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Malawi Set to Host Elective General Assembly of Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

Malawi is set to host  international sports event, as the Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) has announced that it will host the elective general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. This event is scheduled to take place on February 22, 2025, at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.

According to Local Organising Committee chairman Dennis Kumwenda, 35 delegates from 10 countries will participate in the event, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi. Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire will be the guest of honour at the assembly.

Dennis Kumwenda


Kumwenda expressed pride in hosting the assembly, highlighting its potential to boost sports tourism and provide foreign exchange, ultimately enhancing Malawi’s visibility in Africa.

The MOC has been actively involved in various initiatives to promote sports development and Olympic values in Malawi. Recently, the committee conducted a Safe Sport workshop for athletes in Mzuzu and launched the Six months Game Changers Economic Empowerment project to empower athletes with income-generating skills.

Malawi’s Catholic Bishops Conference Rebrands for Clarity and Unity

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Catholic Bishops in Malawi have made a significant move to rebrand their conference, changing its name from the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) to the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) with immediate effect. This change aims to eliminate ambiguity and align with global Catholic terminology.

According to Reverend George Desmond Tambala, President of the conference, the new name explicitly states that the conference comprises Catholic Bishops, leaving no room for confusion. This rebranding effort seeks to unify the Malawian Catholic community with the Universal Church, as many countries use the term “Conference of Catholic Bishops” ¹.

Catholic Bishops


This development comes as the Catholic Church in Malawi continues to play a vital role in promoting social justice, education, and healthcare. The Church has been actively involved in addressing various social issues, including poverty, HIV/AIDS, and human trafficking.

The rebranding of the conference is expected to enhance the Church’s visibility and credibility in Malawi, as well as foster greater collaboration with other Catholic conferences worldwide. As the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) embarks on this new chapter, it remains committed to serving the Catholic community in Malawi and promoting the values of the Universal Church.

Malawi’s Macadamia Industry: A Catalyst for Economic Growth and Social Transformation

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture is pinning its hopes on the macadamia industry to drive social and economic growth. With the country already ranking as the third-largest producer of macadamia nuts in Africa, accounting for 3% of global production, the potential for growth is vast.

Agriculture is a critical component of Malawi’s 2063 Vision agenda, emphasizing job creation, wealth generation, import substitution, and foreign exchange earnings. Minister Sam Kawale believes the macadamia industry has the power to transform agriculture, and his ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Justice to establish a robust legal framework.

Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale



Despite the industry’s potential, challenges persist, including social conflicts with local communities, organized crime, lengthy production lead times, and illicit trade and export. Dimitri Giannakis, Chairperson of the Malawi Macadamia Association, highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to overcome them.

Initiatives like the USAID Malawi’s Feed the Future Growth Poles Project are working to promote the industry’s growth, providing farmers with macadamia seedlings and training. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also supported nearly 3,000 small-scale macadamia nut farmers through a three-year advisory project.

As the industry continues to evolve, addressing the challenges and capitalizing on opportunities will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of macadamia production in Malawi. With the right support and protections in place, the macadamia industry could indeed become a catalyst for growth and development in Malawi.

University of Livingstonia Recognized for Commitment to Quality Education

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By Elywin Chighali Mhango

Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has lauded the University of Livingstonia (UNLIA) as a cornerstone of quality education in Malawi during her recent familiarization tour of the university’s Law campus in Rumphi. Dr. Kabwila highlighted the institution’s alignment with the Malawi 2063 vision, which aims to develop the nation’s human capital to meet future challenges.

During her visit, Dr. Kabwila expressed her appreciation for UNLIA’s efforts to mold skilled individuals who will contribute to Malawi’s development. “You are true partners of government, and we are very committed to collaborating and supporting you through partnership work to attain Malawi 2063,” she stated.

Dr Kabwila at University of Livingstonia

In an effort to enhance the quality of higher education across the country, Dr. Kabwila announced the upcoming establishment of a special fund that will allow universities to compete for resources dedicated to innovative projects. She emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in higher education, asserting that “the days of fake degrees are over,” and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing issues of mediocrity.

Additionally, Professor John Kalenga Saka, Chairperson of the UNLIA Council, underscored the necessity of collaboration between government and private universities to foster national development. He commended the government for its support through various initiatives, including the World Bank-funded Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project and the USAID-funded Transforming Higher Education project.

Professor Saka expressed hope that the forthcoming Higher Education Bill would bring about harmonization in the operations of higher education institutions in Malawi, further enhancing their contributions to society. He also noted the university’s strong relationships with several councils, including the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the Medical Council of Malawi, and the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST).

As they move forward, both Dr. Kabwila and Professor Saka reiterated the crucial role of quality education in shaping the future of Malawi, underscoring the mantra that “Education is Key.” The event signified a strengthened commitment from the government and UNLIA to produce graduates equipped to lead the nation toward achieving Malawi’s 2063 goals.

Minister Wirima Lauds Infrastructure Projects Enhancing Educational Facilities

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By Elywin Chighali Mhango

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, M.P., expressed her satisfaction with the progress of a significant initiative that has seen the construction of 10,900 classrooms across the nation, carried out in collaboration with the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

During her recent visits to Litchenza and Mlirankhwali primary schools in Chiradzulu, and Makhetha and Bangwe primary schools in Blantyre, Minister Wirima emphasized that creating safe and conducive learning environments is essential for promoting education and delivering quality services. She highlighted that well-constructed classrooms serve as a powerful motivation for both teachers and learners.



The Minister called upon local communities, leaders, chiefs, and school management committees to actively support the government in maintaining the classrooms and protecting school property. “As Malawians, we all share the responsibility of safeguarding our educational assets from damage or theft. These projects are designed for the benefit of the people of Malawi, and it’s crucial that surrounding communities take an active role in protecting school property,” she stated.

Accompanying Minister Wirima during her inspections were several senior officials, including Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, the Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, and Madame Grace Milner, the Director of Basic Education.

The construction of the 10,900 cost-effective classrooms was officially launched by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on February 22, 2024, at Chikololere Primary School in Dedza, marking a significant step towards enhancing educational infrastructure in Malawi.