Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, has expressed gratitude to the United States(US ) government for its ongoing support in Malawi’s social and economic development.
Speaking at the US Embassy Chief of Mission’s residence in Lilongwe during the 249th US National Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, Tembo highlighted the significant contributions made by the US since Malawi’s independence in 1964.
The minister noted that the US has been the largest bilateral donor to Malawi, providing assistance in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and research through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
On her part,US Chief of Mission in Malawi, Amy Diaz, emphasized the vital role the US has played in shaping Malawi’s development journey, including supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening health systems, and promoting democracy.
Diaz reaffirmed the US’s commitment to continued partnership and development in Malawi, stating that the US stands with the Malawian people in addressing systemic challenges.
The US National Independence Day is celebrated on July 4; however, the U.S. Embassy in Malawi holds the celebration earlier to allow participation in Malawi’s Independence Day on July 6.
The Ministry of Local Government has directed all District Commissioners in Malawi to facilitate the smooth filling of approximately 26,000 vacant primary school teacher positions. These positions have arisen following the recent promotion of over 26,000 primary school teachers from Grade TL to Grade TK by the Ministry of Education.
This move aims to ensure that primary schools are adequately staffed to provide quality education to students.
The recent mass promotion of primary school teachers has been welcomed by the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM).
Charles Kumchenga, Secretary General of TUM, described the promotions as a motivating factor for teachers to work extra hard.
“The promotions will boost the morale of teachers and encourage them to deliver quality education,” Kumchenga said.
The Ministry of Local Government’s directive to District Commissioners emphasizes the importance of filling the vacant positions to maintain the quality of education in primary schools.
The recruitment process is expected to be conducted in a transparent and fair manner, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are selected for the positions.
The vacant positions are a result of the promotions, which aimed to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of primary school teachers.
With the new recruits filling the Grade TL positions, primary schools will be able to maintain their staffing levels and continue to provide quality education to students.
The Ministry of Education’s decision to promote over 26,000 primary school teachers is part of its efforts to improve the education sector in Malawi.
The promotions are expected to have a positive impact on teacher morale and motivation, leading to improved student outcomes.
As the recruitment process begins, District Commissioners will play a crucial role in ensuring that the process is conducted smoothly and efficiently.
The Ministry of Local Government’s directive emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, and District Commissioners will be expected to oversee the process and ensure that it is conducted in accordance with the established guidelines.
The filling of the 26,000 primary school teacher positions is a significant development for the education sector in Malawi.
It will help to ensure that primary schools are adequately staffed, and students receive the quality education they deserve.
With the Ministry of Local Government’s directive, the recruitment process is expected to be conducted in a timely and efficient manner, providing opportunities for qualified individuals to join the teaching profession.
Good Neighbors International, an international humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO), says it exists to create a world free of hunger-a world where people live together in harmony, uphold human rights, and support neighbors suffering from poverty, disasters, and oppression in achieving self-reliance.
The organization envisions a world where everyone’s human rights are protected, individuals and communities are given opportunities for development, and societies become self-sustaining and resilient to external shocks.
Aubrey Gunda-we provide humanitarian assistance program.
Founded in 1991 and granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Good Neighbors International is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea. It operates in over 40 countries, implementing a wide range of community development projects in sectors such as education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Livelihoods, advocacy, and emergency relief.
In Malawi, Good Neighbors has been operational since 2008, working effectively with various stakeholders to achieve sustainable community development. The organization is currently active in four districts- Lilongwe, Kasungu, Mchinji, and Mzimba-supporting a cumulative total of 17,000 children. In 2024 alone, over 6,000 children have benefited from its programs.
As part of its continued support to vulnerable communities, Good Neighbors International-Malawi plans to implement a new project titled “Strengthening Food Crisis Response and Community Resilience through Livelihood Support” in Dowa District, specifically targeting Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
While presenting the project to the Dowa District Executive Committee (DEC), Project Manager Aubrey Gunda explained that the three-year initiative, running from May 2025 to 2027, aims to address the ongoing food crisis and improve community resilience by promoting sustainable livelihoods for both refugees and host communities. The project goes beyond immediate food aid, instead focusing on long-term economic self-reliance through market-oriented structural change and fostering social cohesion through inclusive market participation. Gunda said the project targets 1,710 people-210 as direct beneficiaries and 1,500 as indirect beneficiaries-under its food security, nutrition, and livelihood support components. It seeks to improve refugee well-being by expanding food production, enhancing income sources through revitalized Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and promoting mutual understanding between refugees and host community members.
