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Economic expert weighs in on Kwacha’s rise against the dollar

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Economic expert weighs in on Kwacha’s rise against the dollar

By Chisomo Phiri

The recent crackdown on illegal foreign exchange traders by law enforcement agencies has been cited as a key factor in the depreciation of the US dollar against the Malawi kwacha on the black market.

This is according to economic expert Edward Masoambeta.

Masoambeta notes that the crackdown has led to a decrease in illegal trading activities, resulting in a more stable flow of foreign exchange.



However, he suggests that removing restrictions on foreign exchange could further improve accessibility in banks.

In a related development, Reserve Bank of Malawi(RBM ) spokesperson Boston Maliketi Banda has announced that the government will soon unveil measures aimed at ensuring a sustained availability of foreign exchange in the country.

The value of the US dollar on the black market has seen a significant decline over the past two weeks, dropping from over K5,200 to K3,000 per dollar.

The development is seen as a positive sign for the Malawi’s economy, and experts are hopeful that the government’s measures will help maintain stability in the foreign exchange market.

French cultural events cancelled due to lack of funding

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French cultural events cancelled due to lack of funding



By Twink Jones Gadama

The Jacaranda Cultural Centre has announced the cancellation of its French cultural events, including the French song competition, school drama festivals, and writing competition, due to a lack of funding.

According to Poya Chapweteka, French Coordinator at the Jacaranda Cultural Centre, the cancellation was necessitated by the lack of support from the Jacaranda Foundation or other sponsors this year.



The cancellation has been met with disappointment from French teachers in Malawi, who see the events as crucial for promoting the learning and teaching of French.

“It’s a shame that it has to be this way,” said Silvéliano, a French teacher. “These competitions are very important for the promotion of learning and teaching French.”

The events were scheduled to take place at the Jacaranda Cultural Centre, which has been a hub for French cultural activities in Malawi.

The cancellation is a blow to efforts to promote the French language and culture in Malawi. French is one of the official languages of the African Union, and its promotion is seen as crucial for regional integration and cooperation.

The Jacaranda Cultural Centre has appealed to other sponsors to come forward and support the events, which are seen as important for promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Malawi and France.

“We hope to still have the opportunity to collaborate with AMEF in future competitions,” said Chapweteka. “We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our partners and stakeholders in this situation.”

The cancellation of the events has raised concerns about the future of French language and culture promotion in Malawi. French teachers and learners are hoping that alternative arrangements can be made to ensure that the events take place in the future.

As one French teacher noted, “The promotion of French language and culture is crucial for our country’s development and integration into the regional and global community. We hope that the Jacaranda Cultural Centre and other stakeholders will find a way to revive these important events.”

Three lives lost in devastating road accident

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Three lives lost in devastating road accident

By Shaffie A Mtambo

A horrific road accident on March 5, 2025, has left a community in mourning after a speeding motor vehicle collided with a bicycle, claiming the lives of three innocent people.

Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says the tragic incident occurred around 2 pm at Chimwala area along Arthur Peter Mutharika Highway in Mangochi.


The victims, identified as Assan Alfred 2 years, Shamira Idi aged25, and Issah Mwamadi 40 years, were all on the bicycle when the accident occurred.

“The driver of the Honda Life Saloon, Patrick Buleya 26 years old a Laboratory Technician at Ntcheu District Hospital, lost control of the vehicle due to overspeeding”said Daudi.

As a result, the vehicle swerved to the nearside of the road, hitting the male pedal cyclist, who was traveling in the same direction with a female pillion passenger carrying a baby on her back.

The impact was severe, and the cyclist sustained severe head injuries, succumbing to his wounds upon arrival at Ukalanga Health Centre.

Tragically, the mother, Shamira Idi, and her baby, Assan Alfred, also suffered severe head injuries and were referred to Mangochi District Hospital, where they died while receiving treatment.

Mangochi Police have arrested the driver, Patrick Buleya, and he is awaiting court proceedings.

The police have urged all road users to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution to prevent similar road accidents.

Court hears testimony on seized phone data

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Court hears testimony on seized phone data

By Burnett Munthali

A Upindi has informed the court that he took a phone and other items that had been confiscated and transported them to their office in Lilongwe.

He stated that he used a device capable of retrieving deleted messages and images from the phone.

At present, the court proceedings have been temporarily halted as Upindi begins presenting the recovered data from Chunara’s phone through a video presentation (PowerPoint).



The defense argued that they had not received any of the documents being presented and had not been given the video beforehand.

They further stated that it was inappropriate for the prosecution to display evidence that had not been officially shared with them.

Judge Chimbizgani Kacheche, who is presiding over the case, ordered the prosecution to ensure that all relevant materials are properly submitted to allow the trial to proceed fairly.

The hearing will continue tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

Minister Mumba cracks down on sugar hoarding

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Minister Mumba cracks down on sugar hoarding

By Burnett Munthali

Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has uncovered hoarded sugar at Chipiku Plus located in the Game Complex in Lilongwe.

The management of the shop had been claiming that they were out of sugar, leaving their shelves empty, while in reality, stock was being withheld.

Following the discovery, the Minister has ordered that all sugar be placed on the shelves for sale, enforcing a limit of two packets per customer.


This revelation comes at a time when Malawi has been experiencing persistent sugar shortages, leading to long queues and frustration among consumers.

Many shoppers have had to move from one retail outlet to another in search of the essential commodity, only to be met with empty shelves.

The situation has fueled speculation that some traders are deliberately hoarding sugar to create artificial scarcity and drive up prices.

By taking swift action, Minister Mumba has demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair trade practices.

His intervention sends a strong message that hoarding and price manipulation will not be tolerated under his leadership.

Consumers who were present at the store expressed relief and gratitude, praising the Minister for taking decisive action.

Some called for similar crackdowns in other retail stores to ensure that sugar is made available to all Malawians at fair prices.

The Minister has vowed to continue monitoring supermarkets and wholesalers to ensure compliance with fair trade regulations.

He has also urged members of the public to report any cases of suspected hoarding so that authorities can take appropriate action.

With sugar being a staple product in many Malawian households, ensuring its availability remains a top priority for the government.

As Minister Mumba settles into his new role, his proactive approach signals a no-nonsense stance on market irregularities.

His immediate response to the sugar crisis has set a precedent for how his administration will handle trade and industry challenges.

Malawians will now be watching closely to see what further measures he will implement to stabilize the supply of essential goods.

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