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ARICEA meeting kicks off in Lilongwe to shape ICT regulatory future

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By JonesGadama

The Association of Regulators of Information and Communications in Eastern and Southern Africa (ARICEA) has launched its 30th Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting and 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

The two-day event, scheduled for June 12-13, brings together key stakeholders and ICT regulatory authorities from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.



The meeting aims to deliberate on strategic and operational issues crucial to ARICEA’s future, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing harmonization of ICT regulatory frameworks among member states.

Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitisation, Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving inclusive digital transformation across the region in his opening remarks as Guest of Honour.

As a pivotal organization within COMESA, ARICEA provides a dynamic platform for policy dialogue, experience sharing, and regulatory consensus-building. Its active membership includes Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

By championing the harmonization of ICT regulations, ARICEA enables member states to effectively respond to shared challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The outcomes of the AGM are expected to significantly influence the region’s ICT regulatory trajectory and bolster the digital economy agenda across Eastern and Southern Africa.

With its rich discussions and strategic planning, the meeting underscores the importance of collective action in shaping the future of ICT development in the region.

The BICC, a premier conference venue in Malawi, provides an ideal setting for this significant gathering. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the centre has hosted numerous high-profile events, including international conferences and summits.

The venue’s capacity to accommodate large gatherings and its proximity to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre make it an attractive destination for both local and international events.

As the ARICEA meeting progresses, participants will engage in fruitful discussions, sharing insights and expertise to shape the future of ICT development in the region.

The meeting’s conclusions are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the digital landscape of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Malawi Electoral Commission orients aspiring candidates for 2025 elections

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By Rahim Abdul

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has held a district-level media briefing in Blantyre to orient aspiring candidates for the 2025 General Elections on the nomination process.

The briefing, attended by both independent and party-affiliated aspirants, aimed to ensure that candidates fully understand the nomination requirements and electoral laws.



Blantyre District Commissioner and MEC Returning Officer, Alex Mdoko, emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that it provided a platform for aspirants to grasp the core message on nomination procedures and electoral laws.

Mdoko expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and the quality of questions posed during the session, indicating that participants had understood the key issues.

Mdoko reminded aspirants that MEC operates within legal frameworks and urged them to follow the laws governing elections.

He also stressed the need for peace and tolerance, cautioning against violence in wards or constituencies.

Additionally, he encouraged continued engagement with electoral authorities throughout the election period.

To facilitate voter verification, Mdoko informed aspirants and attendees about the MEC verification code, which can be accessed by dialing *2501# on their phones.

The briefing was part of MEC’s nationwide initiative to ensure a transparent and well-coordinated nomination process ahead of the 2025 tripartite elections.

Zomba City Council to rebuild damaged Mpondabwino Bridge

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By Rahim Abdul

The Zomba City Council has announced plans to reconstruct the Mpondabwino Bridge on the Likangala River, which was recently closed due to structural damage.

The council is currently awaiting expert assessment reports from the Malawi Engineering Institute and MUBAS Polytechnic Lab before commencing the reconstruction work.


According to the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Aubrey Moses, plans are underway to ensure the bridge is completely impassable until the reconstruction is complete.

The closure of the bridge has caused inconvenience to motorists and business people, who are currently using alternative routes.

The bridge is a crucial route for taxis and other vehicles, connecting areas such as Thundu, Mitekete, Thabwani, and Ulumba. Its closure has affected business operations, with traders like Adam Mtendere, a grain maize seller, expressing hope for a quick reconstruction to resume normal business activities.

Drivers, including George Chilipo, have also expressed frustration with the closure, but remain hopeful that the reconstruction will bring lasting improvements.

The council’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by the community and restore normalcy to the area.

The bridge’s structural damage was first noticed in December 2024, prompting the council to close it for traffic.

Emmie Deebo unveils debut album ‘First Born”

By Rahim Abdul

Malawi’s talented musician Emmie Deebo has released her highly anticipated debut album, “First Born”.

The 12-track album, produced by Macia and other notable producers, takes listeners on a journey through Emmie Deebo’s life experiences.

With hits like “Katatu”, “Zinyama”, and “Hustle Vibes”, the album showcases Emmie Deebo’s musical prowess.

Deebo



The album features collaborations with prominent artists, including Gemini Major, Lulu, Dan Lu, Sean Morgan, and Bee Jay, adding depth and variety to the sound.

“First Born” is now available on various streaming platforms, allowing fans to enjoy Emmie Deebo’s music globally.

To celebrate the album’s release, Emmie Deebo has organized a concert in Lilongwe, where fans will get to experience the album live.

The award-winning artist’s debut album is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft.

Emmie Deebo’s music has been well-received in Malawi, and “First Born” is expected to further establish her as a leading figure in the country’s music scene.

Kalindo claims SKC Chikangawa Memorial exposes lack of unity in Malawi

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By Vincent Gunde

Political activist Bon Kalindo says two Memorial Services to honor and remember the departed souls of the 10th June, 2024 tragic plane crash in the Chukangawa forest has proved itself that there is no unity in Malawi under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and the MCP government.

Kalindo has described as shame for the whole President Chakwera and his MCP entourages travelling to the Chikangawa forest for a Memorial Service without going to Nsipe in Ntcheu district where Dr. Saulosi Chilima was buried.

Kalindo



He thanked opposition parties for gracing SKC Memorial service at Nsipe in Ntcheu that they did a commendable job other than following a useless SKC Memorial Service in the Chikangawa forest where President Chakwera and the MCP were mourning a military aircraft not the departed souls.

Speaking through an audio clip, Kalindo said it was heartbreaking to see Ngwenyama Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V joining President Chakwera at the Chikangawa forest leaving his people in Ntcheu mourning for the departed souls alone.

Kalindo said God has proved to the Chikangawa forest SKC Memorial Service that he was not happy with the function claiming that there were many vehicles parking than the people attending the function describing this as a shame to President Chakwera and his MCP.

He said billions of Kwachas lost for holding a useless SKC Memorial service in the Chikangawa forest would have assisted Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje who is lacking K5 million to travel outside the country for treatment after getting a fracture on her leg.

The activist said Chief Chikumbu is a staunch supporter of Boma ndi lomweli but the government is doing nothing to look after her welfare so that she can continue singing praising songs for Chikangawa party.

He said Malawians are still demanding answers from the Chikangawa party on the tragic death of Dr. Saulosi Chilima and eight others, saying this was observed with the eulogies which were made at Nsipe by political party leaders.

The activist said there have been three commission of inquiries to establish the truth on the death of the departed souls but there was no an independent commission of inquiry saying without an independent inquiry, all the investigations set by government will be proved to be of no impact.

“Thank you all opposition parties for holding a very colorful SKC Memorial Service at Nsipe, this is the way to go, let’s be together in times of sorrow and happiness,” said Kalindo.

He has appealed to the youth in the country that they have seen for themselves the situation their country is going, urging them to wake-up and speak with one voice that enough is enough with President Chakwera and his MCP.