Independent presidential candidate Milward Tobias says 2025 will be a decisive year and urged the citizenry to embrace transformative political and economic change in the September 16 General Election.
In his New Year’s address, the economist visibly positioned himself as the face of a new era of politics centred on honesty, practicality and service to the nation.
Tobias: I have come to lay a foundation. | Nation
Said Tobias: “This year’s election will be between the status quo and change. Change in election is not about a different face or just new face in politics, change means di f ferent ty pe of politics. Different approach to campaigning.”
He called for the dismantling of long-standing power structures, saying the “mafia empire” in Malawian politics has failed the nation.
“I have come in politics to dismantle the mafia empire we have had and to lay a foundation for politics that is grounded on integrity, competence and service to humanity,” said Tobias.
He also outlined ambitious plans, including stabilising the economy within a year and achieving food security within two years.
“Five year s f rom now, no child will learn under a tree because of shortage of classrooms.
“Disease burden will reduce and health facilities will be well equipped to treat patients adequately and ensure their welfare is taken care of while in hospitals,” pledged Tobias who once served as economic adviser to fallen Vice-President Saulos Chilima.
The presidential aspirant also outlined a bold vision for Malawi’s future, including an underwater road linking Nkhata Bay and Likoma Island as well as the establishment of an Export and Import Bank to bolster regional trade.
Reflecting on his campaign efforts in the past year, he said: “We made significant progress by giving Malawians ample time to understand our vision. The overwhelming positive feedback has reinforced my belief that this country is ready for change.”
Me anwh i l e, Peopl e ’s Development Party (PDP) p r e s i d e n t K o n d w a n i Nankhumwa yesterday said the party will from January 7 start mobilising support for its electoral bid with a flurry of activities.
Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to Kamuzu Central Hospital Cancer Centre yesterday, he said PDP will not go into the election through an alliance.
Malawi is set to hold a general election in September to elect a President, members of Parliament and local government councillors.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (Mi sa) Mal awi Chapter has described 2024 as a year of suppressed voices when the State moved to muzzle and even destroy free and independent media.
In a New Year message reflecting on the just ended year, Misa Malawi cited several incidents to form a view that the current administration was out to frustrate press freedom which is constitutionally enshrined.
Journalists march during World Press Freedom Day commemoration | Nation
“The pattern of attacks on journalists in the year under review can easily be construed as deliberate to muzzle, frustrate and even destroy the free and independent media in Malawi,” reads the statement signed by Misa Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga.
Reacting to the message, Minister of information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu said it was gratifying that Misa Malawi has provided a sober reflection of the year 2024 by highlighting the positives and pointing out the negatives without bias.
The minister, who is the off icial government spokesperson, said as a country there is need to cultivate a culture of unity and tolerance in which citizens should openly and positively critique each other for the furtherance of democracy.
“We concur with Misa on the call for all of us to enjoy all freedoms with a great sense of responsibility and respect for rule of law,” said Kunkuyu.
Among the dark days of journalism in 2024, Misa cited the case of Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) journalist Gregory Gondwe who went into hiding purportedly on advice from military sources for allegedly publishing a story about some payments that the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) made to United Kingdom-based businessperson Zuneth Sattar who had procurement contracts with security agencies, including MDF.
Misa also highlighted as another low point the police action to confiscate mobile phones and laptops from over 14 Malawi Broadcasting Co r p o r a t i o n (MBC) journalists for alleged offences committed under the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act.
Further, Misa also mentioned the detention of former Malawi24 journalist Macmillan Mhone, now working for Nation Publications Limited (NPL), who was moved from Blantyre to Lilongwe for writing a story.
Misa also faulted police for stopping NPL journalists from using mobile phones to livestream the Malawi Congress Party convention which President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera attended.
In the statement, Misa also expressed concern with an incident during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention where some ‘DPP media team’ forced the NPL team to delete a Facebook news update that captured some delegates sleeping on the floor.
The media body is also worried with the abuse of the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act which has seen a number of Malawians including journalists arrested and ill-treated for merely expressing themselves online.
But Misa applauded President Lazarus Chakwera for demonstrating to be a friend of the media through his hosting of the fraternity to a World Press Freedom Day breakfast at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe as well as participating in Misa Malawi fundraising activities.
Misa also hailed the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority for concluding the allocation of radio frequencies to more radio stations after about two years of not allocating the same after revoking some broadcasting licences due to delayed payment of licence fees.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thomson Mpinganjira says he is convinced that interim coach Bob ‘Mpulumutsi’ Mpinganjira is the only local coach that can guide the Nomads in the 2025 season.
He said this on New Year’s Eve on the sidelines of the Wanderers Presidential Ball, held at Makoli Restaurant in Bvumbwe, Thyolo to honour the Nomads’ outstanding performers in the 2024 season.
Mpinganjira (L) presents award to Bob. | Arkangel Tembo, Malawi News Agency
The coach led Wanderers to 2024 Castel Challenge Cup glory following a 1-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on December 23 and guided the Nomads to second place in the TNM Super League after replacing coach Meck Mwase, who resigned midway the second half of the season.
Said the business tycoon: “We have not decided yet but if we are going to have a Malawian coach, then it will be Bob Mpinganjira.
“If it is not him, then we will get someone from outside the country to guide the team in the 2025 season because at the moment, I do not see a coach who can do better than Bob. He has given us the Castel Cup and it was just towards the end of the season.”
He said Wanderers will look at investing in the club’s former striker by sending him for training even in Europe.
“When we get foreign coaches, they come here as mercenaries. Within just a month, they want to resign and go. Therefore, we want to develop local talent. Bob might be lucky that we might send him out for training or secondment in Africa or Europe. However, we haven’t decided what to do. When we do, we will announce it to the nation,” said Mpinganjira.
