Government has admitted that access to financial resources remains a corners stone to transformation.
Minister of Trade and industry. Sosten Gwengwe said this during the launch of Grants programme under Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) ay Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
He said provision of tangible financial support particularly to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) would unlock the country’s economy.
Gwengwe said the grants would empower the SMEs to produce value added products that would be competitive at regional markets.
Sosten Gwengwe
“We need to address the bottlenecks facing value adding process and provide alternatives that are long lasting” the Minister added.
He pointed out that the private sector involvement in the implementation of SATCP remains key and needs to play a vital role in helping in financing.
The Minister viewed that the key to the success of the loans would depend on the SMEs that would be reached out and saying there was need to reach out to new one so that they should benefit too.
He urged 15 participating councils to make use of the grants in order to consolidate the issue of promoting value chains.
Gwengwe thanked the World Banks for granting Malawi a 50 percent grant from the US$ 150 million loans to be implemented in the SATCP.
World Bank Senior Private Sector Specialist, Efrem Chilima said the World Bank was keen to ensure that value addition and commercialization in the agriculture sector was promoted.
He said there are number of projects the Bank was implementing in the country in order to commercialize the agriculture sector in order to achieve economic growth.
A chaotic scene unfolded at Lilongwe Technical College on Monday as three students were rushed to the hospital after being affected by teargas fired onto the campus during an examination session. The incident occurred when protests erupted near the college, leading to the use of teargas by law enforcement, which unfortunately drifted onto the college grounds.
The students, who were in the middle of their exams, were immediately affected by the fumes, causing them distress and health concerns. College authorities quickly took action, transporting the affected students to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Fortunately, the students were reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
College Principal, Suzgika Mvalo, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the disruption caused by the demonstrations. Speaking to Power 101 Online, Mvalo clarified that none of the college’s students were involved in the protests, as they were focused on their exams. “Our students were busy writing exams, and none of them were part of the demonstrations. It is unfortunate that this happened,” Mvalo explained.
Despite the chaos and the potential for further disruption, Mvalo noted that postponing the examinations would be a difficult decision, as the exams were part of the national academic calendar. “These are annual national exams, and postponing them would create significant challenges. We are trying to ensure that everything proceeds as planned, despite the unfortunate incident,” he added.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students during times of unrest, especially in academic institutions. There are calls for more effective measures to prevent such disruptions from affecting educational activities in the future.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the protests and the response from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. Meanwhile, Lilongwe Technical College has resumed its examination sessions under heightened security measures, and the affected students are receiving the necessary care to ensure their swift recovery.
Beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) in Nathenje and Nanjiri, Lilongwe, have hailed the implementation of the 2024/2025 AIP as a transformative opportunity for their communities, particularly in terms of food security and enhanced livelihoods. This development coincides with the government’s nationwide rollout of the AIP, which aims to support a large number of smallholder farmers across Malawi by providing affordable agricultural inputs to improve productivity and self-reliance.
Stephano Kachelenga, a beneficiary from Makhwa Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumba, expressed his deep gratitude for being included in this year’s AIP. Reflecting on past farming seasons, Kachelenga shared that he had previously relied on organic fertilizers, which limited his yields. However, with his inclusion in the AIP, he believes that he will be able to boost his productivity and contribute to greater food security for his family.
“This is my first time being part of the AIP beneficiaries, and I am grateful that the government has considered me for this initiative,” Kachelenga said. “With the inputs provided through the programme, I’m confident that if we experience favorable rainfall patterns, I will achieve a bumper harvest.”
Kachelenga further encouraged other beneficiaries to make the most of the support they have received and use the inputs responsibly. He emphasized that the ultimate goal of the AIP is to improve food security, increase agricultural production, and foster self-reliance at the household level, which would benefit the entire community.
Daleni Chiseka, another beneficiary from Njole Village in TA Kalumba, spoke at the Nanjiri depot and expressed her satisfaction with the AIP implementation. Chiseka, who is an active farmer, is hopeful that the distribution of inputs will lead to positive outcomes for the farming community, given the large number of active farmers in the area.
“I am optimistic that this distribution will bring positive results. Many of us here are farmers, and we rely on agriculture for our livelihood,” Chiseka said. “This programme will make a difference in how we produce food for our families and the wider community.”
Mathews Laurent Phiri, a sales clerk at the Nathenje depot, provided an overview of the AIP distribution process. He highlighted the discipline and cooperation demonstrated by community members, which has facilitated the smooth implementation of the programme. According to Phiri, since the commencement of the AIP, the sales team has been able to efficiently provide inputs to beneficiaries.
“We are committed to ensuring that all AIP protocols are followed, and every beneficiary receives the inputs they need during selling hours,” Phiri explained. “Currently, we are assisting over 100 beneficiaries daily, working closely with Village Development Committees (VDCs) to ensure that no one is left out.”
