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Boosting Economic Growth MV Asidaya Sets Sail on Lake Malawi

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

A new era of economic growth and development has begun on Lake Malawi with the launch of MV Asidaya, a vessel designed to ferry people, goods, and services across the lake. The launch, which took place on February 8, 2025, in Monkeybay, Mangochi, is expected to significantly improve transportation and economic activities in the region.

According to Cecelia Mkondiwa Ngosi, a member of the MV Asidaya team, the vessel’s launch will spur economic development by addressing the transportation challenges that have long hindered growth in the area. “With MV Asidaya, we expect to see a boost in the tourism industry, as people will be able to sail easily from one place to another,” Ngosi added. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

Mv Asidaya



The arrival of MV Asidaya has been welcomed by business owners and residents in Mangochi, who have long relied on the aging MV Ilala, which sails on Lake Malawi once a week. Norah Mkawa, a businesswoman in Mangochi, praised MV Asidaya as a timely alternative, citing the poor condition of roads in the area. “The coming of MV Asidaya will enable the efficient transportation of people and products,” Mkawa said.

The launch of MV Asidaya marks a significant milestone in the development of Lake Malawi’s transportation infrastructure. As the vessel begins its operations, it is expected to play a vital role in boosting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and promoting tourism in the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and efficient services, MV Asidaya is poised to become a game-changer for the local economy.

As MV Asidaya sets sail on Lake Malawi, it brings with it a sense of hope and optimism for the future. With its potential to stimulate economic growth, improve transportation, and promote tourism, the vessel is expected to have a lasting impact on the region. As the people of Mangochi and surrounding areas begin to reap the benefits of MV Asidaya, it is clear that this development will be a major catalyst for growth and development in the region.

Zikhale Cheers Chiefs in Tukombo, Assures Them of Chakwera’s Development Agenda

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By Durell Namasani

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, Minister of Mining and Member of Parliament for the area, Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, met with over 200 chiefs in Tukombo to reaffirm President Lazarus Chakwera’s commitment to development. The meeting, held in a spirit of collaboration, aimed to strengthen ties between the government and traditional leaders while outlining the administration’s plans for continued progress. 

Dr. Zikhale expressed gratitude to the chiefs for their unwavering support and partnership with the government, emphasizing their critical role in driving development at the grassroots level. He assured them that President Chakwera’s second term, if re-elected, would focus on accelerating transformative projects across the country. 

Zikhale and the chiefs In Tukombo



Highlighting key achievements of the Chakwera administration, Zikhale pointed to the construction of Capital City roads and the establishment of mega farms as tangible evidence of the government’s dedication to improving livelihoods. He urged the chiefs to remain steadfast in their support, promising that more development initiatives would be rolled out to benefit Tukombo and surrounding areas. 

Zikhale’s message resonated strongly with the chiefs, who reiterated their commitment to working alongside the government for the betterment of their communities. 

The meeting not only bolstered morale among traditional leaders but also reinforced the Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) vision for a prosperous future. As the 2025 elections draw closer, such engagements underscore the ruling party’s strategy to consolidate support through grassroots development and inclusive governance. 

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DPP Rally Flops in Tukombo as Only a Handful Attend Vice President Jappie Mhango’s Event

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By Durell Namasani

In a significant setback for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Vice President Jappie Mhango’s rally in Tukombo on February 8, 2025, drew only a handful of attendees. The event, held at Kadokana Ground, was marred by poor turnout, with locals and traditional leaders largely shunning the gathering. Many attendees were reportedly brought in from Mzuzu, raising questions about the party’s local support base. 

Residents expressed strong loyalty to President Lazarus Chakwera and his administration, with some stating they had no intention of returning to the DPP-led era of Peter Mutharika. “We are satisfied with President Chakwera’s leadership and won’t abandon him for DPP,” said one local. Chiefs in the area also echoed this sentiment, refusing to endorse Mhango’s rally and reaffirming their support for the current government. 



The rally’s failure underscores the DPP’s ongoing struggle to regain influence in the Northern Region, a key battleground in Malawi’s political landscape. Despite efforts to revive its grassroots appeal, the party faces mounting challenges, including widespread dissatisfaction with its past governance and a lack of trust among voters. 

This event highlights the growing divide between the DPP and the electorate, particularly in regions where the Chakwera administration has made significant development strides. As the 2025 elections approach, the DPP’s ability to reconnect with voters remains in doubt, with events like the Tukombo rally serving as a stark reminder of its uphill battle. 

FOMO striker Hussain Hassan signs for Creck Sporting

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By Durell Namasani

Creck Sporting Club has signed FOMO FC striker Hussain Hassan ahead of the 2025 TNM Super League season.

Hassan has signed a three-year contract after the Mulanje-based side received K4.5 million from Creck.



The prolific striker was one of the key figures for FOMO having scored most of the goals for the club and winning a number man of the match accolades.

MACRA’s Misinformation Tracking Platform Gets Thumbs Up from Civil Society

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By Shaffie A Mtambo and Chisomo Phiri

In a significant development, the Concerned Citizens People Power Movement (CC-PPM) has given its stamp of approval to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) plans to procure a misinformation tracking platform. The platform, estimated to cost around 4.5 billion kwacha, aims to track and analyze trends on misinformation and disinformation.

CC-PPM’s decision to support MACRA’s initiative comes after a meeting between the two parties, where MACRA addressed concerns over potential surveillance implications. The regulatory body assured CC-PPM that the platform would only track publicly available false information on social media platforms.



This development is a significant win for MACRA, as it demonstrates the regulatory body’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By engaging with civil society organizations and addressing their concerns, MACRA has shown that it is willing to work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

The approval of the misinformation tracking platform is also a testament to the growing recognition of the need to combat misinformation in Malawi. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of misinformation, MACRA’s platform is poised to play a critical role in promoting media literacy and fact-based information.