EPIK Research Consultancy, with over 5 years of experience as a research and business consultant, bringing a unique blend of practical industry knowledge and academic expertise to his work.
His journey as a writer started when he was studying at Malawi Adventist University in 2017 where he designed and contributed to the MAU student magazine.
In 2021, he wrote an article on his dissertation which was published in Malawi Stock Exchange(MSE) Magazine, 5th Edition.
Monjeza draws inspiration from various writers who have successfully combined their academic knowledge with practical experiences such as Phillip Kotler who has shown him the power of merging theory and practice in impactful writing.
