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Middlemen pose challenges in customs and clearing industry

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By Jones Gadama

The customs and clearing industry in Malawi is facing significant challenges due to the activities of middlemen, locally known as “dobadobas”. According to Kenneth Gondwe, Managing Director of Formula 1 Customs and Clearing Investments Solutions, these individuals often provide incorrect advice and directions to clients, resulting in financial losses and property damage.

Gondwe highlighted the problems posed by dobadobas, saying they are a major concern for his company and the industry as a whole.



“These middlemen often take advantage of clients who are not familiar with the customs and clearing process, providing them with incorrect information and advice that can lead to financial losses and property damage,” he said.

To address the challenges posed by dobadobas, Gondwe’s company is collaborating with customs and clearing agents in Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia to find better ways of dealing with the issue.

This collaboration aims to share best practices and expertise in managing the role of middlemen in the customs and clearing industry.

Gondwe’s efforts to address the challenges posed by dobadobas are commendable, and his company’s collaboration with other customs and clearing agents in the region is a step in the right direction.

By working together, these companies can develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas on the industry.

Human Rights Activist, Mervin Xumayo, has emphasized the importance of supporting youth-led businesses in addressing the challenges posed by dobadobas.

According to Xumayo, supporting youth-led businesses will contribute to job creation and the country’s economic growth. “Youth-led businesses are the backbone of any economy, and supporting them will help to create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

Xumayo’s comments highlight the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize support for youth-led businesses.

By providing support and resources to young entrepreneurs, the government can help to promote economic growth and development.

The challenges posed by dobadobas in the customs and clearing industry are significant, but they also present an opportunity for innovation and growth.

By working together, companies and policymakers can develop effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas and promote a more efficient and effective customs and clearing industry.

The customs and clearing industry in Malawi faces significant challenges due to the activities of middlemen.

However, by collaborating with other companies and policymakers, it is possible to develop effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of these individuals.

Supporting youth-led businesses is also crucial in promoting economic growth and development.

The Formula 1 Customs and Clearing Investments Solutions’ efforts to address the challenges posed by dobadobas are a step in the right direction.

The company’s collaboration with customs and clearing agents in Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia will help to share best practices and expertise in managing the role of middlemen in the industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies and policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

By working together, it is possible to create a more effective and efficient customs and clearing industry that benefits all stakeholders.

The role of dobadobas in the customs and clearing industry is complex and multifaceted.

While they may provide some benefits, such as facilitating the clearance process for clients, their activities can also lead to financial losses and property damage.

As such, it is essential for companies and policymakers to develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas and promote a more efficient and effective industry.

Three arrested for possession of cannabis sativa in Salima

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By Jones Gadama

In a crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, police in Salima have arrested three men for allegedly being found in possession of cannabis sativa without permits. The arrests were made last night near Mlamba Filling Station along the Salima-Balaka road, where officers had mounted an ad-hoc roadblock.

According to Salima Police public relations officer Rabecca Ndiwate, the three suspects were arrested separately after officers discovered they were in possession of the illicit drug.

The first suspect, Mickson Thomson, 37, was apprehended after officers searched the vehicle he was traveling in and found a sack bag containing cannabis sativa.

Two other suspects, Mathews Mafuta, 40, and Happy Chiumia, 27, were also arrested after attempting to transport the same illicit drug using motorcycles. Ndiwate said the suspects will appear before court to answer charges leveled against them.



The arrests bring to light the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

The police force has been working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.

Cannabis sativa is a controlled substance in Malawi, and possession or trafficking of the drug is a serious offence. Those found guilty of possession or trafficking can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The Malawi Police Service has been intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, with a focus on disrupting the supply chain and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The service has also been working with other stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

The arrests in Salima are a testament to the police’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure. The police force is urging citizens to report any suspicious activity or information about drug trafficking to the authorities.

The three suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.

The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.

The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has implications for the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Malawi. If convicted, the suspects could face significant penalties, including imprisonment.

The Malawi Police Service’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse are crucial in promoting public safety and security.

The service’s work in disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and bringing perpetrators to justice is essential in protecting communities from the harm caused by drug abuse.

The arrests of the three men in Salima for possession of cannabis sativa without permits highlight the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The police force’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure is evident in its tireless efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.

The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.

Three arrested for possession of cannabis sativa in Salima

0

By Jones Gadama

In a crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, police in Salima have arrested three men for allegedly being found in possession of cannabis sativa without permits. The arrests were made last night near Mlamba Filling Station along the Salima-Balaka road, where officers had mounted an ad-hoc roadblock.

According to Salima Police public relations officer Rabecca Ndiwate, the three suspects were arrested separately after officers discovered they were in possession of the illicit drug.

