Final-year students from the Department of Economics at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) on Friday hosted a symposium where they showcased their knowledge and skills in addressing economic challenges facing the country.
In an interview with journalists, the institution’s Senior Lecturer in Microeconomics,Dr.Bertha Bangara-Chikadza,said the symposium aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
She emphasized that the event provided students with an opportunity to interface with industry professionals and question the practical applications of their knowledge.
“The symposium just tries to bridge what they have learnt at the university, but also linking it to what the world is offering,” she said.
Chikadza expressed confidence in the students’ abilities, citing their thoughtful and well-articulated solutions during the their presentations.
She noted that the students’ ideas and solutions fit into the bigger picture of the economy, focusing on transformational ideas, innovation, and sustainability.
On his part,the symposium organizing committee chairperson, Happy Maliko expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting its importance for final-year students.
Maliko said the symposium provided a platform for them to understand the industry and gain a practical perspective on economic issues.
“This symposium is a very important event for us final-year students, as it gives us a platform to understand the industry and get a perspective of the industry,” he said.
The students presented innovative solutions to various challenges, including transforming the agriculture sector through commercialization and technology.
They also discussed leveraging innovation and technology to drive sustainable development.
The event showcased the potential of UNIMA students to drive positive change and development in the country.
As Malawi prepares for the September 16th general elections, a collective responsibility rests upon the shoulders of every citizen.
The upcoming vote is not merely a formality; it’s a pivotal moment in the nation’s trajectory, determining the direction Malawi will take in the years to come.
This is not just an election about choosing individuals; it’s an election about choosing a future—a future marked by progress, stability, and opportunity for all citizens.
The task before Malawians is clear: to elect a leader who possesses the vision, competence, and commitment necessary to steer the nation towards a brighter horizon.
This requires careful consideration, thorough research, and a critical evaluation of the manifestos and platforms presented by the various candidates.
A leader must demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing the country—from economic disparities to social inequities—and propose realistic and actionable strategies for addressing them.
Above all, the chosen leader must be a champion for unity and reconciliation, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
The electorate must resist the temptation to cast their vote based on superficial factors.
While personalities undoubtedly play a role in the decision-making process, it is essential to prioritize the substance of the proposals and the track record of the candidates.
A leader’s ability to inspire confidence and demonstrate a commitment to good governance should be paramount in the choice.
Questions about their past actions, their commitment to ethical leadership, and their vision for a more prosperous future should be central to the decision-making process.
Furthermore, this election should be an opportunity for Malawians to engage in a constructive and respectful dialogue with one another.
Healthy debate and informed discussion are crucial for a robust democratic process.
Citizens should actively participate in the electoral process by researching the candidates, attending public forums, and engaging in reasoned discourse with their fellow citizens.
It is through such active participation that the collective voice of the Malawian people can be heard, shaping a future that is truly representative of their aspirations.
The choices made on September 16th will have long-lasting implications for the future of Malawi.
The election is not just about electing a leader; it is about forging a path towards progress, development, and prosperity for all citizens.
A capable leader will be crucial to navigating the complex challenges facing the country, and ensuring a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for generations to come.
The collective responsibility of each Malawian lies in selecting a leader who embodies these values and is committed to building a brighter tomorrow.
Let us, as citizens, exercise our right to vote thoughtfully, responsibly, and united in our collective aspiration for a better Malawi.
A Mulanje-based family has taken the Ministry of Health to court over the death of their loved one, Florence Chimenya, who allegedly died due to medical negligence at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Qech) in Blantyre.
Chimenya died on March 28, 2024, after undergoing a second surgery to remove pieces of cotton left inside her belly during a cesarean section.
The family, represented by Christina Dymon, claims that the hospital’s negligence led to Chimenya’s death.
Lawyer Mtendere Njewa
Lawyer Mtendere Njewa of The Nyale Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health Governance said, “The court recognised that the Attorney General did not file any defence to the case, but trial proceeded.”
The court has given both parties 14 days to file their final submissions, after which a judgment will be delivered.
Njewa added, “We submitted our witness statement and the court ordered that within 14 days both parties should submit their final submissions and 14 days after that we will have the judgment.”
In a bid to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for the democratic process, the Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal has organized prayers for peace and unity ahead of the September 16 general elections.
The interdenominational gathering, scheduled to take place at Faith of God Church at Chichiri in Blantyre on Sunday, aims to bring together church leaders, congregants, and political figures to promote calm and unity.
