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Church leaders call for peace and unity ahead of Malawi’s general elections

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Church leaders call for peace and unity ahead of Malawi’s general elections

By Jones Gadama

In a bid to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for the democratic process, the Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal has organized prayers for peace and unity ahead of the September 16 general elections.

The interdenominational gathering, scheduled to take place at Faith of God Church at Chichiri in Blantyre on Sunday, aims to bring together church leaders, congregants, and political figures to promote calm and unity.

Bishop Evance Honde, Chairperson of the Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal, emphasized the importance of peaceful elections, saying, “We are urging all political leaders to uphold peace and respect the will of the people. These prayers will serve as a platform for reconciliation and accountability.” Politicians attending the prayer session will be expected to publicly declare their commitment to non-violence before, during, and after the elections.

Blantyre City Pastors



This initiative is part of a broader effort by faith leaders in Malawi to promote peace and stability during the electoral period.

Similar gatherings are planned for the coming months, highlighting the crucial role churches play in shaping the country’s social landscape.

By engaging in prayers for national leaders, church leaders aim to provide divine guidance, strength, and wisdom for leaders as they navigate the complex political landscape.

Churches have long been influential in Malawi’s social and political spheres. The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod, for instance, has been actively involved in praying for incoming President Peter Mutharika, seeking divine guidance and strength for his leadership.

This demonstrates the significant role churches play in promoting peace and stability in the country.

President Lazarus Chakwera has also recognized the importance of faith leaders in promoting peace ahead of the elections.

During a meeting with the CCAP Nkhoma Synod, Chakwera called upon faith leaders to dedicate prayers towards peaceful elections, emphasizing the need for calm and harmony throughout the electoral process.

The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for Malawians to come together and promote intergenerational solidarity and peace.

As seen in other African countries, such as Zimbabwe, interdenominational prayer gatherings can play a vital role in promoting peace and reconciliation.

The Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal’s initiative to promote peace and unity ahead of the general elections is a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

By engaging church leaders, congregants, and politicians in prayer and promoting commitment to non-violence, this effort can contribute to a more stable and harmonious democratic process.

As Malawi prepares for the September 16 elections, the role of faith leaders in promoting peace and unity will be crucial in shaping the country’s future.

In the months leading up to the elections, it will be essential to monitor the impact of these initiatives and assess their effectiveness in promoting peace and stability.

By working together, Malawians can build a brighter future for themselves and future generations, grounded in the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the democratic process.

Malawi robotics challenge showcases youth innovation in disaster relief

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Malawi robotics challenge showcases youth innovation in disaster relief

By Jones Gadama

The first-ever Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge has kicked off in Blantyre, bringing together 63 exceptional young participants from across the country to showcase their innovative skills in robotics and disaster relief.

The competition, which focuses on leveraging robotics for earthquake disaster relief, is a testament to the transformative power of technology and innovation in addressing pressing challenges.

Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, commended UN Women and its partners for implementing the Malawi Girls Can Code Too project, which has led to this remarkable initiative. “The initiative has the potential to provide innovative solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said,adding that, “We are proud to see our young people embracing technology and innovation to address real-world problems.”

Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri



The competition, held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, brought together teams of young participants aged 13 to 19 from both public and private schools, as well as universities.

The teams built robots equipped with sensors designed to locate survivors and deliver crucial information to aid rescue efforts. The project demonstrates the potential of young Malawians to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.

Letty Chiwara, UN Women Resident Representative, applauded the government for its commitment to investing in youth with technological skills. “In a rapidly evolving world, technology is a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and global progress,” she said.
“Initiatives like this are crucial in empowering young people, especially girls, to develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.” She added.

The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a significant step towards promoting innovation and technological development in Malawi. By providing a platform for young people to showcase their skills and creativity, the competition aims to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

The competition is also a testament to the importance of partnerships in promoting development. UN Women, in collaboration with its partners, has played a crucial role in supporting the Malawi Girls Can Code Too project, which has led to this remarkable initiative.

As the competition progresses, the teams will be judged on their ability to design and build robots that can effectively locate survivors and deliver crucial information in disaster scenarios. The winning teams will receive prizes and recognition for their innovative solutions.

The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge has the potential to inspire a new generation of young Malawians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

By providing a platform for young people to showcase their skills and creativity, the competition aims to promote innovation and technological development in Malawi.

The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a significant initiative that showcases the potential of young Malawians to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.

The competition demonstrates the importance of investing in youth with technological skills and promoting innovation and technological development in Malawi.

As the country looks to the future, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

By supporting young people and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and creativity, Malawi can unlock its full potential and achieve sustainable development.

The success of the Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge will depend on the continued support of partners and stakeholders. UN Women, the government, and other partners must work together to ensure that initiatives like this continue to inspire and empower young people.

Ultimately, the Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a testament to the power of innovation and technology to transform lives and communities.

As Malawi continues to develop and grow, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future and promoting sustainable development.

Francis Kasaila resigns from Malawi Electoral Commission ahead of 2025 General Elections

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Francis Kasaila resigns from Malawi Electoral Commission ahead of 2025 General Elections

By Burnett Munthali

In a development that has sent ripples across the country’s political landscape, Francis Kasaila has officially resigned from his position as a commissioner with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

The former commissioner cited personal reasons for stepping down from the electoral body.

Kasaila’s resignation has been confirmed by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the Director of Media and Public Relations at MEC.

