President Arthur Peter Mutharika, has dismissed rumors that he is unwell.
Mutharika made the remarks during a private interview he had on the state broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV on Friday evening.
He said:”There are some people who wish others ill by spreading news that they have died. You may remember when I once traveled to America, some people were saying I had died. I can assure you that as I speak now, some of those people are in their graves, but I am still alive.”
Mutharika
The president then reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the economy and ensuring stability in key sectors, including fuel supply and foreign exchange.
He emphasized the need for result-driven leadership, stating that his administration remains focused on delivering on its promises.
Mutharika noted that government efforts are currently directed at stabilizing the economy and improving the livelihoods of Malawians.
He also commended MBC’s new leadership for its performance, urging it to maintain the same high standards.
Business activity slowed down significantly in Limbe today as many shops remained closed, leaving usually busy streets unusually quiet.The development has disrupted normal trading operations in one of Malawi’s key commercial centres.
Across the town, a noticeable presence of police officers added to the tense atmosphere, as authorities monitored the situation while traders stayed away from their businesses.
One trader said he chose not to open his shop while waiting for officials from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to assess his goods under the newly introduced Electronic Invoicing System (EIS).
He explained that operating without proper verification under the new system could expose him to penalties, forcing him to temporarily suspend business.
Other traders echoed similar concerns, saying they are still trying to understand how the new system works before fully complying with its requirements.
Some business owners also revealed that they had earlier asked the Malawi Revenue Authority to extend the deadline for implementing the system, arguing that they were not adequately prepared.
However, the tax authority dismissed calls for an extension in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, insisting that the rollout of the Electronic Invoicing System is already in progress.
The Malawi Revenue Authority further stressed that all businesses registered under Value Added Tax (VAT) are now required to adopt and start using the system.
According to MRA, the initiative is designed to enhance efficiency, promote transparency and strengthen tax compliance among businesses.
Despite these assurances, many traders remain uneasy, fearing that the system may increase operational costs and complicate their daily transactions.
This is not the first time traders have expressed resistance, as similar concerns sparked protests in different parts of the country in recent months.
For now, Limbe remains in a state of uncertainty, with businesses closed and traders waiting for clarity, while authorities push forward with enforcing the new tax system.
The Malawi Police Service is mourning the death of Sub Inspector Watson Gubudu, who has died in a road accident at Kamphata on Thursday, 1 May 2026.
In a death announcement issued on friday by the service, described the late Gubudu as a dedicated and professional officer who served the Malawi Police Service with commitment and integrity.
Until his death, Gubudu was the driver for the Director of Research and Planning at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe.
The Police Service says burial arrangements will be announced soon.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malamulo Mission Hospital in Thyolo, committing K317 million towards a micro-grid power project, representing a 50-percent contribution to the initiative.
The investment responds to persistent challenges at the facility, including power outages, voltage fluctuations and fuel shortages, which have affected service delivery.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony on Thursday, NBM plc Chief Operations Officer Masauko Katsala said the Bank’s support reflects its commitment to improving the livelihoods of Malawians and other patients who seek medical services at the institution.
“At NBM plc, we do not view Corporate Social Investment as an obligation; it is a responsibility that defines who we are. This intervention responds directly to the hospital’s needs, recognising its vital role in saving lives,” said Katsala.
He also commended the hospital for its outreach to rural communities and its efforts to integrate healthcare delivery with sustainability initiatives.
In his remarks, Malamulo Mission Hospital Chief of Surgery, Dr Brent Sherwin, expressed gratitude for the support, saying it will significantly enhance the facility’s operations.
“What the National Bank of Malawi has provided is timely and impactful. We needed resources to complete this project, and this contribution enables us to move forward and finalise it,” he said.
According to the agreement, once implemented, the micro-grid system is expected to provide uninterrupted power across the hospital, stabilise and protect critical medical equipment, and reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
Established in 1915, Malamulo Mission Hospital serves an estimated population of 500,000, including patients from neighbouring countries, with the micro-grid project expected to be completed within 18 months.
In a move to strengthen international trade and investment, NBS Bank plc has introduced a dedicated Chinese Banking service aimed at supporting the growing Chinese business community in Malawi and local businesses trading with China.
The initiative, which is among the few specialised banking offerings of its kind in Malawi, comes amid rising Africa–China trade and increasing demand for financial services that cater to both language and cultural dynamics in cross-border business.
It is designed to address language barriers, cultural differences, and inefficiencies that often affect trade, while providing clients with faster, more tailored financial solutions through a relationship-managed approach.
Victor Kutsaira
Speaking in an interview, NBS Bank Mandarin-speaking Relationship Manager, Victor Kutsaira, said the service responds directly to the needs of clients operating between Malawi and China.
“Many clients face challenges such as language barriers, differences in business culture, and delays in accessing financial solutions. Our role is to make banking easier, faster, and more aligned with how they operate,” said Kutsaira.
Kutsaira also highlighted how clients can access the service and the Bank’s expanded role beyond traditional banking.
“Clients are supported through a dedicated relationship management model, where we provide direct engagement in Mandarin alongside solutions such as trade finance, guarantees, and project funding. Beyond this, we are facilitating trade relationships and helping businesses navigate cross-border transactions with confidence,” he explained.
He further noted that the service is already delivering impact for both local and international clients.
“We have supported a Chinese construction firm with urgent trade finance, enabling them to secure a major infrastructure contract. We have also assisted local businesses in verifying suppliers from China, ensuring secure and efficient transactions,” said Kutsaira.
Kutsaira has since encouraged businesses to utilise the service to unlock opportunities in global trade.
“There are significant opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing. We see ourselves as a bridge connecting Malawian businesses to the Chinese market and Chinese investors to opportunities in Malawi,” he said.
Through the initiative, NBS Bank is expected to contribute to increased investment, improved trade efficiency, and stronger economic ties between Malawi and China, while positioning itself as a key enabler of cross-border business.
