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U.S. Diplomat Concludes Malawi Tour with Call for Peaceful Elections

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U.S. Diplomat Concludes Malawi Tour with Call for Peaceful Elections

By Wadza Botomani

Outgoing U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Diaz has wrapped up her diplomatic assignment in Malawi with a series of farewell meetings with the country’s political leaders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and democratic principles ahead of next year’s elections. 

Diaz held discussions with prominent figures including former presidents Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey, United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi, and other key political stakeholders. The talks centered on safeguarding democratic values and preventing political violence in the lead-up to the September 16, 2025, general elections.

Diaz with Atupele Muluzi

 

“During my farewell meetings with Malawian political party leaders, we spoke about the importance of upholding democratic values and avoiding political violence,” Diaz said. “I stressed the need to maintain peace during the run-up to the elections.” 

Her engagements underscored the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s democracy and stability. Diaz’s tenure in the country saw strengthened bilateral ties, particularly in governance, health, and economic development. 

As she departs, her message to Malawi’s political class remains clear: a peaceful and credible electoral process is crucial for the nation’s progress. The U.S. Embassy is expected to continue advocating for free and fair elections as Malawi prepares for the 2025 polls.

Diaz with Dr Joyce Banda

Government Calls for Youth Involvement in Agriculture to Drive Malawi’s Self-Reliance

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Government Calls for Youth Involvement in Agriculture to Drive Malawi’s Self-Reliance

By Wadza Botomani

The Minister  of Agriculture Sam Kawale has urged students at Mzuzu University to actively participate in agriculture, emphasizing its role as the backbone of Malawi’s economy. The call was made during a public lecture titled “The Malawi We Want: Fostering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Development Through Agriculture,” held on Thursday night at the university. 

The lecture highlighted agriculture’s critical importance, with the sector employing over 80% of Malawi’s population and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Discussions focused on how academic programs at Mzuzu University are equipping students with skills in agricultural production, innovation, agribusiness, and value chain development to transform the sector. 

Sam Kawale



Key government initiatives under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration were also outlined, including the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) Project, climate-smart agriculture programs, the Youth Innovation Fund, and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF). These programs aim to boost productivity, enhance climate resilience, and create wealth through modernized agribusiness ventures. 

Students engaged actively, raising pressing questions on access to financing, land ownership, job creation, technology adoption, market access, and policy support. The official commended their enthusiasm and encouraged them to take advantage of available opportunities, stressing that their involvement is crucial for building a self-reliant and sustainably developed Malawi. 

The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to collaborative efforts in shaping a prosperous future for the country through agriculture. “Together, we can build the Malawi we want,” the official said.

Ministry of Higher Education goes digital to enhace equitable access to quality teacher

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Ministry of Higher Education goes digital to enhace equitable access to quality teacher

By Linda Kwanjana


Minister of higher education, Dr Jessie Kabwila has unveiled pure online application for all teachers Training Colleges across the country.

Speacking during the unveiling ceremony which took place at Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) Campus in Lilongwe,  Dr Kabwira said the initiative is a game changer towards providing a equitable access to quality teacher’s education.

“This is a milestone in higher education towards promoting equitable access to quality teacher education. This milestone is the 100 percent online application to public Teacher Training Colleges,” he said.

Kabwila


He said this is historic and is being implemented for the first time in Malawi.

“Am pleased to announce that for the first time ever, candidates to our public Teacher Training Colleges will apply 100 percent
online through the Public Universities Selection (PUS) system by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), who,
following my Ministry’s request, have graciously customized the PUS system to facilitate a system for handle applications to teacher training colleges,” said Dr Kabwira.

According to the Minister, this is the kind of collaboration and teamwork that her Ministry is championing, to leverage resources and expertise to ensure efficiency and prudence in resource
utilization.

Kabwira commended Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for all this achievement.

“These are some of the fruits of the President Dr. Chakwera’s wise decision to create a standalone Ministry of
Higher Education where NCHE and DTED are now under one roof, creating this seamless collaboration” she said.

The Minister emphasized that while the Ministry is using the customized PUS system to receive and manage TTC
applications, NCHE is not involved in the selection.

“It is the Ministry of Higher Education that does the selection. The president has also directed us to ensure that there is efficient
service delivery through digitalisation for the good of our people in the village. In fact, going digital in TTC operations is in line with the MW 2063 digitisation agenda for education, namely, “ she said.

Chimwendo Banda calls for improved service delivery in cities

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Chimwendo Banda calls for improved service delivery in cities

By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has urged city councils in the country to prioritize service provision and adhere to urban planning regulations.

Speaking during the opening of a two-day 5th Cities Caucasus Conference at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre, Banda emphasized the need for cities to provide essential services such as waste management, road maintenance, and water connections.

Chimwendo



The minister also stressed the importance of urban planning, saying that all developments must align with approved plans and master plans.

“No one should build without an approved plan,” said Banda.

The minister added that this would help create clean, well-managed, and planned cities.

Banda called on the private sector to partner with city councils to improve service delivery.

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to providing more resources to district councils and city councils.

Chimwendo emphasized the need to digitize revenue collection systems to improve efficiency and correlation with the Malawi Revenue Authority(MRA ).

On her part,Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA), Esther Sagawa highlighted the challenges faced by urban councils in monitoring infrastructure developments.

She said many people build their infrastructures without proper approvals, making it difficult and expensive for councils to enforce regulations.

Sagawa also mentioned  cancellation of the  Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCA ) fund as another factor that has also affected urban councils, which had allocated projects to improve revenue collection.

She emphasized the need for innovative solutions to continue these projects and called for partnerships with the private sector to improve service delivery.

The MALGA president cited examples of successful partnerships, including with the JAICA project, which provided financing for equipment such as fire engine trucks.

She stressed that collaboration with the private sector and other partners is key to addressing the challenges faced by urban councils and providing better services to communities.

Masintha Choir set to launch double album

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Masintha Choir set to launch double album



By Rahim Abdul

The renowned Masintha Women’s Mass Choir is gearing up for a grand double album launch on July 13, 2025, at the Masintha Multi-Purpose Hall in Kawale, Lilongwe.

The event aims to raise K26 million to purchase a bus that will support their expanding gospel ministry.

Secretary Asha Jere Ndala expressed excitement about the launch, describing it as a spiritual milestone and a deepening of their gospel outreach.

Masintha Choir



Ndala revealed that the choir has already raised K44 million through other initiatives and is confident that they will achieve their goal with God’s help.

The choir is still searching for a guest of honor and has extended an open invitation to anyone with goodwill to attend.

Ndala appealed to churches, individuals, and well-wishers to support the cause, emphasizing that every donation counts and will further the ministry’s mission.

The event promises to be a powerful spiritual experience, featuring performances from notable artists, including Kondwani Chirwa, Masintha Chitsitsimutso, and Kuunika Women’s Choir, among others.

With their passion for gospel music and community impact, the Masintha Choir is poised to inspire and uplift audiences.

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