The NGO-Gender Coordination Network has called on journalists in the country to play a more active role in promoting women in politics ahead of the 2025 general elections.
In an interview with journalists on Friday, a member of the network Dorothy Chiumia said fair and balanced reporting is crucial in increasing women’s participation in politics.
Chiumia emphasized the importance of journalists incorporating gender issues in their reports to create a more level playing field for women.
On his part,Nkhata Bay District Information Officer(DIO) Chisomo Kambandanga praised the meeting for its instrumental role in promoting gender-sensitive reporting.
The orientation meeting was made possible with support from UN Women and other international partners, highlighting the importance of collaboration in promoting women’s empowerment.
The Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has challenged students of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to come up with innovative technological equipment that will spur value addition in the agriculture sector.
Speaking during a recent visit to the university, Kawale pointed out that the development of such equipment would help ensure that crops such as tomatoes and mangoes do not go to waste.
According to Kawale, the students have a chance to get funding from the Agriculture Commercialisation (AGCOM) project, which provides resources not only for production but also for innovations.
Kawale
“We need innovative solutions to add value to our crops and reduce post-harvest losses,” Kawale said,adding that,”I urge the students to take advantage of the funding opportunities available through the AGCOM project and develop technological equipment that will benefit the agriculture sector.”
The AGCOM project is a government initiative aimed at commercializing the agriculture sector and increasing the incomes of farmers.
The project provides funding and technical support to farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the agriculture value chain.
Kawale’s call to the students is part of the government’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
By developing innovative technological equipment, the students can help to add value to crops, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase the incomes of farmers.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology is well-placed to play a critical role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
The university’s mandate is to provide education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and its students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions.
The development of innovative technological equipment for value addition is critical for the agriculture sector in Malawi.
The country is rich in agricultural resources, but post-harvest losses are a significant challenge.
By developing equipment that can add value to crops, the students can help to reduce these losses and increase the incomes of farmers.
The AGCOM project provides a unique opportunity for the students to access funding and technical support for their innovative ideas.
The project is designed to support the commercialization of agriculture, and its resources can be used to develop innovative solutions that benefit the sector.
Minister Kawale’s challenge to the students of MUST is a call to action for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
By developing innovative technological equipment for value addition, the students can help to reduce post-harvest losses, increase the incomes of farmers, and promote the commercialization of agriculture.
The government, through the AGCOM project, is committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
The students of MUST have a critical role to play in developing innovative solutions that benefit the sector, and they should take advantage of the funding opportunities available to them.
The development of innovative technological equipment for value addition is a critical component of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development.
By working together, the government, universities, and the private sector can promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector and increase the incomes of farmers.
The students of MUST are well-placed to play a critical role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.
With the right support and resources, they can develop innovative solutions that benefit the sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
In the long term, the development of innovative technological equipment for value addition will contribute to the growth and development of the agriculture sector.
By reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the incomes of farmers, the equipment will help to promote economic growth and development, and improve the livelihoods of Malawians.
The AGCOM project is a critical component of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development.
By providing funding and technical support to farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the agriculture value chain, the project is helping to commercialize the sector and increase the incomes of farmers.
The students of MUST should take advantage of the funding opportunities available through the AGCOM project and develop innovative technological equipment that will benefit the agriculture sector.
By doing so, they will be contributing to the growth and development of the sector, and promoting economic growth and development in Malawi.
The Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) has assured the public that the ongoing maintenance works at the Nkula Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Station are progressing well and are on track to be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
According to Moses Gwaza, Public Relations Officer for EGENCO, the company’s maintenance team is working around the clock to ensure that the exercise is completed on time.
The maintenance works have temporarily removed 135.1 megawatts from the national grid, leading to prolonged blackouts in most parts of the country.
However, Gwaza assured the public that the impact is being managed to minimize disruptions to the power supply. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but we are working hard to ensure that the maintenance is completed as quickly as possible,” Gwaza said.
EGENCO had announced well in advance that it would carry out scheduled maintenance at Nkula HEP over the Easter period.
The maintenance is a routine exercise aimed at ensuring the optimal performance of the power station.
According to Gwaza, the maintenance works are crucial for the longevity and efficiency of the power station.
The Nkula HEP Station is one of the major power generation facilities in Malawi, and the maintenance works are essential to ensure its continued operation.
EGENCO’s decision to carry out the maintenance during the Easter period was deliberate, as it allowed the company to minimize the impact on the power supply during peak periods.
Despite the challenges posed by the maintenance works, EGENCO is committed to ensuring that the power supply is restored to normal as soon as possible.
The company’s maintenance team is working tirelessly to complete the exercise within the scheduled timeframe, and Gwaza assured the public that every effort is being made to minimize the disruptions.
The temporary removal of 135.1 megawatts from the national grid has undoubtedly caused inconvenience to many households and businesses.
However, EGENCO’s assurance that the maintenance works are progressing well and will be completed on time is a welcome relief.
The company’s commitment to transparency and communication has also been reassuring, as it keeps the public informed about the progress of the maintenance works.
EGENCO’s maintenance works at the Nkula HEP Station are a necessary exercise that will ensure the optimal performance of the power station.
While the temporary removal of power from the national grid has caused inconvenience, the company’s assurance that the impact is being managed and that the exercise will be completed on time is reassuring.
The public can be assured that EGENCO is working hard to restore the power supply to normal as soon as possible.
The company’s commitment to transparency and communication is commendable, and it is hoped that the maintenance works will be completed without further disruptions.
The completion of the maintenance works will not only restore the power supply to normal but also ensure the longevity and efficiency of the Nkula HEP Station.
EGENCO’s efforts to minimize the impact of the maintenance works on the power supply are appreciated, and the public can be assured that the company is working tirelessly to complete the exercise as quickly as possible.
