The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Wednesday released the official list of 17 candidates who will contest in the 2025 presidential election.
Among the approved candidates are incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), former President Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP), Dalitso Kabambe representing the united Transformation Movement (UTM), former President Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Other candidates include Michael Usi of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu(OZAM), Kondwani Nankhumwa of the People’s Development Party(PDP ), Kamuzu Chibambo of PETRA, and Frank Mwenefumbo of the National Development Party(NDP).
The list also features Akwame Bandawe of the Alliance for African Advancement (AAA), Jordan Sauti of the Patriotic Citizens Party (PCP), as well as several independent candidates including Thokozani Banda, Adil Chilungo, Cosmas Chipojola, Smart Swira, Milward Tobias, and Phunziro Mvula.
Absent from the final list are David Dube of the Nationalist Patriotic Party(NPP), David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Freedom(LEF ), and independent candidate Reverend Hardwick Kaliya.
MEC did not provide specific reasons for their exclusion.
“This marks the official confirmation of who Malawians will choose from on the presidential ballot,” says MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja in a notice dated August 6,2025.
CDH Investment Bank has once again cemented its leadership in the Malawi financial sector by being awarded the prestigious title of Investment Bank of the Year 2025.
The accolade, announced by the internationally acclaimed Global Banking Magazine, based in London, United Kingdom(UK), underscores the bank’s exceptional performance and innovation in investment banking and financial advisory services.
The award recognizes CDH Investment Bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in driving economic growth and development in Malawi.
Thoko Mkavea
Over the past year, the bank has been instrumental in a range of high-impact initiatives, including national food security management and capital raising for transformative public and private sector projects.
Commenting on the award,the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD),Thoko Mkavea, expressed appreciation for the recognition.
“On behalf of the board and our dedicated team of 102 exceptional employees, I am deeply honored to accept the Investment Bank of the year award. This recognition is not only a testament to our strategic vision and innovation, but more importantly to the passion, resilience and excellence of our people.Each member of our team plays a vital role in delivering the high-impact innovative advisory solutions that define who we are.
“We remain committed to setting new standards in Malawi’s financial sector by harnessing the power of talent, technology and integrity. As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our pledge to continue creating value for our clients, our partners and the communities we serve,” he said.
Mkavea also reflected on the bank’s journey.
“Our founder’s vision in 1998 was to establish a specialist financial institution that leads in the provision of innovative financial solutions. Today, we take immense pride in the milestones we’ve reached and the unique value we bring to our clients,” he said.
The CEO said this marks the twelfth time the bank has been honored with this award, further solidifying its reputation as a market leader.
He therefore,extended heartfelt gratitude to the bank’s clients.
“We owe this achievement to the trust and loyalty of our clients, who inspire us to continually raise the bar. Their partnership has been instrumental in our success,” said Mkavea.
He said looking ahead, CDH Investment Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening its foundations through strategic investment in technology, human capital and customer-centric innovations.
“These initiatives are designed to elevate client experience and maintain the bank’s competitive edge in an evolving financial landscape,” said the CEO.
Founded on April 2, 2012, following the transformation of Continental Discount House Limited (established in August 1998), CDH Investment Bank has grown into a powerhouse that positively influences individuals, businesses and communities across Malawi.
The bank continues to champion financial stability, innovation and development.
Client testimonials continue to highlight the bank’s transformative impact, underscoring its role as a trusted partner in advancing Malawi’s economic aspirations.
AMG Global Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors on Wednesday donated K5 million to support the upcoming Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) Lakeshore Conference, scheduled to take place from August 21 to 23 at Sun ‘n’ Sand Holiday Resort in Mangochi.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre, AMG Global Business Development Manager-Advisory Services, Limbani Msosa, said the firm is committed to supporting professional development initiatives that align with national growth priorities.
“We recognize the important role that ICAM plays in advancing the accounting profession and driving Malawi’s economic development,” said Msosa.
On his part,ICAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO ) Noel Zigowa expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the significance of this year’s conference theme, ‘Moving from Awareness to Action.’
He said the theme underscores the need to shift from discussions to practical, home-grown solutions to address the country’s economic challenges.
Malawi’s leading force in the logistics industry, Ritz Holdings Limited, has established a new subsidiary, ZBLG Transport Company, in Zambia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s regional expansion strategy.
The opening of ZBLG Transport Company is part of Ritz’s ongoing efforts to broaden its reach and enhance its operational capabilities that serve an increasingly diverse international market with excellence.
Innocent Nyirongo
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Ritz Holdings Limited Commercial Services Manager,Innocent Nyirongo,said the move aligns with the company’s strategic vision of expanding its international footprint and solidifying its presence as a regional leader in the transportation industry.
“This expansion underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients around the southern Africa region and reinforces our long-term growth strategy.
“The new office will enable us to support local businesses, foster innovation, and create more opportunities for our employees and stakeholders,” said Nyirongo.
He added that the subsidiary company in Zambia serves as a gateway to numerous trade opportunities earmarked for enhancing the economic growth of the two countries.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in Zambia, a dynamic and rapidly growing market.The new office is expected to generate significant growth opportunities, as it positions Ritz Holdings Limited as a link that enables Malawi and Zambia to explore potential trade opportunities,” said Nyirongo.
He said expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation as it seeks to contribute positively to the local economy.
While appreciating the power of collaboration in the industry, Nyirongo added that Ritz Holding Limited will continue partnering with other players to ensure sustainability in the sector.
“The logistics sector plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic development of countries; therefore, we believe that strategic integrations are key to fostering growth in the industry. As such, Ritz is open to working with other logistics companies as we embark on different projects in both local and international markets,” he said.
Ritz Holdings Limited is a multisectoral Malawian private holdings company.
The corporation plays a parent role in four subsidiaries: Ritz Technologies, Ritz Oils and Gases, Ritz Partners Limited, and ZBLG Transport Company.
Financial services giant NICO has emphasized the crucial role that insurance brokers play in widening access to insurance in the country.
Speaking at a high-level brokers’ workshop held in Lilongwe on Wednesday, NICO Life Chief Operating Officer Chimwemwe Kanyenda described brokers as essential partners in driving the growth of the insurance sector.
Chimwemwe Kanyenda
“Brokers are not just intermediaries,they are trusted advisors and advocates who help bridge the gap between insurers and clients,” said Kanyenda.
He explained that the workshop was part of NICO’s continued efforts to equip and empower brokers with the knowledge and tools needed to better serve the market.
On her part,Resilient Insurance Agency Business Development Manager, Moreen Kambalametore, welcomed the initiative, saying it was instrumental in helping brokers gain a deeper understanding of NICO’s diverse range of products and services.
An insurance broker is someone who advises people on their insurance needs and negotiates insurance contracts on their behalf with insurers in return for a fee or commission.
