Tuesday, May 13, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 69

Youths demand manifestos that champion empowerment

247Malawi
-
0
Youths demand manifestos that champion empowerment

By Jones Gadama

As the country gears up for the 2025 General Elections, the Mzimba District Youth Officer, Yamikani Nyalugwe, is urging aspirants to develop youth-centric manifestos that align with the Malawi 2063 agenda on youth empowerment. Nyalugwe emphasized the importance of harnessing the youthful population to propel an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant Malawi by 2063.

Speaking during a Manifesto Debate organized by the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (WORLEC) and Oxfam, Nyalugwe stressed that candidates should prioritize youth empowerment initiatives in their manifestos. “We need to have candidates who will champion empowerment initiatives of the youths. This is why I urge all candidates to develop manifestos that look into youths’ empowerment,” he said.



The debate aimed to drum up support for women, youths, and people with disabilities, with funding from the European Union.

One of the candidates, Maureen Moyo, an independent contestant for the Mzimba Boma Ward in Perejeki Constituency, highlighted her plans to focus on promoting people with disabilities.

Moyo’s commitment to inclusivity is a step in the right direction, considering the importance of representation and empowerment for all citizens.

The Malawi 2063 agenda envisions transforming Malawi into an inclusive, wealthy, and self-reliant industrialized upper-middle-income country.

To achieve this vision, the government has emphasized the need for a youth-centric approach, recognizing the crucial role young people play in shaping the country’s future.

A similar approach was seen in Malaysia, where the Undi18 movement successfully advocated for lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. This move not only increased youth participation in the electoral process but also led to more youth-centric manifestos and policies.

According to Tharma Pillai, co-founder and Advocacy Director of Undi18, “Malaysian politics are dominated by old people… Now, for the first time, young voters could be Malaysia’s kingmakers.”

To develop effective youth-centric manifestos, candidates should consider key areas such as education and skills development, economic empowerment, health and well-being, participation and representation, and protection and safety.

By prioritizing these areas, candidates can develop manifestos that truly address the needs and aspirations of young people in Malawi.

As Nyalugwe emphasized, “Being a largely youthful nation, there is a need for political candidates to come up with manifestos that will ensure the harnessing of the youth population to propel an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant Malawi by 2063.”

The upcoming elections present an opportunity for Malawians to choose leaders who will prioritize youth empowerment and development.

By demanding youth-centric manifestos, young people can play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future and ensuring that their needs and aspirations are addressed.

The call for youth-centric manifestos is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing youth empowerment and development in Malawi.

By working together, we can create a brighter future for all Malawians and ensure that the country achieves its vision of becoming an inclusive, wealthy, and self-reliant industrialized upper-middle-income country by 2063.

Malawi’s agricultural future hinges on intensive farming and diversification

247Malawi
-
0
Malawi’s agricultural future hinges on intensive farming and diversification

By Jones Gadama

Malawi’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads, with experts calling for a shift towards intensive farming practices to boost productivity and food security.

According to Horace Phiri, an agricultural expert, pursuing intensive farming, especially for maize, can help free up land for farmers to diversify into high-value crops.

Phiri’s sentiments come as the National Economic Empowerment Fund is disbursing loans of over K20 billion to 30,000 farmers in 2025 alone, with the aim of promoting agriculture development.

The expert identified crops like soyabeans, groundnuts, and horticulture as high-value crops that can significantly contribute to the country’s agricultural economy.

Intensive farming involves using advanced technology and practices to increase crop yields on smaller plots of land. This approach can help Malawian farmers produce more maize on smaller areas, freeing up land for other profitable crops.

According to Phiri, “If farmers can produce more on smaller plots, they can use the remaining land for other profitable crops. This shift is vital for boosting incomes and strengthening food security.”

Maize is a staple crop in Malawi, and its production plays a critical role in the country’s food security. With the right techniques and management practices, maize yields can be significantly improved.

For instance, using raised bed planting technology can save up to 20-30% of irrigation water while increasing productivity.

Phiri’s call for diversification into high-value crops is echoed by Luwayo Biswick, a permaculture farmer from Mchinji District. Biswick believes that Malawi’s unique agricultural land presents numerous opportunities for farmers to grow a variety of crops.

However, he emphasizes the need for value addition and export promotion to tap into global markets.

“Malawi is rich in agriculture, but we must popularize our products globally,” Biswick said, adding,  “Graduates from institutions like LUANAR should take farming seriously as a business to drive the sector forward.” This sentiment highlights the importance of agricultural education and training in equipping farmers with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.

To achieve agricultural development and food security, several key areas need to be addressed. Maintaining soil health through proper management practices is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Efficient irrigation systems and practices can help conserve water while ensuring optimal crop growth. Adding value to agricultural products can increase their market value and create new opportunities for farmers.

Promoting Malawian agricultural products globally can help farmers tap into new markets and increase their incomes.

The government’s initiative to disburse loans to farmers is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to support agricultural development.