In the long term, the maintenance works will contribute to the stability and reliability of the power supply in Malawi.
By ensuring the optimal performance of the Nkula HEP Station, EGENCO is helping to promote economic growth and development in the country.
The public’s understanding and cooperation during this period are appreciated, and EGENCO assures the public that every effort is being made to minimize the disruptions.
With the maintenance works progressing well, the power supply is expected to return to normal soon, and the public can look forward to a stable and reliable supply of electricity.
Centenary Bank Limited has reported a significant increase in profit, more than tripling to K1.92 billion in the year ended December 31, 2024, from K549 million the previous year.
The bank’s customer deposits also grew by 50 percent to K135.2 billion from K90.4 billion, despite facing risks due to increased impairments from existing facilities.
According to a statement accompanying a summary of audited financial results, the bank attributed the increase in profit to business volume growth and reduced cost of doing business.
However, the bank noted that it continues to face downside risks in terms of increased impairments from existing facilities arising from economic conditions that have negatively affected the performance of its customers.
Perekamoyo
“The group continues to face downside risk in terms of increased impairments from existing facilities arising from economic conditions which have negatively affected the performance,” reads the statement jointly signed by the bank’s chairperson Francis Pelekamoyo and managing director Godfrey Byekwaso, among others.
The bank’s assets increased by 37 percent to K168 billion in 2024 from K123 billion the previous year, driven mainly by increased customer deposits following improved confidence arising from the change in shareholding.
Despite the tough economic environment, Centenary Bank has managed to grow its business and reduce costs, resulting in a significant increase in profit.
The bank’s customer deposits have also grown, indicating increased confidence in the bank.
The bank’s managing director, Godfrey Byekwaso, said that the bank is committed to continuing to provide quality financial services to its customers while navigating the challenges posed by the economic environment.
Centenary Bank has 16 branches nationwide and is a subsidiary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe and Centenary Rural Development Group of Uganda.
The bank’s growth and performance are a testament to its commitment to providing quality financial services to its customers.
The bank’s increase in impairment on loans and advances from K1.9 billion to K3.2 billion is attributed to the tough economic environment its customers are experiencing, particularly those with inherited portfolios.
However, the bank is confident that it can continue to grow its business and manage the risks associated with the economic environment.
Centenary Bank’s significant increase in profit is a testament to its commitment to providing quality financial services to its customers.
The bank’s growth and performance are expected to continue, driven by its strong customer base and commitment to managing risks.
The bank’s ability to grow its customer deposits despite the economic challenges is a sign of confidence in the bank’s management and its commitment to providing quality financial services. The bank’s future prospects look bright, and it is expected to continue playing a significant role in the Malawian economy.
The growth of Centenary Bank’s assets is also a positive development, indicating increased confidence in the bank’s management and its commitment to providing quality financial services.
The bank’s ability to manage risks and navigate the challenges posed by the economic environment will be critical to its continued success.
Overall, Centenary Bank’s performance is a positive development for the Malawian economy, and the bank’s commitment to providing quality financial services to its customers is expected to continue driving its growth and success.
The bank’s strong performance is also a testament to the effectiveness of its management team and the board of directors.
The bank’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by the economic environment and continue to grow its business is a sign of strong leadership and management.
In the long term, Centenary Bank’s growth and performance are expected to continue, driven by its commitment to providing quality financial services to its customers and managing risks effectively.
The bank’s strong customer base and commitment to quality financial services will continue to drive its success.
The bank’s performance is also expected to have a positive impact on the Malawian economy, providing financial services to individuals and businesses and contributing to economic growth and development.
The bank’s commitment to managing risks and navigating the challenges posed by the economic environment will be critical to its continued success and its ability to contribute to the Malawian economy.
The South West Region police have made significant strides in combating crime, boasting a 0.2% decrease in cases committed in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
This achievement was disclosed by South West Region Police Commissioner Emmanuel Soko during a review meeting in Blantyre.
According to Soko, the reduction in crime rate is a direct result of the symbiotic relationship between the police and the community. “We have reduced our crime rate this year. This is a good development, even though the figure seems small, but it’s an achievement. We have reduced crime, that’s the bottom line,” Soko said.
Soko
While the overall crime rate has decreased, Soko expressed concern over the prevalence of murder and mob justice cases in the region.
These cases will be a major focus of the ongoing review meeting, which aims to identify effective strategies for addressing them.
The police commissioner assured residents that the police will maintain a high level of vigilance during and after the Easter period, providing tight security to ensure public safety.
This proactive approach is expected to build on the momentum gained from the recent reduction in crime rates.
The South West Region’s crime reduction efforts are notable, especially considering the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in other regions.
In South Africa, for instance, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, recently highlighted progress in reducing crime rates, with notable decreases in murder, rape, and aggravated robbery. However, challenges persist, including high levels of gender-based violence, organized crime, and corruption.
The importance of community-police collaboration in crime reduction cannot be overstated.
In the Kavango West Region of Namibia, Deputy Commissioner Johannes Kudumo emphasized the role of community engagement in preventing crime.
Strategies include promoting community awareness, encouraging community watch programs, and strengthening partnerships with the police. These initiatives have contributed to a manageable crime situation in the region.
In the South West Region, the police have likely employed similar strategies to achieve the recent reduction in crime rates.
Increased police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and community participation in crime fighting have been effective in other regions, such as in South Africa’s Western Cape, where gang-related violence remains a concern.
The South West Region police’s achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts.
As the region continues to work towards reducing crime rates, the focus on addressing murder and mob justice cases will be crucial.
By prioritizing these areas, the South West Region police can continue to drive down crime rates, ensuring a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
As the Easter period approaches, the police’s commitment to providing tight security will undoubtedly contribute to a peaceful and enjoyable celebration for all.
