Malawi is set to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Education on January 31, 2025, with a national event at Katoto Secondary School hall. The Ministry of Education has chosen the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” to highlight the transformative role of AI in enhancing educational quality.
The event will feature exhibitions and presentations showcasing innovative practices and technologies that can improve learning outcomes. Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements, especially AI, to improve student learning experiences.
Associate Professor Mangani Chilala Katundu, Secretary for Education
To make the celebration more engaging, attendees are encouraged to wear a school uniform of their choice, symbolizing the collective commitment to education. The event promises to be an informative and engaging experience, with opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest advancements in educational technology and discuss how these can be integrated into the classroom.
The Ministry is calling on all stakeholders to participate in this memorable day, which aims to promote quality education and innovation in Malawi. As the day approaches, excitement is building, and various activities are being planned to ensure a successful commemoration of the International Day of Education.
On 23 January 2025, the European Head of delegation, Ambassador Rune Skinnebach made a courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister of Mining strategist Dr Kenneth Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma, during which time, the two discussed facilities offered by European Union aimed at addressing knowledge and capacity gaps that often put governments of emerging resources and energy -rich countries at a significant disadvantage in state – investor negotiations.
The European Union support governments on emerging and developing economies in the negotiation of large scale investment contracts.
Hon Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach
This facility was established by the G7 countries in 2024 with the establishment of CONNEX secretariat in 2017.
The Ministry of Mining formally submitted a request for technical assistance from CONNEX facility to aid the Malawi government in formulating a Model Mining Development Agreement and build the capacity of the Malawi Government in Mining Contract Negotiations in June 2024 and is yet to get feedback from European Union
The two officials also discussed the EU Mineral Security Partnership where Malawi is yet to sign.
The major challenge that has slowed down the.signing process of the full Partnership Agreement is that the EU is yet to avail what it takes in the Partnership to the Malawi Government, which has several avenues from which the Government of Malawi may access.
When Rune was.asked by the Minister why there were such delays, he simply replied that,” because of the changes of personel in their establishment, responsible for such Agreements , ” and he assured.the minister that he will revert to respond in a few weeks after making consultations with his office. The EU Ambassador assured his total commitment to support the Mining industry in Malawi, which is one of the ATM strategy major pillars that can trigger Malawi’s productive economy.
NBS Bank has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming one of the few companies on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) to achieve a market capitalisation of K1 trillion as of 22 January 2025.
The bank’s share price soared from K275.44 per share on 16 January to K316.75 per share by Wednesday’s close of market trading.
This impressive rise in share value represents a wealth increase of K41.31 per share for investors within just a few trading days, highlighting the growing confidence in the bank’s performance and long-term prospects.
Kwanele Ngwenya
Reacting to the achievement, NBS Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Kwanele Ngwenya, described the milestone as a testament to the bank’s resilience and strategic direction.
“As we progress through the 2025 financial year, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude reflecting on NBS Bank’s remarkable financial journey. Our achievement of reaching a market capitalization milestone of 1 trillion Kwacha is not just a number; it marks a significant moment for us all.”
“This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of our strategy, the dedication of our team, and the steadfast trust of our stakeholders. These achievements are not merely numbers on a balance sheet. They represent the realization of a vision to create a financially resilient and forward-looking institution that delivers value to its stakeholders. They are the results of strategic decisions made to address past challenges, optimize operations, and position NBS Bank as a leader in Malawi’s banking sector.”
“As we stand on the threshold of new opportunities in 2025, I am filled with confidence and excitement for the road ahead. Our financial success is a collective achievement, made possible by the hard work of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of our stakeholders. Let us continue to build on this momentum as we strive for even greater heights, delivering value and contributing meaningfully to Malawi’s economic future,” explained Ngwenya.
Renowned stock market investor, Benedicto Nkhoma pointed out that the growth in NBS Bank’s share price reflects broader investor confidence in Malawi’s banking sector.
