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India Eyes Malawi’s Export Potential, Pledges Continued Support

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By Twink Jones Gadama

As India celebrated its 76th Republic Day, the country’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Subbiah Gopalakhrishnan, highlighted the vast opportunities for Malawi to boost its exports to India. Speaking in Lilongwe, Gopalakhrishnan emphasized the significance of the readily available Indian market, which is eager to consume a wide range of products grown in Malawi.

Gopalakhrishnan’s remarks came during a ceremony marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Malawi. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Patricia Nangozo Kainga, who praised India’s unwavering support for Malawi’s development over the past six decades.

Subbiah Gopalakhrishnan



The High Commissioner noted that India’s massive population creates a huge demand for food and other essential products. He encouraged Malawian farmers and exporters to capitalize on this opportunity, emphasizing that India is willing to import a wide range of products, including those grown in Malawi.

According to Gopalakhrishnan, Malawi’s exports to India have increased by 10 times over the past three to four years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the potential for further expansion. The High Commissioner expressed optimism that if Malawi maximizes its produce, even more significant volumes could be exported to India.

Gopalakhrishnan also reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development across various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure. This pledge is in line with India’s long-standing tradition of providing assistance to African countries, particularly in the areas of human resource development, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

Deputy Minister Kainga commended India’s support, highlighting the significant impact it has had on Malawi’s development. She emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and technology transfer.

As Malawi and India celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries are poised to take their partnership to new heights. With India’s vast market and Malawi’s export potential, the stage is set for a significant increase in trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The remarks by High Commissioner Gopalakhrishnan underscore the vast opportunities for Malawi to boost its exports to India. As the two countries continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, it is clear that the future of Malawi-India cooperation is bright. With India’s support and Malawi’s determination, the two nations are poised to achieve great things together.

The Indian High Commission in Malawi has been instrumental in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. Under the leadership of High Commissioner Gopalakhrishnan, the commission has been working tirelessly to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural ties between India and Malawi.

As Malawi and India look to the future, it is clear that their partnership will continue to play a vital role in promoting economic growth, development, and cooperation between the two nations.

Full Moon Islamic Organization Hosts Inspirational Gathering

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By Shaffie A Mtambo


In a bid to promote spiritual growth and community development among Muslim youths, the Full Moon Islamic Organization recently hosted a successful gathering at Makhetha Primary School in Machinjiri, Blantyre. The event, themed “Do not hate what you don’t understand,” brought together young Muslims from various local faith groups, including Alkhairah Islamic Youth and The SIDE youth group.

Ashraf Matandika, Director of the Full Moon Islamic Organization, delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges. He urged the youths to harness their potential and let Islamic teachings guide them in shaping their future.

Ashraf Matandika



The event had a profound impact on the attendees, with one participant, Zariah Chifundo Kachepa, praising the gathering for inspiring her to make positive changes in her life. She encouraged fellow youths to join local faith groups and strike a balance between secular and Islamic studies.

The Full Moon Islamic Organization’s initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven events in promoting spiritual growth, social cohesion, and youth development. By providing a platform for young Muslims to come together, share ideas, and learn from each other, the organization is helping to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility among its members.

As the Muslim community in Malawi continues to grow and evolve, events like this gathering will play an increasingly important role in shaping the values, attitudes, and aspirations of its young people.

Minister of labour cracks down on expatriate employment

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a bid to promote local employment and ensure that Malawian workers are given priority, Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba has instructed all companies with expatriate employees to submit their qualifications, job descriptions, visas, and curriculum vitae to the Ministry of Labour.

This move is aimed at enabling the ministry to assess whether the jobs currently held by expatriates can be performed by Malawians. The minister’s directive is in line with the government’s efforts to promote local content and empower Malawian workers.

Minister Vitumbiko Mumba

According to Minister Mumba, the ministry wants to ensure that companies operating in Malawi are complying with the country’s labor laws and regulations. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to creating jobs for Malawians and promoting local economic growth.

“We want to ensure that Malawian workers are given priority in the job market,” said Minister Mumba. “We will be scrutinizing the qualifications and job descriptions of expatriate employees to determine whether these jobs can be done by Malawians.”

The minister’s directive has been welcomed by labor unions and other stakeholders, who have long been advocating for the promotion of local employment. The move is also seen as a step in the right direction towards reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth in Malawi.

Minister Mumba has had a distinguished career in the fields of engineering and labor relations. A professional civil engineer by training, Mumba has worked in various countries, including Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia.

  He has also held various leadership positions, including Managing Director of Mbwiwi Holdings and Director of Surge Infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the Ministry of Labour has been working tirelessly to promote labor standards and protect the rights of workers in Malawi. The minister has also been instrumental in promoting technical and vocational training in Malawi, with the aim of developing a skilled and employable workforce.

As the ministry begins to scrutinize the employment of expatriates in Malawi, it is clear that Minister Mumba is committed to promoting local employment and empowering Malawian workers. The minister’s directive is a significant step towards achieving this goal and promoting economic growth in Malawi.

In related news, Minister Mumba recently commended Lotus Africa Limited for its commitment to safety standards and fair labor practices.

The minister’s praise for the company’s labor practices is a testament to his commitment to promoting labor standards and protecting the rights of workers in Malawi.

Vice president Usi’s image featured on new fabric amidst rumors of new political party

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By Twink Jones Gadama

A textile company in Blantyre, Mapeto, has begun producing fabrics featuring the face of Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, along with the phrase “Odya zake alibe mlandu”.

This development has sparked speculation about Dr. Usi’s future political moves, particularly amidst rumors that he may be planning to start his own political party.

The  cloth has been making waves in the country, with many interpreting it as a sign of Dr. Usi’s intention to revive his movement, “Odya zake alibe mlandu.” The phrase,  has been associated with Dr. Usi’s political brand, and its appearance on the fabric has fueled speculation about his plans.

Dr. Usi, who was recently expelled from the United Transformation Movement (UTM) after testing the party’s presidency, has been working to maintain his political relevance in the country. According to sources, he plans to bring support to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), a move that could potentially shake up the country’s political landscape.

Fabric with Usi face



The production of the fabric featuring Dr. Usi’s image has been seen as a strategic move to promote his political brand and rally support for his movement. However, it remains to be seen how this move will play out in the country’s complex political landscape.

As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the emergence of Dr. Usi’s movement could potentially disrupt the plans of other political parties. The MCP, in particular, stands to benefit from Dr. Usi’s support, and it remains to be seen how this alliance will play out in the elections.

In related news, Dr. Usi has been working to promote his movement through various channels, including social media and public rallies. His message of “Okudya zake alibe mlandu” has resonated with many Malawians, who see him as a champion of the poor and marginalized.

As the country waits with bated breath to see how Dr. Usi’s movement will unfold, one thing is clear: the Vice President’s image on the fabric is more than just a fashion statement – it’s a declaration of his intention to remain a major player in Malawi’s politics.

The production of the fabric has also raised questions about the role of money in politics. With the elections looming, many politicians are using various tactics to promote their brands and rally support. The use of fabrics, in particular, has become a popular strategy, with many politicians using them to promote their messages and images.

As the country navigates the complex world of politics, one thing is clear: the emergence of Dr. Usi’s movement has added a new layer of complexity to the country’s political landscape. With the elections looming, it remains to be seen how this move will play out and what impact it will have on the country’s politics.

Government Deploys Military to Protect Zomba Plateau from Deforestation

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

In a bold move to combat the alarming rate of deforestation in Zomba Plateau, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Owen Chomanika, has announced the deployment of Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) soldiers to the area. This decision was made during a stakeholders meeting in Zomba, where the minister expressed sadness over the rampant illegal harvesting of trees, posing a significant threat to future generations.

The MDF will be granted the authority to apprehend anyone found entering the plantation to harvest timber. Additionally, the minister revealed that licenses of some concessionaires, who were contributing to the massive harvesting of young trees, would be revoked. Corruption among stakeholders, including forest officers, police, and cooperatives, was identified as a significant factor in the malpractice.



The proposal to deploy the MDF was welcomed by Senior Chief Mlumbe, who acknowledged the extensive damage done to the Zomba Plateau. The Chief Executive Officer for the Southern Region Water Board, Dunken Chimphamba, also offered to take over 1,000 hectares of the plantation, employing forest guards to protect it.

The stakeholders meeting was prompted by public outcry over the massive destruction of the forest, with hundreds of people seen carrying logs of trees from the forest just last week. The deployment of the MDF marks a decisive step towards protecting Malawi’s natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future.