Bishop Evance Honde, Chairperson of the Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal, emphasized the importance of peaceful elections, saying, “We are urging all political leaders to uphold peace and respect the will of the people. These prayers will serve as a platform for reconciliation and accountability.” Politicians attending the prayer session will be expected to publicly declare their commitment to non-violence before, during, and after the elections.
Blantyre City Pastors
This initiative is part of a broader effort by faith leaders in Malawi to promote peace and stability during the electoral period.
Similar gatherings are planned for the coming months, highlighting the crucial role churches play in shaping the country’s social landscape.
By engaging in prayers for national leaders, church leaders aim to provide divine guidance, strength, and wisdom for leaders as they navigate the complex political landscape.
Churches have long been influential in Malawi’s social and political spheres. The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod, for instance, has been actively involved in praying for incoming President Peter Mutharika, seeking divine guidance and strength for his leadership.
This demonstrates the significant role churches play in promoting peace and stability in the country.
President Lazarus Chakwera has also recognized the importance of faith leaders in promoting peace ahead of the elections.
During a meeting with the CCAP Nkhoma Synod, Chakwera called upon faith leaders to dedicate prayers towards peaceful elections, emphasizing the need for calm and harmony throughout the electoral process.
The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for Malawians to come together and promote intergenerational solidarity and peace.
As seen in other African countries, such as Zimbabwe, interdenominational prayer gatherings can play a vital role in promoting peace and reconciliation.
The Blantyre City Pastors Fraternal’s initiative to promote peace and unity ahead of the general elections is a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
By engaging church leaders, congregants, and politicians in prayer and promoting commitment to non-violence, this effort can contribute to a more stable and harmonious democratic process.
As Malawi prepares for the September 16 elections, the role of faith leaders in promoting peace and unity will be crucial in shaping the country’s future.
In the months leading up to the elections, it will be essential to monitor the impact of these initiatives and assess their effectiveness in promoting peace and stability.
By working together, Malawians can build a brighter future for themselves and future generations, grounded in the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the democratic process.
The first-ever Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge has kicked off in Blantyre, bringing together 63 exceptional young participants from across the country to showcase their innovative skills in robotics and disaster relief.
The competition, which focuses on leveraging robotics for earthquake disaster relief, is a testament to the transformative power of technology and innovation in addressing pressing challenges.
Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, commended UN Women and its partners for implementing the Malawi Girls Can Code Too project, which has led to this remarkable initiative. “The initiative has the potential to provide innovative solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said,adding that, “We are proud to see our young people embracing technology and innovation to address real-world problems.”
Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri
The competition, held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, brought together teams of young participants aged 13 to 19 from both public and private schools, as well as universities.
The teams built robots equipped with sensors designed to locate survivors and deliver crucial information to aid rescue efforts. The project demonstrates the potential of young Malawians to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
Letty Chiwara, UN Women Resident Representative, applauded the government for its commitment to investing in youth with technological skills. “In a rapidly evolving world, technology is a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and global progress,” she said. “Initiatives like this are crucial in empowering young people, especially girls, to develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.” She added.
The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a significant step towards promoting innovation and technological development in Malawi. By providing a platform for young people to showcase their skills and creativity, the competition aims to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The competition is also a testament to the importance of partnerships in promoting development. UN Women, in collaboration with its partners, has played a crucial role in supporting the Malawi Girls Can Code Too project, which has led to this remarkable initiative.
As the competition progresses, the teams will be judged on their ability to design and build robots that can effectively locate survivors and deliver crucial information in disaster scenarios. The winning teams will receive prizes and recognition for their innovative solutions.
The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge has the potential to inspire a new generation of young Malawians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
By providing a platform for young people to showcase their skills and creativity, the competition aims to promote innovation and technological development in Malawi.
The Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a significant initiative that showcases the potential of young Malawians to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
The competition demonstrates the importance of investing in youth with technological skills and promoting innovation and technological development in Malawi.
As the country looks to the future, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
By supporting young people and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and creativity, Malawi can unlock its full potential and achieve sustainable development.
The success of the Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge will depend on the continued support of partners and stakeholders. UN Women, the government, and other partners must work together to ensure that initiatives like this continue to inspire and empower young people.
Ultimately, the Malawi Robotics for Good Youth National Challenge is a testament to the power of innovation and technology to transform lives and communities.
As Malawi continues to develop and grow, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future and promoting sustainable development.
