Thursday, December 25, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 65

Scottish First Minister John Swinney Arrives in Malawi to Celebrate Two Decades of Cooperation

0



Minister of Foreign Affairs  George Chaponda, welcomed the Right Honourable John Swinney, MSP, First Minister of Scotland, at Kamuzu International Airport on Friday, 17th October 2025.

The Right Honourable Swinney is in Malawi for a four-day Official Visit, during which he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi.

Swinney at the evening event



His programme will also include visits to development projects supported by the Scottish Government. The UK embassy in Malawi noted the visit celebrates two decades of Scotland-Malawi cooperation, highlighting how UK and Scottish engagement in Malawi creates a lasting positive impact across health, education, climate action and gender equality.

Chaponda and Swinney

An evening event was held to welcome the First Minister at the British High Commissioner’s residence, celebrating the enduring bonds between the two nations. The event joined partners from civil society, government and the private sector, demonstrating how people-to-people relationships remain at the heart of a partnership built on shared values and mutual respect that has flourished over 20 years of cooperation.

Ansah Calls for Public Sector Reform Review to Boost Service Delivery

0

By Durell Namasani


Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Ansah has underscored the critical need to review ongoing public sector reforms, aiming to enhance the quality of services delivered to the public.

Speaking at a meeting with human resource personnel from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Lilongwe, Dr. Ansah stated that while some institutions have performed well, others have struggled, making a comprehensive review essential.

Ansah



“We want to ensure that there are relevant appointments in all MDAs to avoid wasting resources on unnecessary positions,” Dr. Ansah explained. She identified key obstacles hindering progress, including delays in amending laws, financial constraints, and poor human resource management.

The meeting, as described by Charles Kalemba, Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, was intended to brief Dr. Ansah on the progress and scope of the reforms. Kalemba reported that most MDAs have signed reform agreements and have made notable achievements.

These successes include the establishment of community ports, improvements in road traffic services, and the introduction of electronic systems for passport and visa processing by the Immigration Department. He also noted that some public hospital wards have begun generating revenue, and institutions like the Lilongwe Water Board have launched new services like bottled water to boost income.

Despite this progress, Kalemba acknowledged that significant challenges remain. He cited fuel shortages, limited foreign exchange, and persistent issues with human resource management as key factors that continue to hamper consistent service delivery.

Zomba Hospital Technician Nabbed Over Missing Medical Equipment

0



By Rahim Abdul

Police in Zomba have arrested a 32-year-old laboratory technician from Zomba Central Hospital for allegedly stealing medical equipment and consumables valued in millions of kwacha.

The suspect, identified as Ian Kambwala, was apprehended following a detailed investigation conducted by Detective Sergeant Lonjezo Maalo and his team.

According to law enforcement authorities, a search at Kambwala’s home in Sadzi Township led to the discovery of several hospital items, including microscopes, hemacue machines, pipettes, glucometers, and various test kits used for diagnosing HIV, hepatitis B, and malaria.

Hospital officials have since confirmed that the recovered items belong to Zomba Central Hospital.



Police say the arrest follows a report made by the hospital management after noticing irregularities in stock records. The case has exposed loopholes in internal control systems within the hospital, raising questions about accountability and supervision of medical supplies.

Kambwala, originally from Village Laiti, Traditional Authority Bvumbwe in Thyolo District, has been charged with theft by a public servant and remains in custody pending further investigations.

Authorities say efforts are underway to trace and recover other missing medical items believed to have been taken from the hospital over time.

RBM suspends all major procurement activities indefinitely

0



By Rahim Abdul

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has announced the suspension of all major procurement activities with immediate effect, pending further notice.

According to a statement released by the Chairperson of the Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, the directive affects all new tenders, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and contract negotiations currently in progress.

The suspension also includes any ongoing procurement processes related to the supply of goods, provision of services, and execution of works within the central bank.



In a brief communication posted on the bank’s official Facebook page, RBM stated that the move is temporary but did not disclose the reasons behind the decision.

The central bank has assured stakeholders that a formal announcement will be made once procurement operations are allowed to resume.

Industry observers say the suspension could affect several planned projects and service contracts linked to the institution in the short term.

Some analysts believe the move may be part of a broader internal review process aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the bank’s procurement system.

The announcement has sparked public interest, with many awaiting further clarification from RBM officials on when procurement activities will recommence.

Maggie Kadrum set to fly Malawi’s flag high in Germany



By Rahim Abdul


Malawian musician and guitarist Maggie Kadrum is set to represent the country on her first-ever international music tour in Germany, marking a major milestone in her blossoming career.

Kadrum, known for her soulful voice and mastery of the guitar, will perform in eight cities across Germany, starting this Friday in Coburg and wrapping up in Münster on November 8, 2025. The tour will see her share Malawi’s unique cultural rhythms with European audiences who have shown growing interest in African sounds.

Maggie Kadrum



Speaking before her departure on Wednesday afternoon, Kadrum expressed excitement and gratitude for the rare opportunity. “I’m ready to showcase Malawi’s musical talent on the international stage,” she said, beaming with pride.

Her trip has been made possible through the support of the Uraha Foundation Germany, an organization that has long maintained strong ties with the Karonga Museum in Malawi. The partnership aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the historical and artistic connections between the two nations.

Kadrum, who hails from Karonga District, is no stranger to the local music scene. She is a product of the Music Crossroads Academy in Lilongwe, a renowned institution that has trained several successful artists in Malawi and beyond.

Before embarking on her solo journey, Maggie performed with the Lusubilo Band, a celebrated musical group from Karonga that blends traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds. Her stage presence and musical skill have consistently drawn admiration from both fans and fellow musicians.

Her debut album Nkhwiza Ngakuya which translates to Deep Roots has earned her praise for its authentic fusion of Malawian folk melodies and modern acoustic vibes. The project reflects her artistic identity and deep connection to her northern Malawi heritage.

During her tour, Kadrum is expected to perform songs from Nkhwiza Ngakuya alongside new material inspired by her personal journey and Malawi’s cultural landscape. Her shows will also feature live storytelling, showcasing the traditional narratives that influence her songwriting.

The artist hopes her performances will open more doors for Malawian musicians to reach international audiences. “This is not just my journey it’s for every young artist back home who dreams of being heard beyond our borders,” she said.

As she prepares to step onto stages across Germany, Maggie Kadrum carries not only her guitar but also the spirit of Malawi’s music, culture, and resilience ready to leave a lasting impression on the world.