“The achievement means that in the current environment where inflation is above 30% shareholders, especially pension funds are cushioned from loss of value of their investment. It is an indication that stakeholders have confidence in the operation of the bank.”
“The milestone is an indication of the goodwill the bank is enjoying from stakeholders. Customers would like to associate with a growing institution because it is a sign of a good perception from the market as such, they should expect growth in customer base but also it means customers’ experience expectations are very high,” said Nkhoma.
The Thyolo District Council office complex is nearing completion, with a remarkable 95% of construction work done.
The state-of-the-art facility is set to replace the outdated 1900 colonial-era structure, marking a significant milestone in the district’s infrastructure development.
In an interview,Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga,said the office complex is expected to be occupied by March this year, following a handover ceremony from the contractor.
He said the K7.4 billion project is anticipated to boost staff morale and enhance service delivery.
On his part, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT),Willy Kambwandira praised the project’s standards while emphasizing the need for authorities to deliver on their promises, particularly with the handover deadline approaching in March.
The construction of the four-storey building began in 2017, but faced delays due to funding inconsistencies, missing initial completion targets set for 2020.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly responded to accusations made by Jessie Kabwila, spokesperson for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), regarding the nomination of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as the DPP’s presidential candidate for the 2025 General Elections. In a statement issued on January 22, 2025, DPP Publicity Secretary Shadric Namalomba labeled Kabwila’s claims as baseless and a deliberate distraction from the pressing issues facing Malawians under the MCP-led administration.
The DPP has firmly denied Kabwila’s allegations of coercion in Mutharika’s nomination, emphasizing that his candidacy reflects his commitment to serve Malawians and the overwhelming support he continues to enjoy nationwide. The party described the accusations as an attempt to undermine democratic processes and misrepresent the former president’s intentions.
Namalomba
While refuting Kabwila’s allegations, the DPP shifted focus to what it described as the dire state of governance and human rights under the MCP administration of President Lazarus Chakwera. The statement highlighted several critical challenges currently afflicting Malawi:
Firstly, the DPP pointed out the severe food shortages that have left ADMARC depots empty, depriving millions of Malawians of basic food supplies. This failure, the party argued, underscores the MCP government’s neglect of its duty to ensure food security and combat poverty.
Secondly. Public hospitals are reportedly facing an acute shortage of medicines and essential resources, putting lives at risk. The DPP described this as a gross violation of Malawians’ right to adequate healthcare, forcing vulnerable communities to endure unnecessary suffering.
Thirdly, the ongoing economic crisis was another focus of the statement. The DPP criticized the lack of foreign exchange reserves, which has deterred investments and eroded public confidence in the country’s financial stability.
Fourthly, the DPP accused the MCP government of suppressing fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. It highlighted reports of harassment against dissenting voices and the violent dispersal of peaceful protests, actions that the DPP described as a betrayal of democratic principles.
Fifthly, the DPP further alleged that MCP cadres have been operating with impunity, wielding weapons and undermining the Malawi Police Service’s effectiveness. This, according to the DPP, has created an atmosphere of intimidation and instability that stifles citizens’ civil liberties.
In its response, the DPP called on the MCP and its leadership to focus on addressing these pressing issues instead of deflecting criticism with baseless accusations. The statement urged the MCP to take responsibility for the hardships faced by Malawians and to prioritize effective governance that restores dignity to the country’s citizens.
The DPP also suggested that the MCP’s leadership should be held accountable for its actions on an international stage. It called for the alleged atrocities and human rights violations under the Chakwera administration to be brought before international criminal and human rights courts for scrutiny and justice.
Concluding its statement, the DPP reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a prosperous and democratic Malawi. The party promised to champion the rights and freedoms of all Malawians, ensure economic stability, and promote inclusive governance that values the voice of every citizen.
As the nation approaches the 2025 General Elections, the DPP’s response signals its determination to position itself as a credible alternative to the current administration. With Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika at the helm, the party aims to address the socio-economic and political challenges currently facing Malawi, providing hope for a better future.