The first suspect, Mickson Thomson, 37, was apprehended after officers searched the vehicle he was traveling in and found a sack bag containing cannabis sativa.

Two other suspects, Mathews Mafuta, 40, and Happy Chiumia, 27, were also arrested after attempting to transport the same illicit drug using motorcycles. Ndiwate said the suspects will appear before court to answer charges leveled against them.



The arrests bring to light the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

The police force has been working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.

Cannabis sativa is a controlled substance in Malawi, and possession or trafficking of the drug is a serious offence. Those found guilty of possession or trafficking can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The Malawi Police Service has been intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, with a focus on disrupting the supply chain and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The service has also been working with other stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

The arrests in Salima are a testament to the police’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure. The police force is urging citizens to report any suspicious activity or information about drug trafficking to the authorities.

The three suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.

The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.

The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has implications for the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Malawi. If convicted, the suspects could face significant penalties, including imprisonment.

The Malawi Police Service’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse are crucial in promoting public safety and security.

The service’s work in disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and bringing perpetrators to justice is essential in protecting communities from the harm caused by drug abuse.

The arrests of the three men in Salima for possession of cannabis sativa without permits highlight the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The police force’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure is evident in its tireless efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.

The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.

Mission Rabies launches 11th dog vaccination campaign in Blantyre City

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

Mission Rabies has launched its 11th dog vaccination campaign in Blantyre City, aiming to vaccinate over 20,000 dogs in 10 days.

According to Dr. Inga McDermott, Mission Rabies Country Director, the organization has been working in Malawi for 10 years and had a successful campaign last year, reaching its targets and ensuring the community’s safety.

Dr. Inga McDermott



The campaign’s primary goal is to achieve 70% coverage of the dog population in Blantyre City, which is crucial for maintaining herd immunity and keeping the community safe from rabies.

To achieve this, Mission Rabies has set up 87 static point vaccination clinics across the city.

The organization has been promoting the campaign through direct sensitization teams, text messages, and radio adverts.

On the first day, vaccinations will be available at static points only, with roaming vehicles joining the effort later in the campaign.

Mission Rabies vaccinates dogs of all ages, including puppies, and encourages responsible dog ownership.

In addition to vaccinations, the organization will offer free dog sterilizations over two weekends to help control the dog population and promote safe and healthy communities.

This year, Mission Rabies is expanding its efforts, vaccinating dogs in 14 districts across the southern region and moving into the central region.

The Blantyre City campaign will run for 10 days over 5 weekends, while the organization’s other district work will run from March to September.

By promoting responsible dog ownership and providing access to vaccinations and sterilizations, Mission Rabies aims to keep the community safe from rabies and promote a healthier environment for both humans and animals.

MACRA hosts International Girls in ICT Day commemoration

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By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA ) on Thursday hosted the International Girls in ICT Day commemoration at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS ).

The event themed ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’ brought together female students in ICT related programmes from MUBAS and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST ).

It also attracted the female students from various secondary schools who want to study ICT related programmes at tertiary level.



In her speech, MACRA Board member Malla Kawale disclosed that despite the advancement in technology, many girls in the country, especially in rural areas remain unaware of the ICT career opportunities because of the gender stereotypes, cultural norms and limited to access.

“If you go to the village and ask girls what career they want to pursue; they will say nursing or teaching because that is all they know.

“They do not talk about ICT because they have never been exposed to it,” she said.

Kawale highlighted MACRA’s effort in bridging the digital divide through the Connect a School project, which is establishing 75 computer labs nationwide, to help girls access digital tools and training prioritizing the rural areas.

She encouraged girls to work hard, network with companies and leaders, and believe in their potential reaffirming that the future is digital and the future is female.

Kawale further called upon development partners, private sector leaders and other institutions to play a role in shaping an inclusive digital economy.

On his part,Head of Computer Science and Information Systems at MUBAS, Dr. Patrick Chikumba, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to digital transformation through inclusive programs.

“We ensure that there is 50-50 selection in ICT courses and next year we are introducing new programs like Software Engineering and Cyber Security to equip girls with skills to solve local problem,” he said.

Chikumba added that MUBAS is working with UNDP in digital transformation, targeting secondary schools and local communities to do awareness in digital skills.

“We are also working with girls in artificial intelligence to make sure citizens are equipped with enough ICT solutions,” he said.

One of the participants from MUBAS, Ellen Liradala who is in  second-year pursuing ICT, said she was motivated to pursue such a career because she was curious about how computers works and how to fix them.

She added that seeing female lecturers in ICT boost confidence in girls and it keeps them dreaming bigger.