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Malawi Showcases District Council Progress in Pictorial Drive Towards 2063 Vision

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By Wadza Botomani

The Ministry of Local Government has launched a new initiative to showcase development progress across the country’s district councils, aligning with the long-term goals of the Malawi 2063 vision. A pictorial presentation is highlighting significant infrastructure advancements in districts including Mzimba, Kasungu, and Dowa, demonstrating concrete improvements in local services and community livelihoods.

The showcased developments include the construction of hospitals and staff housing for healthcare workers to improve medical services, alongside the upgrading of road networks and bridges. Dowa District’s acquisition of a new grader is noted as a key step in enhancing local accessibility and increasing revenue collection. In the education sector, the establishment of Teacher Development Centres and new school blocks is strengthening local learning infrastructure.



Additional projects feature the construction of council offices, police units, and staff housing for law enforcement officers to improve security and service delivery. The Mbelwa Stadium, now reported as 90% complete, is highlighted as a major investment to promote youth activities, talent development, and sports engagement. These collective investments reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development and ensure that local councils play a critical role in achieving the national Malawi 2063 agenda.

Malawi Eyes Expanded Trade and Regional Integration at Maputo International Fair

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By Wadza Botomani

The Honourable Eng. Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba,Minister of Trade and Industry, has underscored the critical importance of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) for strengthening bilateral relations with Mozambique and expanding Malawi’s economic horizons.

His comments came after the official opening of the 60th edition of the fair, presided over by His Excellency President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique.

Minister Mumba emphasized that Mozambique is a vital gateway for Malawian trade, providing access to broader African and international markets through the Nacala, Beira, and Maputo transport corridors. He stated that Malawi’s participation in FACIM is a strategic move to increase export trade, attract investment, and deepen commercial ties.

Mumba in Mozambique


The Minister pointed to recent bilateral initiatives as key drivers for future growth. The newly launched Dedza–Calómuè One-Go Border Post and the Simplified Trade Regime are expected to significantly boost trade, making it more accessible for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These efforts, combined with active engagement at the fair, are creating new opportunities for Malawian products such as sugar, plastics, poultry, rice, and beverages to reach markets within the SADC region and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Malawi’s delegation to the fair includes major players like ADMARC, Press Trust, Press Cane, and the National Bank of Malawi, alongside over 15 SMEs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive economic participation. Minister Mumba is scheduled to join his Mozambican counterpart, Honourable Basilio Muhate, for a high-level panel discussion to further explore how the new border post and trade regime can unlock opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs from both nations.

“In short, our shared goal here is clear,” Mumba said. “That is, to promote trade between Malawi and Mozambique, create new opportunities, strengthen our businesses, and drive shared prosperity for our people.”

President Chakwera Champions National Development, Highlights Key Infrastructure and Economic Gains

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By Wadza Botomani

Subheading: Increased Constituency Funds, Major Roadworks, and Economic Programs Cited as Evidence of Widespread Progress

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development across Malawi, asserting that government initiatives are now making a tangible impact in numerous communities.

During his address, the President outlined several key areas of progress. He confirmed that Constituency Development Funds (CDF) will be increased and emphasized his government’s focus on constructing modern, durable road infrastructure to connect the country.

Chakwera


A significant highlight was the ongoing railway project, which President Chakwera stated is critical for reducing the costs of importing goods and, consequently, for lowering prices for Malawian consumers.

On economic empowerment, the President reported substantial achievements. He revealed that the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has disbursed more than K300 billion in loans to bolster small businesses. Furthermore, the Mtukula Pakhomo social support program has now directly benefited over 200,000 households across the nation.

The development efforts received praise from Olipa Chimangeni, a parliamentary candidate, who specifically thanked the President for the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), the new Dowa–Tchisi road, and the NEEF loans, which she credited with empowering local youths and women.

MERA shuts down Salima Fuel Station over illegal fuel sales

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By Rahim Abdul

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has suspended operations at A-One Mount Meru Service Station in Salima after it was caught selling fuel in a 200-litre drum without authorisation.

According to a statement from MERA, the incident was reported on August 20, 2025, and subsequent investigations conducted the following day confirmed the malpractice.



The regulator said the station’s actions contravened MERA’s directive banning the sale of fuel in jerrycans and other containers unless the dealer has a valid MERA permit.

“MERA has suspended operations at A-One Mount Meru Service Station in Salima with immediate effect for violating fuel handling regulations. This serves as a warning to all fuel service stations to adhere to regulations and guidelines set by MERA to ensure a stable and fair fuel supply in the country,” reads part of the statement.

The suspension, MERA emphasized, is meant to safeguard consumers and ensure compliance in the petroleum sector.

MERA has since urged the public to report fuel retailers suspected of engaging in illegal and unscrupulous practices to the nearest police station or through its Tip-Offs Anonymous platform.

Consumers can also contact MERA directly on 092555864 or 0989061870, or via email at mera@mera.mw.

Malawi resumes passport printing

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By Rahim Abdul

After weeks of operational disruption, Malawi’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has resumed passport printing, bringing relief to thousands of citizens who had faced prolonged delays.

Over 1,000 passports are already ready for collection in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu.

Department spokesperson Pasqually Zulu confirmed the resumption, noting that applicants have been notified through SMS and other communication channels.



“Applicants are now collecting their passports, and we are prioritising the backlog accumulated during the suspension period,” Zulu said.

The disruption stemmed from a system migration following a breach, which required transferring applicant data from Technobrain to E-Tech.

The process posed technical challenges, particularly during verification and reconciliation of records.

“Data migration was the main challenge, but the transition is now steadily progressing,” Zulu added.

Under the resumed operations, Lilongwe has already printed over 400 passports, Blantyre another 400, and Mzuzu over 70. To ease congestion at service points, the Department is publishing daily lists of successful applicants.

The Department has also upgraded its printing operations. The new system, operated by Madras Security Printing System, is capable of producing over 1,000 passports daily under full capacity, a significant improvement from the previous system managed by E-Tech Systems.

Last week, Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma assured the nation that over 100,000 pending applications will be prioritised, signaling a major effort to clear the backlog and restore citizen confidence in the immigration services.