President Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera have arrived in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Upon arrival, the President was welcomed by the UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, and the Malawian Ambassador to the UAE, Younos Abdul Karim, among other dignitaries.
Chakwera in UAE
The President’s official visit to the UAE is scheduled from Thursday, December 5, to Sunday, December 8.
During the visit, President Chakwera is expected to meet His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss key strategic issues of mutual benefit.
These deliberations will include modalities for intergovernmental cooperation on the supply of petroleum products.
In addition to this, President Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with other senior UAE government officials.
Malawi and the UAE share strong diplomatic ties and engage in multilateral cooperation in areas such as economic and technical collaboration, avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion and protection, labor agreements, and bilateral air services.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Eastern Region Committee, under the leadership of Honourable Bright Msaka, SC, Vice President for the region, has announced a whistle-stop tour aimed at encouraging voter registration in Mangochi District. The campaign is set to kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 5th, 2024.
The initiative is part of the party’s broader strategy to mobilize supporters ahead of the 2025 general elections. Under the theme #APMyVote and #2025Boma, the campaign underscores DPP’s commitment to reclaiming power and ensuring maximum voter turnout in the region.
Hon. Bright Msaka emphasized the importance of voter registration during a press briefing, stating: “Voter registration is a critical step in shaping the future of our country. We are urging all eligible voters in Mangochi and beyond to register and make their voices heard in 2025. The DPP is committed to ensuring every supporter is empowered to exercise their democratic right.”
The tour will traverse several key areas within Mangochi, with rallies planned to educate and motivate residents on the importance of voter registration. Members of the Eastern Region Committee, local party leaders, and other influential figures are expected to participate in the campaign.
Mangochi, a vital stronghold for the DPP, has historically played a significant role in determining electoral outcomes in the region. The party is leveraging this campaign to solidify its support base while engaging with grassroots communities to address their concerns and aspirations.
Supporters and residents are already showing enthusiasm for the initiative, with many expressing readiness to participate in the voter registration exercise. The campaign is also expected to highlight the DPP’s vision for the country under the leadership of former President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
As the race to the 2025 elections heats up, the DPP Eastern Region’s proactive approach demonstrates its determination to mobilize voters and build momentum towards reclaiming governance.
Lilongwe – In a landmark event aimed at fostering unity and dialogue, Malawi Catholic Bishops hosted a dinner interface meeting with Catholic Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. The event, which commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Right Reverend Alfred Mateyu Chaima, the Bishop of the Diocese of Zomba, sought to strengthen collaboration between the Church and Catholic legislators.
The Holy Mass, a spiritual prelude to the discussions, set the tone for an evening of reflection and dialogue. In his homily, Bishop Chaima emphasized the critical role of Catholic MPs in embodying the Church’s values in their policymaking and leadership roles. “As lawmakers, you are called to be the voice of the voiceless and to bring the Gospel’s teachings into the corridors of power,” he said.
The dinner meeting brought together Catholic MPs from across the political spectrum, creating a platform to discuss pressing national issues. The bishops highlighted the need for legislators to prioritize the common good, tackle the challenges of poverty, corruption, and inequality, and champion justice and peace in their respective constituencies.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, underscored the importance of bridging faith and governance. “The Church and the state must work hand in hand to promote the well-being of our people. This interface is a step towards strengthening that partnership,” he noted.
Key topics of discussion included the role of Catholic social teachings in policymaking, the Church’s expectations of MPs, and the need for collective action in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. The bishops also urged the MPs to lead by example, advocating integrity and servant leadership in their respective roles.
Speaking on behalf of the MPs, Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno expressed gratitude to the bishops for organizing the event. She acknowledged the Church’s pivotal role in shaping the moral compass of society and pledged the MPs’ commitment to upholding Catholic values in their legislative work.
The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, as the bishops and MPs agreed on the need for continuous dialogue to ensure that faith remains a guiding principle in addressing Malawi’s challenges.
This unique initiative by the Catholic Church demonstrates its unwavering commitment to engaging with policymakers to ensure a brighter future for Malawi.
Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda has delivered a mid-year budget tailored to propel economic growth as among others tackles on revenue enhancement measures.
Presenting the mid year budget to the legislators, Chithyola Banda said announced that this is an austerity budget tailored to enhance revenue generation by allowing everyone to make sacrifices.
Chithyola
“I wish to highlight that Government is implementing the budget to promote economic growth and macroeconomic stability, which have been recently affected by both endogenous and exogenous shocks,” he said.
Among others government has removed Value Added Tax (VAT) waivers on the importation of vehicles for the President, vice President, former Presidents, members of Parliament and selected judiciary members as well as senior government officials.
He has since called upon legislators to support the bill when presented in chamber.
On the other hand, the Minister also highlighted that government has trimmed local economic growth by 1400 basis points from 3.2 percent projected at the start of 2024/25 fiscal year to 1.8 percent. He attributed the change to negative impacts of El Nino, which affected mostly the agriculture sector.
On the issue of carbon trade, the Minister has assured the public that Malawi is making progress with about $10.3 million US dollars realized through project implemented under Parks and Wildlife Department.
He also said climate shocks has forced government to revise the country’s economic growth which was at 4.3 percent when 2024/25 budget was presented down to 4.0 percent.
Prince Kajore scored the only goal of the match as FOMO FC claimed a historical 1-0 win against TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers at Mulanje Park Stadium, ending Silver’s 28-match unbeaten run in the top flight.
Kajore’s goal came just five minutes before the end of the match after Silver defenders failed to clear a throw in that was taken by Hassan Luwembe.
The win has taken the Mulanje-based side out of the relegation zone as they have now accumulated 28 points from 29 games, a point above 14th placed Bangwe All Stars.
In other other matches played on Wednesday afternoon, second placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers gave away their first half 1-nil lead to draw 1-all against Creck Sporting Club.
In a match played at Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, Misheck Botomani put the Nomads in front in the added time of the first half but the home side equalized through Frank Phiri who scored from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.
In Blantyre, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets thumped Karonga United 3-1 in a match played at Kamuzu Stadium.
Gomezgani Chirwa, Ephraim Kondowe and Stanley Billiati were on target for the People’s team and the visitors got their consolation through Nickson Nyasulu’s own goal.
Another surprise victory was registered in Karonga as 15th placed Chitipa United beat Moyale Barracks 2-0 at Karonga Stadium.
Trouble Kajani scored the first goal for Chitipa just 6 minutes from kick-off before Francis Nyirenda sealed the victory in the 77th minute.
On Saturday which is the final day of the TNM Super League, Bangwe All Stars will host Creck Sporting at Balaka Stadium as FOMO takes on Karonga at Mulanje Park.
Baka City who are already relegated from the top flight, will play Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium as Tigers FC takes on Civil Service United.
In other Matches, Moyale Barracks will host Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in Mzuzu and Silver Strikers will be crowned champions after playing Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos in Lilongwe.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will finish the season with a match against Kamuzu Barracks as Mafco FC FC who are perched on position 9 takes on 4th placed Mzuzu City Hammers.
