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Malawi awaits president’s guidance on sending delegation to Pope Francis’ funeral

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By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is awaiting President Lazarus Chakwera’s guidance on whether Malawi will send an additional delegation to the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis, scheduled for this Saturday.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, the possibility of a team from Malawi leaving for the Vatican to attend the funeral is being considered, pending the president’s approval.

Speaking to this online publication, Minister Tembo hinted that the president’s decision will determine the next steps for Malawi’s representation at the funeral. “We are awaiting the president’s guidance on whether we will send an additional delegation to the funeral ceremony,” Tembo said.

She added, “If the president approves, we will send a team to attend the funeral.”

The Pope lying in state in Vatican



In the meantime, Malawi will be represented by its ambassador to the Holy See, Joseph Mpinganjira.

Tembo described Pope Francis as a humble and down-to-earth leader, extending condolences to all Catholics. “Pope Francis was a remarkable leader who touched the lives of many people around the world,” Tembo said, adding that,”We extend our condolences to the Catholic Church and all those who were touched by his ministry.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with the Vatican to ensure that Malawi is represented at the funeral ceremony. The funeral is expected to be attended by dignitaries from around the world, including heads of state, government officials, and religious leaders.

Pope Francis passed away recently, and his death has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from around the world. The Pope was known for his progressive views and his commitment to social justice, and his legacy continues to inspire many people.

Malawi has a significant Catholic population, and the country’s Catholic community has been paying tribute to the late Pope.

The Pope’s visit to Malawi in 2016 was a significant event, and his message of hope and love resonated with many Malawians.

The decision to send a delegation to the funeral ceremony is a testament to the strong relationship between Malawi and the Vatican. The two entities have a long history of cooperation, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, Malawi joins in paying tribute to his legacy.

The Pope’s commitment to social justice and his advocacy for the poor and vulnerable are an inspiration to many people around the world.

Malawi is awaiting President Chakwera’s guidance on whether to send an additional delegation to the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the Vatican to ensure that Malawi is represented at the funeral, and the country’s ambassador to the Holy See will attend the ceremony.

The Pope’s legacy continues to inspire many people, and Malawi joins in paying tribute to his memory.

The funeral ceremony will be a significant event, bringing together people from around the world to pay tribute to the late Pope. It will be an opportunity for Malawi and other countries to reflect on the Pope’s legacy and the impact of his ministry on the world.

As Malawi considers sending a delegation to the funeral, it is essential to recognize the importance of the event and the significance of the Pope’s legacy.

The Pope’s commitment to social justice and his advocacy for the poor and vulnerable are an inspiration to many people, and his legacy continues to shape the lives of many individuals and communities around the world.

HESLB tightens loan application rules

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) says it will not provide loans to students who submit conflicting names in their loan applications.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,the board’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO ),Prince Phwetekere, said using conflicting names is unacceptable because it will hinder the loan recovery process.

Prince Phwetekere



Phwetekere urged students to ensure that the names they use in their school records match those on their national identity cards.

He further advised students with issues regarding their national identity cards to seek assistance from the National Registration Bureau.

HESLGB was established by a Parliamentary Act no: 2 of 2015 to finance access to higher education of needy and deserving students in Malawi.

Its mandate as per the Act, is two- fold, that is, firstly, to disburse loans yearly to needy and deserving students pursuing higher education in government registered higher learning institutions by  National Council for Higher Education( NCHE) both public and private and are pursuing accredited programs and courses.

Secondly, the Loans Board is to recover the former loans from former beneficiaries of the higher education loans scheme dating way back from 1985/86 academic calendar.

FAM appoints Chisomo Nkhoma as Head Coach of U17 Girls National Team

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Chisomo Nkhoma as the new Head Coach of the Malawi Under-17 Girls National Team.

Nkhoma takes over from Linda Kasenda ahead of the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, scheduled for May 10-17 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Nkhoma’s coaching team includes Thom Kazembe as First Assistant Coach, Levie Mhone as Second Assistant Coach, Collins Pofera as Fitness Trainer, Chimwemwe Chitedze as Goalkeepers Trainer, and Thokozani Muskambo as Team Manager.

