The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Malawi Government for holding productive talks with Malawi’s new government during its annual meetings in Washington this month, an IMF spokesperson said on Monday, as the Southern African country looks to secure a new lending programme.
According to the IMF official, Julie Kozack they are looking forward to see how Malawi is expected to manage macro economic stability.
Mwanamveka
“We look forward to continuing discussions on the authorities’ plans to restore macro-economic stability and on how the IMF can best support their reform efforts” said Kozack.
Malawi’s last IMF programme was terminated in May after it failed to restore macroeconomic stability. President Peter Mutharika took office early this month after five years of worsening economic crisis in Malawi.
Recently, Minister of Finance and economic Development, Joseph Mwanamveka told the media that IMF programme is crucial in unlocking donor confidence with financial stakeholders.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has expressed confidence that the party will bounce back into power provided it sincerely reflects on what led to its loss in this year’s general elections and works on rebuilding itself from the ground up.
Speaking in Dowa East after being sworn in as a Member of Parliament, Chimwendo Banda said the MCP remains a strong and organized party, capable of reclaiming government if it stays united and learns from past mistakes.
“When you lose, it’s not the end. It’s a moment to sit down, reflect on what went wrong and fix those issues. That’s how strong parties rebuild and move forward,” he said, adding that MCP’s foundation and grassroots structures remain intact across the country.
Chimwendo
The MCP Secretary General further emphasized the importance of discipline, unity and renewed commitment among party members, saying those values will determine the party’s political future.
He also called on MCP supporters not to lose hope but to stay engaged in rebuilding the party and strengthening its connection with the people.
“We are not a finished story. MCP has deep roots in Malawi’s political history, and we are determined to rise again with fresh energy and better strategies,” Chimwendo Banda said.
In support of his remarks, Kasungu South East legislator Simplex Chithyola Banda, who is also from the MCP, urged the party to play its role as a constructive opposition, offering policy advice and checks on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
“We must be a responsible opposition, guiding the government where necessary and ensuring that the people’s voice is not lost. Opposition is not about fighting it’s about rebuilding and preparing for the future,” he said.
MANGOCHI, 27TH OCTOBER 2025 – His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, officially inaugurated the 2025 Poppy Week at the Page House in Mangochi.
In his address, the President stated that the period offers the nation an opportunity to remember and honour the brave men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars and all other bloody operations. He affirmed that these fallen heroes made the ultimate sacrifice so that Malawians may enjoy the peace and freedom cherished today.
Poppy week
President Mutharika declared it both fitting and proper to honour their patriotism. He also directed the nation’s attention to the living veterans, noting that most have reached an advanced age and are no longer able to financially support themselves or their families. The President stated that these courageous individuals deserve unwavering support.
He announced that beginning today, poppy flowers will be available for sale. He explained that the flowers carry profound meaning, symbolizing hope, peace, and respect for the fallen heroes. The proceeds from the sales will go directly towards supporting the welfare of war veterans. The President encouraged the public to honour them by purchasing a poppy and wearing it with pride.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force, President Mutharika reiterated his steadfast commitment to support these patriots in every way possible. He commended the men and women of the Malawi Defense Force for their continued discipline and professionalism and pledged to do everything within his power to ensure their welfare is well cared for.
The President also commended the Chairperson of the Veterans and Ex-Service League of Malawi for their selfless dedication to the wellbeing of war veterans, urging them to keep up the commendable work.
With these remarks, President Mutharika declared the 2025 Poppy Week officially inaugurated. He concluded by saying, May God bless you. May God bless Malawi.
The Office of the Clerk of Parliament has issued an official statement regarding the upcoming parliamentary session.
The press release informs all Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the general public of the planned event.
His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, will perform the State Opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament.
Mutharika
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, 31st October, 2025.
It will commence at 10:00 a.m. in the Parliament Chamber located in Lilongwe.
The announcement underscores the importance of the State Opening as a formal occasion marking the commencement of legislative activities for the new parliamentary session.
This event will bring together key government officials, legislators, and citizens to witness the President outline the nation’s legislative priorities and policy direction.
Observers note that the State Opening of Parliament provides a crucial platform for President Mutharika to communicate his administration’s agenda and engage with lawmakers on pressing national issues.
The public and media are encouraged to follow updates on the ceremony, as it sets the tone for Malawi’s legislative and political activities for the coming year.
NBM Development Bank Limited (NBMDBL), a development finance institution and subsidiary of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, has secured a grant of about £900,000 over a period of three years from the Scottish Government through its investment vehicle, The African Lakes Company Limited (ALC).
From the grant, NBMDBL will manage ALC special fund aimed at supporting women-led enterprises over a three-year period.
According to NBMDBL General Manager, Bernard Masi the first tranche of the grant for £265,000 is to be disbursed within the month of October.
“This is a matching grant designed to provide patient capital, including equity to women owned businesses thereby scaling up their business activities. The funding shall be availed to businesses operating in various sectors namely Agribusiness (mechanization and value addition), health, education, ICT, mining, energy and tourism,” he said.
Masi described the grant and partnership as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s impact in supporting entrepreneurs.
“We just don’t provide capital, we create viable SME businesses and provide hope to many entrepreneurs in these turbulent times,” said Masi.
ALC Managing Director, Bobby Anderson confirmed about the funding and expressed excitement to be working with the NBMDBL.
“We expect this new partnership between ALC and NBMDB will grow in the years ahead. Working together will be vital as we will provide debt and equity investment to existing businesses led by women who are seeking access to capital to grow.”
“In this way we hope our joint project, led by the dedicated staff of NBMDBL on the ground rather than by a foreign NGO, will contribute significantly to Malawi’s development goals,” said Anderson.
On the sidelines of the partnership, last weekend NBM plc officials, led by Chief Operating Officer Masauko Katsala had an audience with the Scottish First Minister John Swinney to give a brief on the strides made in supporting SMEs in the country.
Others who attended the meeting included Masi and NBMDBL Chief Operating Officer Esnat Kamudoni.
