The Malawi Library and Information Consortium (MALICO) has underscored the importance of collaboration in raising awareness about the value of cultivating a strong reading culture.
Speaking during the Consortium’s Annual General Meeting (AGM ) in Salima on Thursday, Chairperson Brian Sitima Ndau said institutions of higher learning demonstrate better utilization of information resources, while lower levels of the education system continue to face major hurdles due to a weak reading culture.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO )of the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN), Solomon Dindi emphasized that as the world becomes increasingly digital, Malawi must also embrace technological progress.
Ndau
He commended the government for its initiatives supporting Open and Distance Learning(ODL), describing them as essential tools for adapting to the evolving technological environment.
This year’s AGM was being held under the theme ‘The Future Is Now: Harnessing Technology for Library Excellence’.
It brought together a wide range of stakeholders and partners, including universities, MAREN, the National Library Service, and MALICO.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reiterated the government’s commitment to institutionalising anticipatory action as a means of reducing the impact of disasters in Malawi.
Addressing participants at the 3rd National Dialogue Platform in Lilongwe on Thursday, DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni stressed the importance of shifting from reactive disaster responses to more proactive and preventive approaches.
Wilson Moleni
“We learnt very painful lessons from Tropical Cyclone Freddy. The loss of lives and damage could have been significantly reduced had anticipatory actions been in place,” he said.
On his part,Joon Lim, representing the World Food Programme (WFP), said taking action before disasters strike not only helps families avoid hardship but also creates opportunities for them to build resilience.
The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) underscored that anticipatory action can only be effective when supported by coordinated and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders.
The two-day platform brought together government ministries, United Nations (UN) agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and local councils to strengthen systems that support early action and improve disaster preparedness nationwide.
The Walkers Social Club held a fundraising fun walk in Blantyre aimed raising K50 million for resources for the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) Children’s Cancer Ward.
The initiative, which attracted walkers from across the city, sought to raise funds to support the treatment and care of children battling cancer at Malawi’s largest referral hospital.
The walk started from QECH through Masauko Chipembere Highway up to Chichiri roundabout and back to QECH.
FDH Bank pumped in K10 million in the walk while Family Health Services donated K1 million and CCAM Consultancy donated K100,000 to the cause and several individuals pledged and donated various amounts.
Speaking after the event, Walkers Coordinator Chiwawa Msimuko-Madise said the fun walk demonstrated the power of community action in supporting vulnerable children.
“This initiative is a reminder that when communities unite, we can make a meaningful difference. The Children’s Cancer Ward faces immense pressure and requires consistent support. We are encouraged by the turnout and the generosity shown today,” she said.
Msimuko-Madise added that the Walkers will continue using their platform to champion health-related causes, noting that childhood cancer remains a silent crisis that demands more public attention and sustained funding.
Paediatric Oncologist at QECH, Dr Beatrice Chikaphonya Phiri, applauded the effort, saying the funds raised will go a long way in improving the quality of care for young cancer patients.
“The support from groups like the Walkers Social Club is invaluable. Childhood cancers are treatable, but we often struggle with shortages of essential medicines, diagnostic supplies, and supportive care resources.”
“This contribution will directly strengthen the services we provide and bring hope to many families facing the toughest moments of their lives,” said Dr. Chikaphonya Phiri.
She further appealed for continued partnerships, noting that early diagnosis and consistent treatment greatly improve survival outcomes for children with cancer.
One of the Walkers who took part in the fundraising fun walk Edward Kabango said he was happy that he took part in raising funds for the children suffering from cancer.
“It is humbling when you are part of this great initiative to make a difference in the lives of others who are suffering especially the children. So, this morning, was well spent and will continue to help where I can to make sure the Children at the Cancer Ward are well taken care of,” said Kabango.
The Walkers Social Club has over the years championed various social causes, and the 2025 fundraising walk reinforces its commitment to complementing government efforts in health service delivery. Organisers said a detailed financial report and impact updates will be shared with stakeholders in the coming weeks.
The event concluded with a call for more individuals, corporate partners, and community groups to take part in future campaigns to support paediatric cancer care in Malawi.
NBM Development Bank Limited (NBMDBL) has been named the Top Industrialisation Catalyst Award winner at the 2025 Impact Integration and Investment Forum held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe over the weekend.
The forum, themed ‘Mobilising Private Capital Towards Malawi 2063’, formed part of the Midterm Review of the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP-1) organised by Stratedge Limited.
This year’s awards spotlighted institutions driving inclusive growth, sustainability, and measurable socio-economic transformation in line with national development aspirations.
According to Stratedge Limited, Managing Partner, Kisunge Kabwere, NBMDBL excelled in financing programmes that are accelerating industrialisation and boosting agricultural productivity and commercialisation, apart from effectively leveraging key enablers such as human capital development, economic infrastructure, good governance, and private sector dynamism.
“NBM Development Bank Limited has financed 78 SMEs across agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, education, health, tourism, ICT, water and sanitation, and structured mining, strengthening supply chains and enabling value addition. A total of K17.03 billion has been disbursed through blended financing, including concessional rates under the FInES project, providing patient capital for scaling operations, and this is something that deserves recognition,” said Kabwere.
It was also observed during the awards ceremony that the Bank’s initiatives have also contributed to significant job creation, with over 1,800 direct and indirect jobs generated.
“These interventions have fostered skills development, supported industrial operations, promoted export expansion and import substitution, and advanced inclusive development,” added Kabwere.
Reacting to the recognition, NBMDBL General Manager Bernard Masi, said the award reaffirms the institution’s mandate of driving development financing in Malawi.
“We are deeply rooted in development funding, and this award serves as a strong encouragement for us to continue pushing boundaries,” said Masi.
He dedicated the award to the Bank’s customers and staff, acknowledging their pivotal role in the institution’s achievements.
“This award belongs to our customers and our dedicated team. Their trust and hard work are what make recognitions like this possible,” he added.
Looking ahead, Masi underscored the Bank’s commitment to expanding its support for Malawi’s private sector.
“We are committed to finding even better and more innovative ways to support businesses across Malawi. Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs and enterprises continue to thrive,” he said.
In 2024, NBMDBL was awarded by the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) in the Best Financial Services category at the 34th Malawi International Trade Fair.
Nicholas Zakaria, popularly known as Madzibaba, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic musicians, has passed away at the age of 68.
The celebrated guitarist and vocalist had been battling an illness for some time before his death, leaving fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a true music legend.
Zakaria was renowned for his mastery of the guitar, which became a signature feature in his performances, earning him widespread recognition both in Zimbabwe and across southern Africa.
Nicholas Zakaria
He led a popular band called Khiama Boys, which became a training ground for talented musicians, including the well-known Alick Macheso, who later rose to fame in his own right.
Fans remember Zakaria for his unique musical style, often producing songs that stretched over ten minutes, filled with intricate guitar riffs and storytelling that captured listeners’ imaginations.
Beyond his music, Zakaria’s influence extended to mentoring young artists, many of whom credit him for shaping the modern Zimbabwean music scene and keeping traditional rhythms alive.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with colleagues, fans and music industry personalities sharing memories of his performances and personal encounters.
Music historians note that Zakaria played a pivotal role in popularizing Sungura music, a genre that remains deeply rooted in Zimbabwean culture, combining fast-paced guitar lines with engaging narratives.
Despite his long career, Zakaria remained humble and devoted to his craft, performing well into his later years and continuing to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Nicholas Zakaria leaves behind a rich musical legacy, and his contributions to Zimbabwean music will continue to resonate, ensuring that the name Madzibaba is remembered for generations to come.
