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UN Women says MGCC2 has increased digital access in young women

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UN Women says MGCC2 has increased digital access in young women

By Vincent Gunde

The UN Women says its project Malawi Girls Can Code Too (MGCC2) has made Malawian girls and young women to be economically empowered through increased digital access and technology adoption in line with the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP 2063 Enabler).

The project which is being implemented in the three districts of Balaka, Dowa and Mzimba is aimed at reducing the digital gender divide and economically empower girls and young women by 20217 by providing skills IN coding, entrepreneurship, gender and digital literacy.

The project has the specific outcomes of seeing to it that there’s more gender-balanced digital access and technology adoption among rural and urban girls, boys, and young women in Malawi by 2026 in the three districts of Mzimba, Dowa and Balaka.

Diana Nyirenda-girls are gaining coding and digital literacy skills



Presenting the project’s progress report for year 1 and 2  to the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, UN Women Programme Consultant Diana Nyirenda, said the project has achieved its  project’s key strategic focus areas which are that girls gain coding and digital literacy skills to become ICT professionals and improved access to digital services, gender and entrepreneurship information for professional growth.

Nyirenda said in Year 1 five pilot innovation Hubs were established in Balaka, Dowa and Mzimba enrolling 40 students, 70% girls and 30% boys  per targeted school saying in Dowa, Dowa Secondary school, Mvera CDSS and Natola CDSS were targeted, Cohort 1 of the innovation hubs completed.

She said in Year 2 there were five new additional Hubs were established,2 in Dowa at Kambulu CDSS and Senga CDSS, 1 in Mzimba and 2 in Balaka saying Community School management committees were sensitized, 76 Lead Teachers including head teachers were trained as Trainer of Trainers (ToTs) for 406 students enrolled.

The Programme Consultant said the project has targeted and supported a total of five schools in Dowa, 35 teachers inclusive of Head teachers and Division office have received training in ICT skills as Trainer of Trainers (ToTs).
Learner have attained knowledge in coding for example, students at Dowa Secondary school are creating an app that will provide solutions to solve food insecurity  in the community.  Most girls participating in the innovation hubs have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in ICT and tech entrepreneurship

“76 teachers have been oriented attained skills  on the management of installed gadgets and ICT equipment and branding of innovation hubs in all the 14 targeted schools was completed,” said Nyirenda.

However, Nyirenda said the project is meeting some challenges citing internet issues and ICT team support saying MGCC2 is transforming rural schools and is encouraging girls in technology calling for the need for continuous stakeholder support.

In her remarks, Dowa District Council’s Director of Planning and Development Mercy Mpakule, urged sectore to encourage girls and young women in the district to to participated in such initiatives and attain enroll with the UN Women for  digital skills observing that everything nowadays has gone digital.

Mpakule urged partners to support the project so that Dowa young women and girls are economically empowered through increased digital access to become ICT professionals not only for their communities but the country as a whole.

Malawi Girls Can Code TOO (MGCC2) project is funded by the Irish Embassy and is being implemented by UN Women in the three districts of Balaka, Dowa and Mzimba in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Ministry of Genderof Local Government.

FCB’s Anadkat spoils Silver Strikers players with K1 million each

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FCB’s Anadkat spoils Silver Strikers players with K1 million each



By Benjamin Maona

First Capital Bank (FCB) chairman, Hitesh Anadkat on Sunday spoiled Silver Strikers players by giving them K1 million each for emerging champions of the FCB 30 years Trophy at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.

The Central Bankers thumped FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 2-0 in a highly-contested match that was organised to mark the climax of the celebration of FCB’s 30 years anniversary in the country.



The stadium, filled with enthusiastic fans from both sides, got into wild excitement and cheering after the director of ceremony announced that Anadkat would reward the champions K1 million for each player.

Energised but the zeal to fight for both pride and the cash reward, Silver Strikers started on a high scoring nine minutes into the game through Binwell Katinji.

Few minutes later, Bullets retaliated with few chances on target, but both Lameck Gamphani and Paul Master were unlucky to convert them into goals.

To show superiority in their own land, the Bankers added another goal from the spot at 30 minutes, after Bullets fouled Innocent Shema in the box.

Bullets came wave after wave with coach Peter Mponda making several substitutions to re-enforce his squad, but to no avail.

Interesting moment came in the 77th minute, after exhausting its substitutions, Bullets goalkeeper Clever Nkungula was sent out for a foul on Silver’s player, forcing Dominic Musonda, an outfield player to take up the gloves and man the goalposts.

Mapopa Msukwa Silver Strikers assistant coach commended his players for the gallant fight.

“We had a good time; we used some of our reserve players and those who don’t play regularly. They have performed wonders and this was a good platform for them as they proved their worth,” he said.

Mponda conceded defeat.

“I am not happy that we lost the match, but we can’t blame the players because they fought hard to win. I am impressed with performances from Paul Master who hasn’t played for some time, but today he was good,” he said.

During the match, FCB also splashed some prizes like Bullets jerseys and other items, apart from splashing ticket prices to 50% for FCB cardholders.

MPICO Group reports K12 billion profit in annual report

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MPICO Group reports K12 billion profit in annual report

By Dean Chisambo

MPICO Group plc has announced a profit of K12 billion in this year’s annual report, marking a significant increase from last year’s profit of approximately K8.5 billion.

The strong performance was unveiled during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lilongwe.

