The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has underscored the importance of developing humane and comprehensive migration policies to promote social cohesion, economic stability, and uphold the rights and dignity of migrants in the country.
Speaking at an International Migrants Day event in Mchinji on Wednesday, UN Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda Dontoh emphasized the critical role of safe migration in ensuring the well-being of migrants and addressing migration challenges.
Dontoh stressed that every step, from policy formulation to implementation, is vital in safeguarding the well-being of migrants.
She urged the government to expedite the approval of a national migration policy, currently pending cabinet endorsement.
Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Citizens Services, Annie Tionge Kaonga, acknowledged the government’s efforts to enhance security along uncharted migration routes, aligning with the UN’s “Know Before You Go” campaign.
The event, themed “Every Step – Towards Regular Pathways for Migration,” aimed to raise awareness about international migration policies and empower individuals to make informed decisions.
Globally, over 281 million people were on the move by 2022, with 4 out of 100 people in transit daily, highlighting the urgency of addressing migration challenges effectively.
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) has established a presidential council, comprising four founding members who played key roles in the formation of the party.
The council will be chaired by Newton Kambala.
UTM advisors
The other members of the council include Patricia Kaliati, former Secretary General; Joseph Chidanti Malunga, former publicity secretary; and Annie Makuta, former director of women.
According to a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala,the four experienced individuals will provide strategic guidance on crucial political issues and campaigns, supporting both the party and its President Dalitso Kabambe.
In addition to the presidential council, the UTM has also confirmed Noel Masangwi as its patron.
This move reinforces the party’s commitment to its founding principles and values.
The formation of the presidential council is a significant step forward for the UTM , demonstrating its dedication to effective leadership and strategic decision-making.
As the party prepares for future challenges and opportunities, this council will play a vital role in shaping its direction and policies.
TNM Mpamba has received the Corporate Shared Value Innovation Award in the innovation category for its pioneering loan solution, Mpamba Ndikankhe which has revolutionalised financial inclusion through easy to access instant loans.
The award was presented on Wednesday night by Trade Minister, Sosten Gwengwe at the ICS Africa Corporate Shared Value Awards ceremony held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Mpamba Ndikankhe has been recognized for offering small, instant loans without the burden for collateral or complicated credit checks.
The service enables individuals to invest in their businesses, meet personal financial needs, and improve their livelihoods.
In his speech,TNM Mpamba General Manager, Christopher Sukasuka hailed the recognition as confirmation of the positive impact of the loan innovation.
“Mpamba Ndikankhe leverages TNM Mpamba’s extensive mobile money infrastructure and agent network, ensuring scalability and wide-reaching impact across Malawi,” said Sukasuka.
He said the award signifies the growth of Mpamba attesting to its unwavering commitment to enhancing financial inclusion in the country.
“Mpamba Ndikankhe directly brings addresses financial inclusion to Malawians, where a significant proportion of the population remains excluded from financial services.
“We are bridging the financial gap for millions of unbanked and underserved individuals, empowering them to meet urgent financial needs such as healthcare expenses, education fees, and small business investments,” he said.
To date Mpamba Ndikankhe has disbursed over K30 billion in loans and extended to over 1.7 million customers providing instant, collateral-free loans via mobile devices, a service previously inaccessible to many low-income earners, small-scale traders, farmers, and rural entrepreneurs.
The injection of liquidity into the informal sector drives economic growth, boosts grassroots entrepreneurship, and stimulates commerce at the local level.
Mpamba Ndikankhe provides loans to individuals as well as Mpamba agents who use it to grow their businesses.
This empowers users to grow their enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and economic participation, especially in rural areas where traditional banking services are limited.
President Lazarus Chakwera has addressed pressing economic concerns raised by Dr. George Chaponda, the Member of Parliament for Mulanje South West, regarding wasteful spending, excessive borrowing, and the status of Malawi’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. In his response, the President provided a detailed and constructive analysis of the country’s economic challenges, emphasizing resilience, international collaboration, and the importance of understanding the broader context.
President Chakwera acknowledged that the Malawian economy has faced immense pressure from global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a severe cholera outbreak, and Cyclone Freddy. These crises have disrupted businesses, displaced communities, and placed a significant strain on the national economy. He clarified that these challenges are not a result of wasteful government spending but are rather external shocks that have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities.
Chakwera
To counter claims of fiscal mismanagement, the President highlighted renewed support from key international partners, including the World Bank and the European Union. He noted that such assistance would not have resumed if the government were engaging in wasteful practices.
Additionally, he commended the People’s Republic of China and the government of India for their contributions to debt restructuring, which have provided critical relief to Malawi’s financial landscape.
The President addressed concerns about borrowing by pointing to practices of previous administrations that continue to pose challenges. He assured the nation that his government is working to resolve these inherited issues while striving to maintain fiscal discipline.
Chakwera also emphasized the importance of direct budget support from international partners, describing it as a lifeline for Malawi’s economic recovery efforts.
In discussing food insecurity, the President identified El Niño’s devastating effects on Malawi’s food systems as a significant factor in the current crisis. He underscored the government’s commitment to addressing this challenge while collaborating with international partners to ensure food security.
President Chakwera expressed optimism about the progress of Malawi’s Extended Credit Facility with the IMF. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the program effectively and collaborating with the IMF to ensure long-term economic stability.
The President called for a nuanced analysis of Malawi’s economic situation, urging stakeholders to consider the complexities and historical context of the challenges the country faces. His message was one of resilience and optimism, emphasizing collaboration as key to overcoming the difficulties ahead.
While acknowledging the hurdles, President Chakwera’s response highlights a vision of progress grounded in partnership, fiscal responsibility, and resilience. His remarks signal a determination to steer the country towards recovery, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Mamembala a chipani cha Malawi Congress (MCP) m’busa Mwai Kamuyambeni komanso a Samson Nthenga atsutsa malipoti oti alowa chipani cha UTM.
Izi zikutsatira chithunzi chomwe awiriwa anajambulitsa ndi mtsogoleri wachipani cha UTM, a Dalitso Kabambe kunyumba kwao Lachiwiri sabata ino.
Awiriwa avomera kuti anajambulitsa chithunzicho pomwe anawaitana monga munthu ndi mzache poti anayamba kucheza kalekale.
Iwo ati anali odabwa kuti pomalizira kwakucheza kwao a Kabambe anawapempha kuti agwire nao ntchito ndipo m’busa Kamuyambeni ndi a Nthenga ati anangoti awayankhabe.
Rev Kamuyambeni ndi a Samson Mithenga
Titawafunsa ati mauwa anali kukana ndithu kulowa chipani cha UTM ndipo iwo ali pambuyo pachipani cha MCP.
A Kamuyambeni ati iwo adzaimira ngati phungu wa MCP dera lina m’boma la Ntcheu.
