Discussion centers on economic growth and improving livelihoods across the nation
By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), on Tuesday held a meeting with the World Bank Country Manager at her office on Capital Hill.
The discussions focused on identifying key areas of collaboration between the Government of Malawi and the World Bank.
During the meeting, both parties explored ways to strengthen ongoing development programmes in the country.
These programmes aim to promote economic growth and enhance livelihoods for communities across Malawi.
Dr. Ansah emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships with development institutions to ensure sustainable progress.
The Vice President highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing initiatives that drive inclusive development.
The World Bank Country Manager expressed readiness to support Malawi’s development agenda through technical assistance and financing.
Both sides agreed to continue engaging on priority projects that address national socio-economic challenges.
The meeting underscores Malawi’s focus on leveraging international partnerships to achieve long-term development goals.
A family from Ching’amba Village, Traditional Authority Onga in Chiradzulu District has every reason to smile after receiving a newly built modern house from the Limbe Muslim Jamaat (LMJ), marking another milestone in the organisation’s community empowerment initiatives.
Lewis Thomson and his wife, Shina Isaac, who had long struggled with inadequate housing, said the donation has transformed their lives, especially as they used to face serious hardships during the rainy season.
“This is more than just a house it’s a symbol of dignity and hope for our family. We are deeply grateful to LMJ for remembering people like us in rural areas,” said Thomson with visible joy.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, LMJ chairperson Ahmed Sunka said the project aligns with their mission of uplifting vulnerable households through sustainable and climate-resilient housing.
“As a faith-based organisation, we are committed to improving people’s welfare. Climate change has worsened the situation for many families whose homes are frequently damaged by floods or heavy rains. By constructing strong, modern houses, we aim to give them security and stability,” Sunka explained.
He added that LMJ plans to expand its housing programme, which aims to construct at least 20 houses each year for underprivileged families in hard-to-reach areas. The initiative, currently active in the Southern Region, will soon be rolled out to other parts of Malawi.
The organisation has also hinted at incorporating solar power and water-harvesting systems in future projects to promote environmental sustainability and reduce dependency on unsafe water sources.
Community leaders from Ching’amba Village applauded LMJ’s gesture, describing it as a model of genuine social responsibility that complements government efforts in improving rural housing standards.
The launch of the housing initiative is part of LMJ’s broader humanitarian vision, which includes education support, health outreach and disaster response activities across the country.
Head of SADC Mission Richard Msowoya condemns aggressive treatment of accredited election observers by Tanzanian security agents
By Burnett Munthali
On November 23, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observer mission reported an alarming incident involving its team in Tanga Town, Tanzania.
According to the head of the mission, Richard Msowoya, the observers, who were carrying official accreditation identification cards, were subjected to aggressive interrogation by security forces.
The incident reportedly took place while the observers were conducting their duties in line with SADC’s mandate to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in member states.
Msowoya
Msowoya stated that the security officers seized the observers’ official documents, including their passports and other mission credentials, despite the team having proper clearance to operate in the area.
He further disclosed that although the documents were later returned, the observers were forced to delete mission-related photographs from their official gadgets.
The deletion order, according to Msowoya, raises serious concerns about transparency and the freedom of regional observers to perform their duties without intimidation or interference.
He described the behavior of the security forces as inconsistent with Tanzania’s commitment to democratic values and regional cooperation under the SADC framework.
Msowoya emphasized that election observation is an internationally recognized process aimed at fostering credibility and confidence in electoral outcomes.
He warned that such acts of harassment could undermine public trust and damage the image of Tanzania as a democratic nation committed to upholding the rule of law.
The SADC mission has since lodged a formal complaint with Tanzanian authorities, calling for an explanation and assurances that similar incidents will not occur again.
Observers across the region have expressed solidarity with the affected team, urging host governments to ensure the safety and independence of all election monitoring missions.
As the electoral process continues, SADC reiterated its commitment to maintaining neutrality and professionalism while continuing to observe and report on the electoral environment in Tanzania.