Chisomo Nkhoma



The team will begin preparations for the tournament with a 30-member squad, starting with a camp on April 28, 2025, at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre. Malawi is in Group A with hosts Namibia and Comoros.

The new coaching staff is expected to lead the team to success in the upcoming tournament.

Malawi ramps up efforts to contain mpox outbreak

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By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts to contain the Mpox virus, with measures including enhanced screening, training health workers to recognize symptoms, and isolating suspected and confirmed cases. According to Penjani Chunda, Chief Preventative Health Officer for Zomba, these measures aim to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the public.

Mpox is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. In severe cases, it can lead to death. Malawi has reported a total of four cases in the past three weeks, with three cases in Lilongwe and one in Mangochi.



The Ministry of Health has taken proactive steps to contain the outbreak. Health workers have been trained to identify symptoms and detect cases early, which is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Suspected and confirmed cases are being isolated to prevent further transmission.

The ministry has also emphasized the importance of personal and public hygiene in preventing the spread of Mpox. Citizens are advised to practice good hygiene, report suspicious symptoms to health authorities, and avoid close contact with infected individuals.

A meeting of health experts is underway in Lilongwe to establish preventive measures for Mpox.

The Ministry of Health has assured the public that measures are being taken to contain the suspected outbreak and prevent transmission.

The World Health Organization has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the need for global cooperation in combating the disease. Malawi’s health authorities are working closely with international partners to enhance their response to the outbreak.

Mpox is a viral infection that can spread through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals.

The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and skin lesions. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with HIV are at higher risk of severe disease.

Symptoms of Mpox typically develop within 7-14 days after exposure and can last for 2-4 weeks. While some cases may be mild, severe cases can lead to serious health complications and death.

Preventing the spread of Mpox requires a multi-faceted approach. Key measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, early detection and isolation of suspected cases, and vaccination.

Smallpox vaccines have been found to offer 85% protection against Mpox, but their safety and efficacy in preventing Mpox are still being studied.

Organizations such as the Urunji Child-Care Trust are working to provide life-saving information, equipment, and emergency support to communities at risk. Donations and funding are crucial in scaling up these efforts and equipping health workers to respond to the outbreak.

As the situation continues to evolve, it’s essential for the public to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox. With concerted efforts from health authorities, international partners, and the public, Malawi can contain the outbreak and protect its citizens.

Chombo returns as coach of Malawi’s u20 women’s national team

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By Jones Gadama

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Maggie Chombo as the Head Coach of the Malawi U20 Women’s National Team ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Chombo, a former Scorchers captain, returns to the helm of the team she previously led in 2021 during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team will face the Central African Republic in the first round of the qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled for May 11th, 2025, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, and the return leg set for May 18th at the same venue.

Maggie Chombo



Chombo has named a 31-member squad for the upcoming matches, and the team is expected to begin camp on April 28th, 2025, at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre.

Chombo will be assisted by a technical panel comprising experienced coaches and support staff, including John Chimwala as First Assistant Coach, Scholastica Khunga as Second Assistant Coach, Patricia Makwakwa as Fitness Trainer, Wilson Mkandawire as Goalkeepers Coach, and Lina Mtegha as Team Manager. Martha Chimwala and Salome Chirwa are in the technical panel as Physiotherapist and Team Doctor, respectively.

The 31-member squad features talented young players from various clubs in Malawi. Notable faces in the squad include Ascent Academy duo of Maureen Kenneth and Leticia Chinyamula, who also plays for the senior team. Other notable players include goalkeepers Ireen Sibande, Emily Nkhwazi, and Evelyn Kamanga; defenders Talandira Chinyamula, Olivia Phikani, and Alinafe Milanzie; midfielders Linda Manda, Chikondi Mgodi, and Anna Baziliyo; and strikers Mary Chindeya, Kondawu Banda, and Mayamiko Mkandawire.

With Chombo at the helm, Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team is poised to make a strong impression in the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The team’s campaign will be closely watched, given the country’s growing reputation in women’s football. Chombo’s experience as a player and coach will undoubtedly be an asset to the team.

The road ahead will be challenging, but with a solid team and technical panel in place, Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team is ready to take on the Central African Republic and make their mark in the qualifiers.