Thursday, April 16, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 752

MACRA intends to procure integrated machine to track Misinformation and Disinformation

0



By Dean Chisambo

Malawi Regulatory Authority ( MACRA) has emphasized it’s move to procure $1.5 million equivalent to K 3 billion integrated system which will help to analyse and  track Misinformation an Disinformation that is being distributed on public social media platforms.

Speaking during the press briefing on Monday in Lilongwe MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman outlined that the system will help  them as a regulator in bringing up strategies to protect the people of Malawi.



He said :” as we develop in this new digital media where the conception of misinformation is large via public social media spaces.

” It is very important for us to ensure that we equip the people of Malawi with necessary capacities for them to be able to decide which one is good information and which is bad information and they can react when they receive such information.”

He explained that the platform will not spy and infringe freedom of expression among the people but it will be monitoring public social media interfaces with  Facebook and Twitter.

He stated that it does not go and read Whatsapp messages but only information that has been put in public space where the information is able to read and analyse.

He added that the element of spying which involves intrusion and surveillance is completely outside the scope .

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader of opposition in Parliament Dr George Chaponda urged MACRA to stop their move of procuring the machine since the  country is facing economic hardship.

Last week MACRA announced that they have made an agreement with a certain company from Ghana to procure the machine and to establish it in this country.

IMM,ICTAM sign MoU to empower members

0



By Chisomo Phiri

The Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) to empower members of both organisations.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, IMM President George Damson said the three-year collaboration is expected to focus on equipping members with essential skills and knowledge to address critical topics in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and marketing.

Damson and Dossi



Damson said the partnership will create valuable opportunities for members to acquire and exchange information.

He added that the initiative will also enhance the nation’s development as it aligns with the Malawi 2063 development blueprint.

On his part,Deputy President for ICTAM, Moses Dossi, said they believe that the partnership will help members exchange crucial IT and marketing skills.

He further said a highly skilled and trained marketing personnel will help in supporting both government and private sector efforts to achieve digitisation and advance the national development agenda.

WFP,Malawi partner to address el niño-induced drought crisis

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Malawi on Friday signed an agreement to import 48,000 metric tons of maize, valued at US$ 35 million and funded by the World Bank Group, to help food-insecure communities affected by the El Niño-induced drought.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lilongwe, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa Eric Perdison reaffirmed their commitment to helping the country alleviate the hunger crisis.

“This collaboration shows the strength of partnerships in tackling the challenges caused by climate-related crises,” he said.

World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, Firas Raad, said the bank mobilized US$ 50 million earlier this year to help Malawi address the impact of the recent El Niño-induced drought in the country.

“We hope this financing will provide greater food security to vulnerable households, and we are proud of our close collaboration with WFP,” Raad said.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA),Charles Kalemba noted that the gesture reflects the strong commitment of the Government and its partners to alleviating hunger and improving food security in the country.

“This is a significant step in complementing Malawi Government’s efforts in provision of relief assistance to food-insecure households across the country,” said Kalemba.

Malawi is currently facing acute food insecurity challenges, with 5.7 million people rendered food insecure following the El Niño-induced drought, which negatively affected 44% of crops.

Rumphi Police Crack Down on Theft: Motorcycle and Fertilizer Recovered

0

By Shaffie A Mtambo

A swift investigation by Rumphi Police has led to the arrest of 22-year-old Henry Gondwe, accused of stealing a motorcycle and a bag of fertilizer worth K1,870,000.00. The incident occurred on January 23, 2025, at Chilombo village, where the owner had parked her motorcycle loaded with four bags of fertilizer outside her house.

According to Rumphi Police Station Spokesperson Sub Inspector Noel Kamchenga, the victim realized her motorcycle and one bag of Super D fertilizer were stolen after taking supper. The police sprang into action, visiting the scene and launching an investigation that ultimately led to the recovery of the stolen items and the arrest of the suspect.



The police have confirmed that the stolen motorcycle and fertilizer have been recovered and are currently in their custody. The suspect, Henry Gondwe, is being held at Rumphi Police Station pending further investigation and prosecution.

This successful operation demonstrates the Rumphi Police’s commitment to combating crime and protecting the community. The police have shown that they will not tolerate theft and will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

The community has welcomed the police’s swift action, praising their efforts in recovering the stolen items and apprehending the suspect. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community-police collaboration in preventing and combating crime.

As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the prosecution of the suspect. The Rumphi Police have assured the community that they will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is served.

The suspect hail from Koyo Village, Traditional Authority Chisovya in Rumphi District.

Cement Price Hike Sparks Call to Action in Malawi’s Construction Industry

0

By Shaffie A Mtambo

The recent surge in cement prices has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s construction industry, prompting the National Construction Industry Council of Malawi (NCIC) to urge stakeholders to take immediate action. With some cement manufacturers hiking prices to a minimum of K23,800 and K29,800, and retailers selling at even higher rates, the NCIC is warning of potential negative impacts on ongoing projects.

Lyford Gedion, NCIC’s corporate affairs officer, emphasized that significant changes in cement prices can compromise project quality unless the government intervenes with subsidies. Gedion called on stakeholders, including the government, contractors, and consultants, to discuss contractual issues and find solutions to mitigate the effects of the price hike.


Meanwhile, Transport and Public Works minister Jacob Hara has sought to allay concerns, assuring that most ongoing contracts have factored in the price increase and that quality standards will remain intact.

The construction industry is a critical sector in Malawi’s economy, and any disruptions can have far-reaching consequences. The NCIC’s call to action highlights the need for urgent dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to find a solution to the cement price crisis.

As the industry navigates this challenge, it remains to be seen how the government and stakeholders will respond to the NCIC’s call to action. One thing is certain, however the fate of Malawi’s construction industry hangs in the balance.