This incident, however, casts a shadow over what should be a transparent and peaceful electoral process, raising fresh questions about the treatment of international observers in the region.
In the wake of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s declaration of a State of Disaster on October 25, 2025, following severe drought in 11 districts, local non-governmental organization Moyo Ngwathu has stepped forward to provide much-needed relief to affected communities.
The organization donated 100 bags of maize flour, each weighing 50 kilograms, to elderly residents in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbwatalika in Lilongwe, one of the districts hardest hit by the ongoing drought.
The donation comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread food insecurity, as highlighted by a recent Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report.
According to the MVAC report, more than four million Malawians are facing acute food shortages and will require humanitarian assistance between October 2025 and March 2026.
Moyo Ngwathu’s intervention was made possible through the support of the Zikomo Foundation of Germany, which has been partnering with the Malawian NGO since 2023 to implement community development and hunger relief programs.
The Zikomo Foundation has pledged K55 million to sustain food support for 100 beneficiaries each month until March 2026.
In addition to food assistance, the foundation will provide farm inputs to 60 lead farmers in the area as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen local food security and resilience against drought.
During the handover ceremony, community members expressed deep appreciation for the timely support, describing it as a lifeline during one of the toughest hunger periods in recent years.
Speaking with emotion, Margaret Poko from Kakwatamoto Village said the donation would help save lives and ease the suffering of many elderly people who have struggled to find food.
“We are very thankful for the assistance. We have lost lives due to hunger. This donation will go a long way,” said Poko.
Moyo Ngwathu’s leadership emphasized that their work goes beyond providing relief—it is about restoring hope and dignity to communities in distress.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to standing with vulnerable households, ensuring that no one is left behind during this national crisis.
The Zikomo Foundation echoed this sentiment, stating that solidarity between local and international partners is key to overcoming Malawi’s food insecurity challenges.
Together, the two organizations have demonstrated that compassion and partnership can make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by drought.
Their continued collaboration not only brings immediate relief but also lays the foundation for a more food-secure and resilient Malawi.
In the wake of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s declaration of a State of Disaster on October 25, 2025, following severe drought in 11 districts, local non-governmental organization Moyo Ngwathu has stepped forward to provide much-needed relief to affected communities.
The organization donated 100 bags of maize flour, each weighing 50 kilograms, to elderly residents in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbwatalika in Lilongwe, one of the districts hardest hit by the ongoing drought.
The donation comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread food insecurity, as highlighted by a recent Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report.
According to the MVAC report, more than four million Malawians are facing acute food shortages and will require humanitarian assistance between October 2025 and March 2026.
Moyo Ngwathu’s intervention was made possible through the support of the Zikomo Foundation of Germany, which has been partnering with the Malawian NGO since 2023 to implement community development and hunger relief programs.
The Zikomo Foundation has pledged K55 million to sustain food support for 100 beneficiaries each month until March 2026.
In addition to food assistance, the foundation will provide farm inputs to 60 lead farmers in the area as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen local food security and resilience against drought.
During the handover ceremony, community members expressed deep appreciation for the timely support, describing it as a lifeline during one of the toughest hunger periods in recent years.
Speaking with emotion, Margaret Poko from Kakwatamoto Village said the donation would help save lives and ease the suffering of many elderly people who have struggled to find food.
“We are very thankful for the assistance. We have lost lives due to hunger. This donation will go a long way,” said Poko.
Moyo Ngwathu’s leadership emphasized that their work goes beyond providing relief—it is about restoring hope and dignity to communities in distress.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to standing with vulnerable households, ensuring that no one is left behind during this national crisis.
The Zikomo Foundation echoed this sentiment, stating that solidarity between local and international partners is key to overcoming Malawi’s food insecurity challenges.
Together, the two organizations have demonstrated that compassion and partnership can make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by drought.
Their continued collaboration not only brings immediate relief but also lays the foundation for a more food-secure and resilient Malawi.
