Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila, has won with a landslide in a highly contested Malawi Congress Party (MCP), primary parliamentary elections for Salima Central West Constituency.
Kabwila who has scooped 1310 votes out of 2050 votes will be the MCP torch bearer for the constituency, in the September general elections.
The Primary elections which took place at Mgoza Primary School ground, saw Kabwila going head to head with former Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale who is the sitting Member of Parliament for the area.
Kabwila
Phale got 676 votes out of the 2050 votes cast.
Meanwhile, Micah Chisale has won against Francis Mphamba for the position of Ward Councilor for the Chitala area, while in the Namanda/Lipimbi area, Noel Kamanga has won against Ester Soko.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has called for greater transparency in the operations of Kasiya Rutile Mine in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the Malawi Mining Investment Forum on Monday, Chakwera expressed concern that Malawians are relying on external sources for updates on the mine’s operations.
The president noted that it is unacceptable for Malawians to learn about the mine’s progress through press releases from the Australian company involved, Sovereign Metals, or its listings on the London Stock Exchange.
He instead,directed the Ministry of Mining to release relevant information to the public.
Chakwera’s directive underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural resources.
It is said that Kasiya Rutile Mine has the largest rutile deposit in the world, with 1.8 billion tonnes of indicated and inferred resource at 1.01 percent.
Rutile is a valuable mineral used in various industries, including the manufacture of refractory ceramics, pigments, and titanium metal production.
Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM) President Mark Katsonga Phiri has cautioned political parties discussing electoral alliances ahead of the September 16 presidential elections.
Katsonga argues that such discussions should wait for the outcome of the elections, particularly if a candidate is likely to win over 50% of the votes.
Speaking at a political rally in Neno South constituency, where he was gathering views from constituents on his presidential bid, Katsonga emphasized that premature alliance discussions could undermine the 50+1 law.
Katsonga
“The parties should wait for the outcome of the elections before discussing alliances,” he said, adding that,”If a candidate wins over 50% of the votes, there’s no need for alliances.”
However, PPM’s stance on electoral alliances comes amid concerns about the party’s own viability.
PPM has been criticized for being inactive, with some describing it as a “briefcase party” that exists only on paper.
The party is reportedly struggling to maintain its registration, and if it fails to secure the required number of votes in the upcoming elections, it risks being deregistered.
Despite these challenges, Katsonga reiterated his call for voters to prioritize leadership qualities over family, tribal, or party connections.
He emphasized the importance of choosing leaders based on their ability to deliver development and good governance.
However, political and legal experts George Phiri and Khumbo Soko disagree with Katsonga’s stance on electoral alliances.
In separate interviews, they argued that parties are not breaking any law by discussing alliances ahead of the elections. “There’s no law that prohibits parties from discussing alliances before the elections,” Phiri said, adding that, “In fact, it’s a good thing for parties to explore potential alliances to strengthen their chances in the elections.”
Soko added that discussions on alliances can help parties identify potential partners and strengthen their campaigns.
“It’s a strategic move that can help parties build stronger coalitions and increase their chances of winning,” Soko said.
The debate on electoral alliances highlights the complexities of Malawi’s electoral system.
The 50+1 law requires presidential candidates to win over 50% of the votes to avoid a runoff election. If no candidate wins over 50%, the top two candidates proceed to a runoff election.
Electoral alliances can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections.
By forming alliances, parties can pool their resources and support to strengthen their chances of winning.
However, the timing and nature of these alliances can have significant implications for the electoral process.
As the elections approach, the debate on electoral alliances is likely to continue.
Parties will need to carefully consider their strategies and potential alliances to maximize their chances of winning.
Ultimately, the outcome of the elections will depend on various factors, including the performance of individual candidates, party manifestos, and the overall political landscape.
President Lazarus Chakwera has delivered a powerful message on the critical role of transparency and accountability in Malawi’s mining sector at the 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum.
Addressing an audience of local and international investors, government officials, and industry stakeholders, the President emphasized that openness and integrity will be central to unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining resources.
“The time for secrecy is over,” President Chakwera stated, adding that, “We must shine a light on all aspects of mining—be it the environmental impact, the management of resources, or the distribution of wealth generated by this sector.”
This call for transparency comes amid longstanding concerns regarding corruption, environmental degradation, and mismanagement of natural resources within Malawi’s mining industry.
The President’s directive is part of a broader effort to transform Malawi’s mineral wealth into national prosperity.
The government is working to create a level playing field for investors and combat illegal mining.
The Ministry of Mining will provide regular updates to the public about activities concerning the country’s minerals, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector.
Plans are also underway for Malawians to purchase shares in a newly established public Mining Company, ensuring citizens have direct stakes in the nation’s mining wealth.
A state-owned enterprise, the Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO), has been launched to harness the country’s mineral resources and promote investment.
The 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss policy issues, identify opportunities for investment, and promote collaboration in the mining sector.
With President Chakwera’s leadership, Malawi is poised to unlock the full potential of its mining resources and drive economic growth.
Malawi’s mining sector has significant potential, with vast mineral resources including uranium, coal, rare earth minerals, gold, and rutile.
However, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, policy uncertainty, and limited access to finance.
By addressing these challenges and promoting transparency and accountability, Malawi can create a conducive environment for investors and drive economic growth.
The President’s call for transparency and accountability in the mining sector is a welcome move, and many are eagerly watching to see how this will be implemented.
The success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to work with stakeholders to create a transparent and accountable mining sector that benefits all Malawians.
Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, has emphasized the importance of investing in the mining sector, describing it as “dreaming in colour” as the country pursues its ambition to become a middle-income nation by 2030.
Speaking at the Malawi Mining Investment Forum in Lilongwe, Ng’oma expressed optimism about the country’s economic transformation under President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership.
The Minister highlighted significant milestones achieved since the inaugural forum, including the establishment of the Mining and Mineral Regulatory Authority (MMRA) and the Malawi Mining Investment Company.
Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma
He also noted the introduction of legal safeguards to protect communities from the environmental impacts of mining and measures to curb smuggling and externalization of precious minerals.
Maxwell Kazako, President of the Malawi Chamber of Mines and Energy, echoed Ng’oma’s sentiments, stating that the mining sector could be a catalyst for economic transformation if local authorities expedite reforms.
“With targeted interventions and reforms, mining can serve as a catalyst for economic transformation for all Malawians,” Kazako said.
However, Kazako also noted that the sector faces challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and licensing delays, which have limited its growth.
The Malawi Mining Investment Forum, now in its second edition, brings together key stakeholders to discuss the sector’s potential and challenges.
The forum provides a platform for government officials, investors, and artisanal miners to collaborate and find solutions to unlock the sector’s full potential.