The AIP, which provides subsidized inputs such as fertilizers and seed, is aimed at improving agricultural productivity, reducing food insecurity, and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. As the government continues its efforts to roll out the programme nationwide, beneficiaries in Nathenje and Nanjiri remain hopeful that it will significantly contribute to their agricultural success and overall community development.
With the positive feedback from beneficiaries such as Kachelenga and Chiseka, it is clear that the Affordable Inputs Programme is making a meaningful difference in the lives of smallholder farmers, helping to pave the way for improved food security and a more self-sufficient rural economy.
Khumbo Soko, one of Malawi’s leading lawyers, has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to prioritize safeguarding and promoting freedom of expression in the country. Soko, a respected figure in Malawi’s legal community, emphasized that a robust democracy is built on the foundation of free speech, which empowers citizens, the media, and civil society to hold the government accountable and foster transparency.
During an interview, Soko expressed concerns over recent developments that he perceives as threatening the right to free expression. He highlighted instances where the government had either indirectly or directly restricted the activities of independent journalists and civil society organizations. “Freedom of expression is not just a constitutional right but a cornerstone of democracy. Without it, the very fabric of our democratic processes is weakened,” Soko said, adding that it is the duty of the government to not only respect but actively protect this right
Khumbo Soko
Soko called for Chakwera’s administration to adopt policies that will enhance media freedom and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of retaliation. He urged the government to support rather than hinder the work of independent media, as they serve as a vital check on power. “The media’s role is to inform the public and scrutinize the actions of those in power. Limiting this role ultimately harms the citizens’ ability to make informed decisions,” Soko remarked.
In addition to his calls for action on freedom of expression, Soko also took the opportunity to commend former President Peter Mutharika for his contributions to Malawi’s democracy. Despite their political differences, Soko praised Mutharika for fostering an environment where political opposition and differing views could be expressed openly. He noted that Mutharika’s tenure, though not without controversy, witnessed a relative freedom for the media and civil society in comparison to some of the more restrictive periods in Malawi’s history.
“Mutharika, despite his own challenges, understood the importance of allowing open debate and dissent in a democracy,” Soko stated. “It is critical that we build on the positive aspects of his legacy, particularly the space for freedom of expression, as we continue to strengthen our democratic institutions.”
Soko’s remarks come at a time when Malawi’s democratic landscape faces several challenges. With upcoming elections in 2025, he stressed that maintaining and enhancing freedom of expression will be crucial for ensuring a fair and transparent process. “The upcoming elections must be free, fair, and transparent, and this can only be achieved if the media, civil society, and the public have the ability to freely discuss, critique, and debate the issues at hand,” Soko concluded.
As Malawi continues to evolve as a democracy, the role of leaders like Chakwera and Mutharika will be crucial in shaping the future of the nation’s democratic institutions. Soko’s call for protection of freedom of expression serves as a timely reminder that true democracy is only possible when the voices of all citizens are heard and respected.
In a bold show of solidarity, newly elected UTM president Dalitso Kabambe joined protesters at Biwi Triangle today, despite the presence of unidentified groups wielding Phanga knives and the firing of teargas by armed police.
Kabambe’s bravery comes as a beacon of hope for Malawians who are determined to exercise their right to demonstrate and voice their concerns.
Kabambe
The situation at Biwi Triangle and surrounding areas, including Mchesi and Biwi areas remains tense, with running battles between protesters and police continuing throughout the day.
Eyewitnesses report that the police have been using excessive force, including teargas and live bullets, to disperse the protesters.
Kabambe, who was elected as the new president of the United Transformation Movement (UTM),has vowed that Malawians will not be deterred from exercising their right to demonstrate and voice their concerns.
He condemned the police for their unprofessional conduct, accusing them of turning a blind eye while Panga-wielding men terrorised the demonstrators.
“It is unacceptable for the police to stand by and watch as innocent protesters are attacked by thugs wielding Phanga knives,” Kabambe said. “As the newly elected president of UTM, I will not stand idly by while Malawians are denied their right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.”
Kabambe’s leadership has been welcomed by many Malawians who are eager for change.
As a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Kabambe brings a wealth of economic expertise to the table.
He has promised to tackle the country’s economic challenges, including fuel shortages, foreign exchange shortages, and rising prices.
The UTM president’s bravery and leadership have inspired many Malawians to take to the streets and demand change.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that Kabambe will play a key role in shaping the country’s future.
In related news, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has condemned the police for their excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.
The HRDC has called on the government to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and demonstration.
As the world watches, it is imperative that we stand in solidarity with the people of Malawi and demand that their rights be respected.
The situation in Malawi is a stark reminder of the importance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
In the words of Kabambe, “Malawians will not be deterred from exercising their right to demonstrate and voice their concerns. We will continue to demand change and fight for a better future for our country.”