He also outlined the complex humanitarian challenges affecting the initiative, including Malawi’s restrictions on refugee settlements, imbalances in UN funding, limited international support, climate change-induced food insecurity, and fluctuating crop prices in the central and southern regions.
Further challenges include restricted refugee access to local market systems, disconnection from value chains, lack of financial services, and increasing tension between refugees and host communities due to overcrowding and competition for limited resources.
Gunda explained that beneficiaries will be selected based on several criteria: economic vulnerability, willingness to join a VSLA group, commitment to regular participation, and readiness to engage in agricultural training. Gender balance is also emphasized, ensuring 50:50 representation of males and females. Additional criteria include willingness to engage in market-oriented activities and possessing a conflict-sensitive and inclusive attitude.
Good Neighbors International-Malawi’s humanitarian response track record includes interventions during the 2015 food crisis, Cyclone Idai in 2019, Cyclone Ana in 2022, the 2023 cholera outbreak and Cyclone Freddy, as well as the 2024 floods in Nkhotakota and the El Niño effects in Balaka and Chikwawa.
In his remarks, Dowa District Council’s Acting Chief Planning Officer, Yusuf Laki, welcomed the project, noting that it would not only transform the lives of refugees but also benefit the host communities in Dowa District.
Accra, Ghana – Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Honourable Dr. Ken Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, delivered a compelling address at the Mining in Motion conference in Ghana, highlighting the government’s strategic initiatives to bolster the mining sector, with a particular focus on small-scale gold mining.Â
During the session, Dr. Ng’oma elaborated on Malawi’s Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, emphasizing key measures such as policy frameworks, capacity building, financial support, and marketing promotion to drive sustainable mining development.Â
Policy Framework and Capacity Building The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured mining practices under the 2013 Mines and Minerals Policy, which governs mining operations nationwide. To enhance sector efficiency, Malawi plans to invest in human capital development, modern equipment, and the rehabilitation of mineral laboratories.Â
Hon Zikhale in Ghana
Financial Support and Market AccessÂ
Dr. Ng’oma disclosed plans to transform the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) into an investment bank, facilitating loan accessibility for youth and women engaged in mineral production and value addition. Additionally, the government will collaborate with local banks to establish mineral marketing centres, leveraging existing structures alongside the *Export Development Fund (EDF)* under the Reserve Bank of Malawi.Â
To maximize revenue from artisanal mining, the minister announced an annual Minerals Auction Week to promote local artisans and showcase mining technologies.Â
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
While acknowledging challenges such as child labour, gender disparities, and regulatory gaps, Dr. Ng’oma outlined corrective measures, including stricter monitoring mechanisms and the introduction of scanners at mining and export zones to curb illicit activities.Â
He also stressed the need for greater women’s participation in mining, proposing the formation of a Gemstone Association of Malawi (GAM) to empower female miners.Â
Mining as an Economic Catalyst
Concluding his address, the minister underscored mining’s pivotal role in Malawi’s economic growth and poverty reduction, noting that the sector currently engages approximately 80,000 individuals. With vast untapped reserves of gold, gemstones, and other minerals, Malawi is poised to emerge as a key player in Africa’s mining industry.Â
Dr. Ng’oma’s articulate presentation reinforced Malawi’s dedication to responsible and inclusive mining, earning acclaim from regional stakeholders at the conference.Â
A 24-year-old author Violet Pondakwao has released a second book titled ‘Unmasking a Woman’,aimed at helping men understand the thoughts and desires of women.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Pondakwao said the book also seeks to empower women to discover their identity and operate in their purpose.
She said her motivation for writing the book stemmed from the success of her first book titled ‘From a Girl to a Lady’, which was mainly focused on women’s issues.
Violet Pondakwao
The young female author said she noticed that many men were interested in understanding women’s thoughts and desires, prompting her to write a book that would cater to both men and women.
She said ‘Unmasking a Woman’ was published in May this year and is available for access through her phone number +265987731252.
Commenting on the writing industry in the country, Pondakwao said the industry is growing, but the rise of technology has led to a decline in interest in reading among some people.
She then emphasized the importance of young people discovering their purpose and understanding their identity as this this can help reduce suicidal cases in the country.
Pondakwao started writing at the age of 13.
With her passion for writing and empowering others, the young female author is making a positive impact in the country’s literary scene.