This includes providing subsidies to smallholder farmers, investing in irrigation infrastructure, and promoting agricultural research and development.

Malawi’s agricultural future hinges on the adoption of intensive farming practices and diversification into high-value crops.

With the right policies and support, farmers can increase their productivity, improve food security, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

As Phiri noted, “This shift is vital for boosting incomes and strengthening food security.” By working together, Malawian farmers can unlock their potential and drive the agricultural sector forward.

To achieve agricultural development and food security, it is essential to increase investment in agricultural research and development, provide training and education, promote value addition and export promotion, and improve irrigation infrastructure.

By implementing these strategies, Malawi can unlock its agricultural potential and achieve food security and economic growth.

Malawi’s economy poised for growth: Experts optimistic about second quarter of 2025

247Malawi
-
0
Malawi’s economy poised for growth: Experts optimistic about second quarter of 2025



By Jones Gadama

Malawi’s economic landscape is looking up, with experts predicting a strong performance in the second quarter of 2025.

According to Bertha Chikadza, President of the Economic Association of Malawi (ECAMA), the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests are expected to boost foreign exchange inflows and ease food inflation pressures.

Speaking to MBC Digital, Chikadza expressed hope that these developments will have a positive impact on the country’s economy.

Her sentiments were echoed by Leslie Fatch, President of the Financial Market Dealers Association, who believes that generating more foreign exchange at the auction will spur business activities.

The tobacco industry is a significant contributor to Malawi’s economy, and the opening of the Kanengo, Chinkhoma, and Limbe auction floors is expected to increase foreign exchange earnings.

Bertha Chikadza



The auction floors will provide a platform for farmers to sell their tobacco, attracting buyers from around the world and injecting much-needed foreign currency into the economy.

The key drivers of economic growth in Malawi include the tobacco auction floors, crop harvests, and foreign exchange generation.

The opening of the tobacco auction floors is expected to boost foreign exchange inflows and increase government revenue.

Ongoing crop harvests will help ease food inflation pressures and increase food availability, reducing reliance on imports. Increased foreign exchange earnings will help stabilize the local currency and reduce pressure on the balance of payments.

Chikadza noted that the economic outlook for the second quarter of 2025 is promising, with the potential for increased economic activity and growth.

She, however, emphasized the need for continued policy support to ensure that the economy remains on a stable path.

Fatch shared similar views, stating that the increased generation of foreign exchange at the auction will have a positive impact on business activities. He added that this will help to stimulate economic growth and increase investor confidence in the country.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi regularly publishes economic reviews, providing insights into the country’s economic performance.

According to the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s economic reviews, the country’s economy is showing signs of resilience, with some sectors performing better than expected.

The World Bank’s Malawi Economic Monitor also provides an in-depth analysis of the country’s economic performance and prospects. The report highlights the challenges facing the economy, including high inflation and limited foreign exchange earnings.

However, the report also notes that Malawi’s economy has the potential for growth, driven by various sectors, including agriculture and mining.

Malawi’s economy is poised for growth, driven by the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests.

Experts are optimistic about the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of 2025, citing increased foreign exchange earnings and eased food inflation pressures.

While challenges remain, the country’s economic outlook is promising, with potential for increased economic activity and growth.

Continued policy support will be crucial in ensuring that the economy remains on a stable path and that the benefits of growth are shared by all.

To sustain economic growth and development, Malawi should diversify the economy, reduce reliance on tobacco and other traditional exports by promoting non-traditional exports, improve infrastructure, invest in infrastructure development to support economic growth and increase competitiveness, and enhance policy support to ensure that the economy remains on a stable path and that growth is inclusive.

By implementing these strategies, Malawi can ensure that its economy remains on a stable path and that growth is sustained over the long term.

The country’s economic future looks bright, with potential for increased economic activity and growth.

The optimism surrounding Malawi’s economic performance is well-founded, given the expected increase in foreign exchange earnings and the potential for growth in various sectors.

As the country continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, it is essential to maintain a stable economic environment and promote inclusive growth.

With the right policies and strategies in place, Malawi can achieve sustained economic growth and development, improving the lives of its citizens and reducing poverty.

The opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests are just the beginning, and the country’s economic future looks promising.

Malawi’s economy is poised for growth, driven by the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests.

Experts are optimistic about the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of 2025, and with the right policies and strategies in place, the country can achieve sustained economic growth and development.

Namadingo’s long wait: A day of silence and absence at Mangochi Hospital

247Malawi
-
0
Namadingo’s long wait: A day of silence and absence at Mangochi Hospital

By Burnett Munthali

Patience Namadingo took to his Facebook page to share a deeply frustrating encounter at Mangochi District Hospital.

According to his account, he arrived at Mangochi District Hospital at exactly 02:00 PM today.

Before making the trip, he had already tried to get in touch with the hospital’s Director of Health Services earlier that morning at around 11:00 AM.



His calls went unanswered.

In an effort to ensure his visit would be fruitful, he followed up with a text message.

That, too, remained without response.