In his remarks, MPICO plc Group Board Chairperson Edmund Hami described the profit growth of 72% as a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenges currently facing the property industry.

Hami- we are looking forward



“The market is tough at the moment, but we are pleased to be performing well despite this,” Hami said.

He highlighted that the occupancy rate of their properties stands at 92%, noting, “While we may not reach 100%, a 92% occupancy rate indicates strong performance. Our profit margin target is to hit 99%.”

Hami added that their return on investment is about 15%, emphasizing that any business delivering a return of 10% or more is considered successful.

He expressed gratitude for the company’s transparency with shareholders and praised the overall performance for the financial year just ended.

Shareholders will receive a dividend of 43 Tambala per share this year, an increase from 38 Tambala last year.

Hami also shared that MPICO is aiming to diversify beyond rental income, pursuing initiatives in sectors such as hotels and mining under the Agriculture, Trade, and Mining (ATM) strategy.

“We are looking beyond immediate gains and planning for the future,” he said.

One shareholder, Kiret Chitalo, expressed his excitement about the company’s progress and leadership’s decision to declare dividends this year.

“It feels rewarding to see returns on our investment, and I am confident other shareholders share this sentiment,” Chitalo said.

He noted that the company’s leadership has laid out several plans aimed at ensuring continued growth and profitability, while ensuring shareholders receive positive returns.

Done deal: $350 million secured for Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project

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Done deal: $350 million secured for Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project

By Dean Chisambo

The Government of Malawi has secured a $350 million grant from the World Bank to support the long-awaited Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project—marking a significant step toward increasing the country’s electricity generation capacity and meeting its target of connecting 1.5 million households to the national grid by 2030.

A symbolic signing ceremony was held in Lilongwe to officially mark the deal between the Government of Malawi and the World Bank.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda emphasized that a country’s economy fundamentally depends on sustainable power generation. He described the Mpatamanga project as a “beacon of hope” and a potential game changer for Malawi’s economy.

Chithyola (L) and Nathan (R) signing the deal



“This project will bridge the electricity gap, increase production capacity, and contribute significantly to the value chain,” said Chithyola. “Ultimately, it will help expand our export base and increase foreign exchange earnings. This is indeed a game changer for our country.”

He further assured Malawians that his ministry will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure full financial implementation of the project, which is expected to commence soon. He added that the project would help eliminate blackouts and support the country’s industrialization agenda.

On behalf of the World Bank, Division Director Belete Nathan expressed optimism that the project will unlock further financing from both international and domestic private sector players.

“This grant is catalytic. It is expected to raise nearly three times its value in additional investments,” said Nathan. “But to realize this goal, the commitments made by the Government of Malawi must be implemented with urgency.”

Nathan also commended the collaborative effort already underway among the Ministries of Finance and Energy and other key government entities.

Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola echoed these sentiments, describing energy as a key driver of economic development. He stressed the need for reliable, sustainable, stable, and affordable power in order for Malawi to achieve meaningful growth.

“We must scale up electricity generation to meet the needs of our growing population and reduce the migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of electricity,” Matola said.

He further noted that power is essential for the successful implementation of Malawi’s Agriculture, Trade, and Mining (ATM) strategy. While acknowledging that hydropower projects take time to build and commission, he assured the public that everything is on track.

“The implementers, donor partners, and other stakeholders are already on the ground at Mpatamanga to finalize site preparations as per the plan,” Matola confirmed.

The Mpatamanga project is expected to take six years to complete and will result in the establishment of a fully functional hydropower plant.

The ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including the British High Commissioner, the Norwegian Ambassador, the European Union Ambassador, representatives from the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

MISALICO commends MPICO Group for declaring dividends

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MISALICO commends MPICO Group for declaring dividends

By Dean Chisambo

The Minority Shareholders Association of Listed Companies (MISALICO) has commended MPICO Group plc for providing dividends to its shareholders, citing the move as a sign of strong corporate governance and financial performance.

Speaking during MPICO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), MISALICO Secretary General Frank Hara praised the company for its transparency and commitment to shareholder value.

Hara- we are pleased with company performance



He noted that shareholders were eager to understand both the company’s current performance and its future prospects.

Hara highlighted that the declared dividend of 43 Tambala per share is a positive sign. “This is very encouraging because shareholders always look forward to dividends—that’s how they earn from their investments,” he said.

He further explained that demand for MPICO shares on the stock market is high, but availability is limited.

“There’s strong market interest in MPICO shares, but none are available for sale. That in itself is a clear indication that MPICO is a solid company,” Hara remarked.

He expressed optimism about the company’s future, citing growing demand in the market and consistent performance.

Hara also mentioned that MISALICO is anticipating the release of MPICO’s six-month financial results, which, like other listed companies such as TNM, National Bank, and NBS Bank, are key in informing investment decisions.

“There’s a trading statement expected soon, and shareholders are looking forward to seeing what MPICO has achieved in the first half of the year,” he added.

He emphasized that such trading statements not only reveal the company’s performance but also help indicate whether interim dividends can be expected.

In response, MPICO Board Chairperson Edmund Hami expressed satisfaction with shareholder confidence in the company’s vision and strategy.

He encouraged shareholders to remain patient and assured them of solid returns on their investments.

“Stay calm and trust us—the returns you’re hoping for are coming,” Hami said.

MPICO Group plc is a leading property investment company in Malawi, managing commercial and residential rental properties across the country.

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