This announcement comes at a particularly sensitive time for the nation, as Malawi prepares for its general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Kasaila



During this pivotal election, Malawians will be heading to the polls to elect their next president, members of parliament, and ward councilors.

The timing of Kasaila’s departure has raised eyebrows among political commentators and electoral stakeholders alike.

Many are now speculating on the potential implications his resignation might have on MEC’s preparedness and integrity as the country inches closer to election day.

Francis Kasaila, a seasoned politician and former cabinet minister, was appointed as MEC commissioner in a bid to strengthen the commission’s leadership and lend credibility to its work.

His sudden exit leaves a vacuum in the commission at a time when strategic planning, voter education, and logistical coordination are entering a critical phase.

Observers fear that his resignation might embolden critics of MEC who have in the past questioned the commission’s neutrality and effectiveness.

It remains unclear whether the resignation was triggered solely by personal reasons, or whether internal dynamics at MEC played a role.

MEC has not issued a detailed statement beyond confirming the resignation, leaving the public and media in anticipation of further clarification.

Political parties, civil society organizations, and international election observers are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Given the high stakes of the 2025 general elections, any change within the electoral commission is likely to attract intense scrutiny.

More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as the nation seeks answers on the full circumstances surrounding Kasaila’s decision.

The resignation has also sparked calls for transparency from MEC, urging the commission to reassure the public of its readiness and impartiality.

As Malawi gears up for what many consider one of the most consequential elections in its democratic history, all eyes will be on how MEC manages this disruption.

The departure of a high-profile commissioner such as Francis Kasaila will no doubt add to the challenges the commission must navigate in the months ahead.

Nonetheless, MEC is expected to continue with its mandate, ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process despite the personnel changes.

Citizens and stakeholders alike await further developments, as the clock ticks toward the much-anticipated September 16 polls.

Malawi needs shift from donor funding to private investment, says British envoy

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Malawi needs shift from donor funding to private investment, says British envoy

By Jones Gadama

Malawi’s economy needs to undergo a significant transformation by reducing its dependence on donor funding and embracing private investment, according to British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry lakeshore conference, Ritchie emphasized that the era of abundant grants is coming to an end, and a new approach is required to drive development.

Fiona Ritchie



Ritchie stressed that the private sector should be at the center of development, driving economic growth and creating wealth. “This requires a new approach, which puts the private sector at the centre of development,” she said.

This shift in approach would enable Malawi to move beyond managing poverty and focus on generating wealth.

The British High Commissioner’s sentiments come at a time when Malawi is grappling with economic challenges and a decline in development aid. According to Ritchie, the country needs to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and investment.

This can be achieved by ironing out bottlenecks that deter potential investors and making the country more attractive to foreign investment.

The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malawi in its development projects, with a focus on promoting economic growth and reducing poverty.

In the past, the UK has provided significant funding to Malawi through various initiatives, including the Department for International Development’s (DfID) Private Sector Development Project. This project aimed to support businesses with advice and finance through a venture capital fund for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

To attract foreign investment, Malawi needs to become more competitive with its regional peers.

The country has opportunities to attract foreign investment, which can drive growth, provide foreign exchange, create jobs, and generate tax revenue. The UK is committed to growing bilateral relations with Malawi, with a focus on education, health, and agriculture.

Malawi needs to create a supportive investment climate that attracts foreign investment. This can be achieved by streamlining bureaucratic processes, addressing policy inconsistencies, and investing in infrastructure development.

The private sector should be encouraged to drive economic growth and create wealth through initiatives that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

Malawi’s economy needs to be diversified to reduce its dependence on a few key sectors. This can be achieved by promoting investment in various sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, and technology.

The UK has been a long-standing partner to Malawi, providing support in various areas, including health, education, and economic development. The UK has also invested tens of millions of pounds in successful firms in Malawi through British Investment International and AgDevCo.

Private British companies have made significant long-term financial commitments in Malawi, and the UK government is committed to growing bilateral relations with the country.

Malawi’s economic future depends on its ability to attract private investment and reduce its dependence on donor funding.

By creating a supportive investment climate, promoting private sector growth, and diversifying its economy, Malawi can achieve sustainable economic growth and development.

The UK’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development projects is a positive step towards achieving this goal.

Chakwera opens 2025 Malawi International Tourism Expo

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Chakwera opens 2025 Malawi International Tourism Expo

By Linda Kwanjana

Malawi leader,  President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, on Thursday opened the 2025 Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).

The President was accampanied by the Malawi Vice President Dr Michael Biswick Usi, Cabinet Ministers,  Party officials and senior Government officials.

Chakwera at the Tourism Expo



Speaking during the event, Chakwera described Malawi as a unique country.The Malawi leader said coming to Malawi is always the right choice.

“And the reasons for thist is worth mentioning here. Coming to Malawi is always the right choice because Malawi is a unique place, If what you enjoy are the Wildlife Safaris that have long been only available in deep southern Africa, then Malawi offers you that and more, because we are the proud new home of The Lion, the leopard, the elephant, Buffalo and the rhino, also known as the Big Five,” he sai.

The two-day event is expected to showcase Malawi’s tourist attractions, culture, and services, bringing together hoteliers, travel agencies, tour operators, and artisanal traders under one roof.

More than 120 organisations from Malawi and neighbouring countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania are showcasing tourism products, innovations, and investment opportunities across the foyer, banquet hall, and an external marquee.

The event is being held under the theme: “Solidifying the Gains. Everyone. Everything. Tourism,”

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