Upon arriving at the hospital, he made his way to the administration building and approached the office of the Director’s secretary.

The secretary informed him that the Director was not present at the hospital.

When asked about the Director’s whereabouts or the reason for his absence, the secretary responded in Chichewa.

She said, “Lero lonse sindinalankhuleko nawo kunonso sanabweleko nde sindikudziwa kuti alikuti.”

Translated into English, this means she had not spoken to the Director the entire day, he had not been to the hospital at all, and she had no idea where he was.

In search of someone else in authority, Namadingo requested to meet the hospital administrator.

However, he was told that the administrator had stepped out for lunch.

Oddly, it was already 20 minutes to 3:00 PM, yet the administrator had still not returned.

When questioned about this extended lunch break, the secretary casually said, “Mwina adzela kwina,” suggesting that he may have gone elsewhere.

Refusing to give up, Namadingo then asked to meet the District Medical Officer.

Once again, he hit a dead end.

He was informed that the District Medical Officer had travelled to Monkey Bay for a field assignment.

It was at this point that it became unmistakably clear—none of the key figures were available.

The absence of all senior management left Namadingo and his team with no one to meet or speak with.

Faced with this situation, they decided to remain in Mangochi for the night.

They resolved to return to the hospital the following day in hopes of finally securing a meeting with the appropriate personnel.

This unfortunate experience has sparked concerns about the accountability and presence of leadership at a major public health facility.

One can only imagine the frustration of ordinary patients seeking assistance when even a public figure struggles to meet anyone in charge.

It begs the question: how can such institutions function efficiently when critical decision-makers are either absent, unreachable, or unaccounted for?

The incident sheds light on a broader issue within the public health system—the lack of responsiveness and professionalism that affects service delivery and undermines public trust.

Namadingo’s decision to publicly share this story points to a growing demand for transparency and reform.

It also highlights the need for public officials to respect their responsibilities and be accessible to those they are meant to serve.

As Namadingo and his team prepare for a second attempt tomorrow, many are watching closely to see whether the hospital leadership will show up.

For now, all eyes are on Mangochi District Hospital.

Let us hope that tomorrow offers a more encouraging chapter in this unfolding story.

Trump administration freezes $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard amid standoff over federal demands*

247Malawi
-
0
Trump administration freezes $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard amid standoff over federal demands*

By Burnett Munthali

Breaking news has surfaced involving a high-stakes clash between the Trump administration and one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration have announced the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal grants allocated to Harvard University.

This dramatic move came after Harvard refused to comply with specific demands made by the administration.



The nature of these demands has not been officially disclosed in full, but sources close to the matter suggest they involved ideological alignment and policy compliance.

Federal officials claim the university’s resistance to cooperating with administrative directives left them no choice but to impose financial consequences.

The freeze affects a wide range of research and academic programs funded through various federal agencies.

Harvard, which relies heavily on federal grants to support scientific research, public health initiatives, and educational access, is now facing a serious financial crisis.

University administrators have described the decision as politically motivated and deeply damaging to the nation’s intellectual and scientific development.

The Trump administration, during its tenure, repeatedly clashed with academic institutions over matters related to free speech, immigration policy, and ideological neutrality.

This latest action, however, marks an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing tensions between the White House and academia.

Critics of the administration argue that this move undermines academic independence and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.

Supporters of the freeze claim it is a necessary step to hold elite institutions accountable to the American taxpayer.

Harvard University has issued a statement strongly condemning the decision, calling it an attack on higher education and the values of academic freedom.

University officials have vowed to pursue legal action if the freeze is not reversed in a timely manner.

Legal scholars warn that the situation could lead to a constitutional confrontation over the separation of powers and the autonomy of academic institutions.

Meanwhile, researchers and students at Harvard have expressed concern and confusion about how the funding freeze will affect their work and futures.

Many ongoing projects, particularly in areas such as medical research and climate science, are now at risk of being delayed or permanently halted.

The academic community across the United States has rallied in support of Harvard, viewing the incident as a broader threat to research and education nationwide.

Prominent voices in academia are calling on Congress to intervene and ensure that federal funds are not used as political leverage.

The Trump administration’s move is being analyzed not just as a bureaucratic maneuver, but as a calculated expression of political pressure.

Observers point out that the decision comes amid a larger effort by Trump-era officials to reshape American institutions along certain ideological lines.

If the freeze remains in place, Harvard could be forced to seek alternative funding sources or scale back vital programs.

The long-term effects of this financial standoff could ripple beyond Harvard, potentially influencing how universities engage with federal agencies moving forward.

As legal teams prepare for potential court battles and policymakers debate the implications, the standoff continues to capture national and international attention.

This development underscores the fragile balance between government authority and institutional autonomy in a polarized political environment.

For now, the future of $2.2 billion in research and academic grants remains uncertain, hanging in the balance between legal appeals, public pressure, and political will.

1...686970...1,803Page 69 of 1,803

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

True and well researched news covering key issues in Malawi and abroad

Contact us: info@247malawi.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv