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VP Usi leads delegation to mourn late Alex Mulli in Phalombe

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By Burnett Munthali

Vice President Dr. Michae’s  Usi on Thursday attended the funeral ceremony of the late Alex Mulli at Nyezelera in Phalombe District.

Dr. Usi was representing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the funeral.

The vice president joined a high-profile delegation that included former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Dr. Dalitso Kabambe.

Also in attendance was Paramount Chief Kaduya, a respected traditional leader in the region.

The gathering also included Mulhako wa Alhomwe Chairperson Muchakhwaye Mpuluka, who represented the cultural group’s leadership.



Other dignitaries, government officials, and members of the general public also came to pay their final respects.

The funeral attracted a large crowd, signifying the influence and respect the Mulli family commands in the region and beyond.

Alex Mulli, who passed away on April 9th, 2025, was the elder brother of prominent Malawian business magnate Leston Mulli.

His death has been described as a great loss not only to the Mulli family but also to the wider Phalombe community.

Mourners gathered to celebrate the life of a man they described as humble, hardworking, and dedicated to his community.

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera extended his condolences to the bereaved family through Vice President Dr. Michael Usi.

As part of his gesture of solidarity and compassion, President Chakwera contributed K6 million to assist the family during this period of bereavement.

This financial support was announced during the ceremony and was received with gratitude by the Mulli family.

The president’s gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to standing with Malawians in times of grief and loss.

Vice President Usi, in his address, conveyed the president’s message of comfort and unity.

He also highlighted the importance of preserving the values of family, community, and cultural identity that the late Alex Mulli upheld during his lifetime.

The ceremony was marked by traditional songs, prayers, and tributes from various speakers.

Community members spoke of Alex Mulli’s commitment to community development and his quiet contributions to social initiatives.

Several speakers also praised the unity shown by political, cultural, and business leaders who came together to mourn a common loss.

The funeral underscored the continued influence of the Mulli family in both business and cultural affairs in Malawi.

As the ceremony concluded, there was a shared sense of loss, reflection, and appreciation for the life of a man who left a lasting legacy.

The nation continues to extend thoughts and prayers to the Mulli family during this difficult time.

The late Mulli

Parliament concludes 51st session with landmark decisions

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By Jones Gadama

The Parliament of Malawi has adjourned sine die, marking the end of its 51st Session, which commenced on February 14, 2025.

This conclusion signifies a crucial period in the country’s legislative calendar, with numerous pivotal decisions and bills passed that will shape the nation’s future.

The session’s key highlights offer a glimpse into the diligent efforts of the Members of Parliament to drive national progress.

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera officially opened the 51st Session of Parliament and the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting, setting the tone for a productive legislative period.



During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President tackled four pre-submitted questions from Members of Parliament and responded to supplementary questions.

This dialogue between the executive and legislative branches underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.

One of the significant milestones achieved during this session was the unanimous approval of Hon. Ackson Kalaile Banda’s appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission.

This appointment demonstrates the confidence of the House in his capabilities and paves the way for effective leadership within the commission.

The 2025/2026 Budget, presented by Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda, was pegged at K8.05 trillion.

This substantial budget aims to fund essential goods and services from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and was subsequently passed by Parliament with a total allocation of K8.08 trillion.

The passage of the budget marks a critical step in implementing government programs and projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

Several notable bills were passed during this session, reflecting the Parliament’s commitment to addressing various aspects of national development. These include:
– *Bill No. 13 of 2025: Appropriation Bill*, which appropriates K8.08 trillion for the upcoming financial year, ensuring the government’s programs and projects are adequately funded.
– *Bill No. 14 of 2025: Supplementary Appropriation Bill*, allowing an additional K500.66 billion for the current financial year to address emerging needs.
– *Bill No. 12 of 2025: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill*, exempting bread from value-added tax to ease the burden on citizens.
– *Bill No. 11 of 2025: Taxation (Amendment) Bill*, standardizing corporate tax rates and increasing withholding tax on betting and gambling winnings to boost revenue collection.
– *Bill No. 1 of 2025: Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Properties Centre Bill*, enhancing the country’s intellectual property framework to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
– *Bill No. 2 of 2025: Copyright (Amendment) Bill*, amending the Copyright Act to protect creators’ rights and foster a culture of creativity.

Other significant bills passed include:
– *Bill No. 10 of 2025: International Development Association (Ascent Malawi) Project Bill*, authorizing the Ascent Malawi Project to improve access to sustainable and clean energy.
– *Bill No. 15 of 2025: OPEC Fund for International Construction and Rehabilitation of Mangochi-Makanjira Road Project (Loan Authorisation) Bill*, authorizing a K35 billion loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development to upgrade infrastructure.
– *Bill No. 3 of 2025: Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations (Amendment) Bill*, designating the Director of National Registration Bureau as the Registrar of Marriages to streamline marriage registration processes.
– *Bill No. 8 of 2025: Prisons Bill*, repealing the outdated Prisons Act of 1956 to modernize the correctional system.
– *Bill No. 9 of 2025: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill*, introducing house detention as a form of punishment to provide alternatives to imprisonment.
– *Bill No. 22 of 2025: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (Construction and Rehabilitation of Mangochi-Makanjira Road Project) Loan (Authorization) Bill*, authorizing a K16.8 billion loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to support infrastructure development.

The session also saw the passage of bills related to economic development, including:
– *Bill No. 19 of 2025: Foreign Exchange Bill*, repealing the outdated Exchange Control Act of 1984 and introducing a new Foreign Exchange Act to facilitate trade and investment.
– *Bill No. 20 of 2025: Tourism Industry Bill*, establishing a legal framework for the development of a robust and sustainable tourism sector to boost economic growth.
– *Bill No. 18 of 2025: Construction Industry Bill*, repealing the National Construction Industry Act and introducing new legislation to address challenges facing Malawi’s construction sector.
– *Bill No. 16 of 2025: Sugarcane Industry Bill*, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the promotion and regulation of sugarcane cultivation

FAO and Malawi government Strengthen partnership to address food security challenges

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By Jones Gadama

Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Nancy Tembo, has expressed her gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for their collaborative efforts in addressing food security challenges in the country.

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Minister Tembo received in audience Mr. Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Country Representative, at her office.

During the meeting, Minister Tembo commended FAO’s close collaboration with the Government of Malawi in supporting national efforts to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

She acknowledged the vital role FAO plays in providing technical expertise and support in advancing agricultural development and ensuring food security in Malawi.

Tembo with FAO officials



In response, Mr. Ahmadu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to working alongside the Government of Malawi to address food security challenges.

He emphasized the organization’s dedication to supporting Malawi’s agricultural sector and ensuring that the country achieves its development goals.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Nancy Tembo has been instrumental in promoting Malawi’s interests on the global stage.

She has also been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Before assuming her current role, Minister Tembo served as Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, where she championed efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable land use practices.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been working closely with the Government of Malawi to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The organization has provided technical expertise and support to Malawi’s agricultural sector, helping the country to build a resilient and sustainable food system.

FAO’s work in Malawi is aligned with the country’s development goals, including the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).

The organization’s efforts are focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, improving food security, and reducing poverty.

The meeting between Minister Tembo and Mr. Ahmadu highlights the importance of collaboration between the Government of Malawi and international organizations like FAO.

The partnership between the two entities has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing food security challenges in the country.

As Malawi continues to face challenges related to climate change, poverty, and food insecurity, the role of organizations like FAO will be critical in supporting the country’s development efforts.

The Government of Malawi and FAO must work together to ensure that the country’s agricultural sector is resilient, sustainable, and able to meet the needs of its growing population.

The meeting between Minister Tembo and Mr. Ahmadu underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing development challenges.

The Government of Malawi and FAO must continue to work together to promote sustainable agricultural practices, address food security challenges, and support the country’s development goals.

By working together, Malawi can build a resilient and sustainable food system that benefits all its citizens.

The partnership between the Government of Malawi and FAO is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this collaboration will continue to yield positive results for the country’s agricultural sector and its people.

As the country moves forward, it is essential that the Government of Malawi and FAO continue to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices, climate change mitigation, and food security.

By doing so, Malawi can ensure that its agricultural sector is resilient, sustainable, and able to meet the needs of its growing population.

The commitment of the Government of Malawi and FAO to addressing food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices is a positive development for the country.

It is hoped that this partnership will continue to yield positive results and support Malawi’s development goals.

In the coming months and years, it will be essential to monitor the progress of the partnership between the Government of Malawi and FAO.

The success of this partnership will depend on the ability of both parties to work together effectively and address the challenges facing Malawi’s agricultural sector.

By prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices, climate change mitigation, and food security, Malawi can build a resilient and sustainable food system that benefits all its citizens.

The partnership between the Government of Malawi and FAO is a critical step in this process, and it is hoped that this collaboration will continue to yield positive results for the country’s agricultural sector and its people.

Malawi Parliament pays tribute to late Zambian Parliament Clerk, Roy Ngulube

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By Jones Gadama

The Parliament of Malawi recently observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of Roy Ngulube, Clerk of the Parliament of Zambia, who passed away while attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Uzbekistan.

Speaker of the Malawian Parliament, Rt. Honourable Catherine Gotani Hara, MP, conveyed the House’s heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia and the Zambian nation.

According to Gotani Hara, Ngulube died after a short illness, leaving a void in the Zambian Parliament.

The Malawian Parliament acknowledged Ngulube’s dedication to his work, noting his commitment to promoting parliamentary affairs.

Speaker Gotani Hara



The House’s decision to pay tribute to Ngulube underscores the strong ties between Malawi and Zambia, particularly in the realm of parliamentary cooperation.

This gesture of goodwill and solidarity highlights the respect with which Ngulube was held by his peers.

Gotani Hara’s statement on behalf of the House underscored the significance of Ngulube’s contributions to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and regional parliamentary initiatives.

The condolence message also reflects the shared values of cooperation and mutual respect that define parliamentary relations in the region.

In a similar vein, the Malawian Parliament recently paid tribute to Lawson Chitseko, Assistant Clerk of Parliament responsible for committees, who passed away suddenly in February 2024.

Chitseko’s untimely death was met with shock and sadness, with Gotani Hara confirming the news in an interview with the press.

These incidents highlight the importance of parliamentary institutions acknowledging the contributions of their officials, both past and present.

Parliamentarians play a vital role in fostering regional cooperation and understanding.

Their work often goes unnoticed, but events like Ngulube’s passing serve as a poignant reminder of the human side of parliamentary diplomacy.

By honoring his memory, the Malawian Parliament demonstrated its commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation that Ngulube embodied.

The tribute paid to Roy Ngulube by the Malawian Parliament serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between Malawi and Zambia.

As regional parliamentary institutions continue to navigate the complexities of international cooperation, they would do well to draw on the legacy of dedicated public servants like Ngulube, who worked tirelessly to promote the interests of their nations and the global community.

Mukuru Malawi unveils K675 Million sponsorship for under-21 national netball team and league

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By Jones Gadama

In a bid to promote and develop netball in the country, Mukuru Malawi, an international money transfer company, has unveiled a K675 million three-year sponsorship deal for the Under-21 national netball team and the Under-21 national netball league.

The partnership was unveiled during a ceremony at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre, with the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) as the beneficiary.

Speaking during the partnership unveiling ceremony, Pride Chiwaya, country manager for Mukuru Malawi, expressed the company’s excitement in partnering with NAM to promote netball in the country.

“We are excited with the future we are building through this partnership. Mukuru will be with netball every step of the way,” Chiwaya said. He added that the company is committed to supporting the development of netball in Malawi and is looking forward to working closely with NAM to achieve this goal.


Vitumbiko Gubuduza, president of NAM, expressed gratitude to Mukuru Malawi for the generous support. “We are grateful to Mukuru Malawi for this generous support. This partnership will go a long way in promoting and developing netball in the country,” Gubuduza said. He added that NAM is committed to working closely with Mukuru Malawi to ensure that the partnership achieves its objectives.

The sponsorship deal, which will run for three years, will see Mukuru Malawi providing financial support to NAM to develop the Under-21 national netball team and the Under-21 national netball league. The deal is part of Mukuru Malawi’s efforts to promote sports development in the country and to give back to the community.

The Under-21 national netball team has been in existence for several years, but has struggled to attract significant sponsorship.

The team has participated in several international tournaments, including the African Netball Championships, but has not had the financial resources to compete effectively with other teams.

The Under-21 national netball league, on the other hand, is a relatively new competition that was introduced by NAM to promote the development of netball in the country.

The league has attracted several teams from across the country, but has struggled to attract significant sponsorship.

The partnership between Mukuru Malawi and NAM is expected to have a significant impact on the development of netball in the country.

The financial support provided by Mukuru Malawi will enable NAM to develop the Under-21 national netball team and the Under-21 national netball league, which will in turn promote the development of netball in the country.

The partnership will also provide an opportunity for Mukuru Malawi to promote its brand in the sports sector.

The company’s logo will be featured prominently in all NAM events, including the Under-21 national netball team and the Under-21 national netball league.

The unveiling of the partnership is a significant milestone for NAM, which has been struggling to attract significant sponsorship for its events.

The association has been relying on limited funding from the government and other stakeholders to promote and develop netball in the country.

The partnership between Mukuru Malawi and NAM is also expected to attract other sponsors to the sports sector.

The deal is a demonstration of the potential for private sector companies to support sports development in the country.

In his remarks, Chiwaya said that Mukuru Malawi is committed to supporting the development of sports in the country.

“We believe that sports has the power to bring people together and to promote development in our communities,” Chiwaya said. He added that the company is looking forward to working closely with NAM to promote netball in the country.

Gubuduza, on the other hand, said that NAM is committed to working closely with Mukuru Malawi to ensure that the partnership achieves its objectives.

“We are excited about this partnership and we are looking forward to working closely with Mukuru Malawi to promote netball in the country,” Gubuduza said.

The partnership between Mukuru Malawi and NAM is a significant development for the sports sector in the country.

The deal demonstrates the potential for private sector companies to support sports development in the country and provides a model for other companies to follow.

The unveiling of the partnership between Mukuru Malawi and NAM is a significant milestone for the development of netball in the country.

The financial support provided by Mukuru Malawi will enable NAM to develop the Under-21 national netball team and the Under-21 national netball league, which will in turn promote the development of netball in the country.

The partnership is also expected to attract other sponsors to the sports sector and provides a model for other companies to follow.

With the support of Mukuru Malawi, NAM is confident that it can take netball in the country to the next level.