The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has announced the appointment of Pilirani Phiri as its new Chief Public Relations Officer.
According to a notice on an official Escom Facebook page, Phiri brings a wealth of experience and expertise in public relations and communications management to his new role.
Phiri
Phiri’s appointment is expected to strengthen Escom’s communication and public relations efforts.
With his background as a former reporter at Zodiac Broadcasting Station and his recent position as Director of Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Phiri is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of his new role.
As the face of Escom’s public relations, Phiri will play a key role in shaping the corporation’s image and ensuring effective communication with its stakeholders.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi, is facing mounting public pressure to resign following allegations of unprofessional and partisan conduct during a recent engagement meeting with concerned citizens.
Edwards Kambanje, writing on behalf of the concerned citizens, has addressed a formal letter to MEC demanding Mr. Mpesi’s resignation, citing behavior that he claims renders Mpesi unfit to oversee any future electoral processes in Malawi.
According to the letter, dated Tuesday, 2nd June 2025, Mr. Mpesi reportedly lost his composure during a public dialogue between MEC officials and the concerned citizens. Rather than fostering constructive conversation, he is said to have raised his voice and shouted at participants, demonstrating a lack of emotional restraint and professional conduct.
Mpesi
More disturbingly, Mpesi allegedly banged on tables with clenched fists in a display of aggression, escalating what was intended to be a peaceful and democratic exchange.
The letter further accuses Mr. Mpesi of exhibiting partisan tendencies—refusing to accommodate opposing views and reacting harshly to criticism. In a move described as authoritarian and intimidating, Mpesi allegedly summoned security personnel to forcibly remove the concerned citizens from the meeting, despite their peaceful approach.
Such actions have raised serious concerns about Mpesi’s impartiality, temperament, and commitment to democratic values—qualities essential for anyone entrusted with overseeing elections in a constitutional democracy.
Kambanje and fellow concerned citizens argue that Mpesi’s behavior not only reflects a failure of leadership but also erodes public confidence in MEC’s neutrality and professionalism.
“The office of the Chief Elections Officer is not merely administrative—it represents the country’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and fair electoral governance,” the letter reads. “When the holder of that office behaves erratically and with clear bias, the credibility of the entire institution is called into question.”
Kambanje has therefore called on the Commission to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process over individual loyalty or political alignment. He urges MEC to remove Mr. Mpesi from office without delay.
With national elections on the horizon, the integrity and public trust in MEC must remain intact. That trust, Kambanje asserts, cannot be maintained if the institution is led by individuals who lack the maturity and fairness required to engage constructively with the public.
As the nation awaits MEC’s official response, the public outcry continues to grow—and the demand for Mpesi’s resignation shows no signs of fading.
Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has urged African leaders to take a proactive role in safeguarding the continent’s mineral resources while ensuring that youths, women, and persons with disabilities are placed at the forefront of the mining sector.
Ng’oma has said this on Tuesday at the ongoing Mining Indaba, themed Mining in Motion, being held in Accra, Ghana.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ng’oma highlighted Africa’s vast mineral wealth but expressed concern over the ongoing exploitation of these resources by European interests.
“There is a pressing need for unity and decisive action to ensure that the benefits from our resources remain within the continent and are reinvested for the welfare of our people,” Ng’oma stated.
He also emphasized the importance of developing a continental strategy that recognizes and promotes the dignity and inclusion of youths, women, and differently-abled citizens, groups that have historically been marginalized in Africa’s resource management.
Regarding Malawi’s progress in the mining sector, Minister Ng’oma noted significant advancements, describing mining as a pivotal pillar for the country’s economic transformation.
In this regard, he underscored Malawi’s commitment to the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) model, a national strategy designed to drive growth and inclusivity within the sector.
“We take pride in championing the ICE model, which aims to empower young people, uplift women, and support individuals with disabilities to assume leadership roles in mining. This approach is not merely symbolic; it is a structural and strategic imperative for Malawi’s future,” he explained.
During the event, Ng’oma also extended an invitation to attendees of the summit to join the Malawi Mining Summit scheduled for July 14 at the Bingu National Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital.
The summit is expected to draw government officials, industry experts, and leaders from across Africa.
The Roads Authority (RA) on Friday launched its 2025-2030 Strategic and Business Plan, aimed at improving and sustaining a smart road network in the country.
Speaking during the launch,Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, emphasized that the launch demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road infrastructure.
The minister assured that the government will create an enabling environment for the Authority and stakeholders to achieve their goals.
On his part,RA Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Engineer Ammiel Champiti said the Strategic Plan will improve the Authority’s operations and efficiency over the next five years, aligning with Malawi’s National Development Plan Vision 2063.
RA Board Chairperson, Reverend Matilda Matabwa, highlighted that the initiative will enhance trade systems and unlock the country’s economic potential through safe road networks.
RA is a quasi-government body which was established by an Act of Parliament in 2006 with a mandate to ensure that public roads are constructed, maintained and rehabilitated at all times.
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.