The club president, who was accompanied by his wife Triephornia and daughter Annabel, also warned some players that they risk expulsion if they continue misbehaving.
“There are some players who think that they are better or more senior. We had at least two incidents where they tried to influence the youngsters to misbehave. We are going to deal with them,” he said.
Mpinganjira hinted that they will discuss with the club’s sponsors on the possibility of coming up with a special funding to help the team compete in the CAF tournament following their Castel Cup victory.
He also lamented poor patronage of matches, especially at the Kamuzu Stadium, saying this causes the club to get unsatisfactory gate revenue share.
The event turned out to be a jackpot for midfielder Isaac Kaliati, who bagged K1.6 million, after emerging the overall best player, the best midfielder of the year, top goalscorer of the year with 22 goals and the most improved player.
Clement Nyondo was named the best striker while Timothy Silwimba and William Thole bagged the best defender and best goalkeeper accolades, respectively. Nyondo also finished the year as Pemba Rubber Stamp player of the month of December.
The best goal of the year award went to Francisco Madinga’s strike against Cobbe Barracks while goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa was named the team player of the year after players and the technical panel came up with his name. Rookie of the year honours went to Wallace Adam.
Layman Kasiya was named Wanderers Reserve player of the year as Golden Mafunga did the same with the Youth team. Wanderers Women’s football team player of the year was Grace Gumba.
The club also awarded staunch supporter Nelson Bwede Chole as the Nomads’ top fan of the year.
Wanderers President Special Recognistion Award went to Bob.
Dust has finally settled on the controversy surrounding the transfer of striker Promise Kamwendo from Dedza Dynamos to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers after the player signed for the Lali Lubani Road outfit.
In a statement posted on the team’s Facebook page yesterday complete with pictures of the player signing the deal, the Nomads said: “Kamwendo is a Nomad! Striker Promise Kamwendo has this morning [Wednesday, 1st January 2025] penned a three-year deal with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC.
“The forward spent the last three seasons at Dedza Dynamos FC with 29 goals to his tally. He comes to Lali Lubani Road as a free agent. Welcome Promise to the 2024 Best Team of the Year!”
In an interview, Wanderers chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovie said Promise chose to sign for the team as a free agent.
He said: “He has signed as a free agent. As a free agent, he is free to choose a team he wants to join. Promise is a good player, young and energetic who will add value to the Wanderers squad and family.
“We are delighted that he has chosen Wanderers and believes in our project to make Mighty mighty again. This is a good development as he has reiterated his initial desire to join Wanderers.”
Kamwendo’s move to join Wanderers thwarted after FCB Nyasa Bullets said the player signed a pre-contract with them.
Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and UTM Party insist that they want the Malawi Elec toral Commission (MEC) to use manual transmission of results in the September 16 2025 General Election.
Speaking in separate interviews yesterday, DPP spokes p er son Shadric Namalomba and his UTM Party counterpart Felix Njawala said they trust manual transmission more than digital which they fear can easily be manipulated.
Njawala: We have been engaging MEC on this matter. | Nation
Namalomba said his party’s position on the matter remained as presented in 2024 and would only change if decided by the DPP central executive committee (CEC).
He said: “We maintain our position on manual transmission of election results. We cannot trust the electronic way of doing things. It is in the public domain that Smartmatic International Holding has been implicated in election rigging.”
Njawala, on the other hand, said they are still engaging the commission to push for adoption of the manual system.
Namalomba: We cannot trust the electronic way of doing things. | Nation
“We have never used the electronic system. In 2019/2020 we used the manual system and that is what we want. We have been engaging MEC on this matter,” he said.
Late last year, opposition political parties demanded the resignation of MEC c h a i r p e r son A n na b e l Mtalimanja, chief executive officer Andrew Mpesi and National Registration Bureau (NRB) Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo for allegedly failing in their duties.
Further, the parties wanted MEC to terminate a contract with Smartmatic International Holding for the supply of election management devices (EMDs) and election system management software but the parties’ efforts to push for these demands proved futile amid foiled demonstrations.
On whether they still stand by these demands, Njawala yesterday said UTM has no issues with the listed MEC and NRB officials provided they are “doing the right thing”.
“We e ng a g ed NRB on challenges facing civil registration in some centres in Mulanje and they responded. What is remaining is the issue of manual transmission of results with MEC,” he said.
Namalomba said their position on the demands still stand, but that the way forward was subject to the outcome of their CEC meeting.
MEC director of media and public relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa had not responded to our questionnaire by press time yesterday.
Bu t i n O c to b e r 2 0 2 4 , MEC rejected requests to have independent ICT auditors to monitor election management systems and conduct manual transmission of election results.
The opposition DPP, United Democratic Front, Alliance for Democracy and UTM wrote MEC to express concerns with the election management system.
Among other things, they asked the electoral body to allow independent ICT auditors to check the MEC system and also have a manual transmission of election results.
But addressing the issue during the National Elections Consultative Forum, Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said MEC has no plans to have independent ICT auditors due to security reasons.
On the manual transmission of data that the parties proposed, she is on record as having said that during pilot phase the EMDs successfully transmitted all the data to the commission servers and the servers managed to synchronise all the data received.
State produce trader Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) is yet to start selling maize to the public in some of its markets, a survey has established.
The Nation checks in Karonga, Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Dedza, Salima, Mangochi, Mwanza, Machinga and Blantyre established that most of the Admarc markets in the districts are not selling maize and some are still closed.
People buying maize at Admarc
But Admarc chief executive officer Daniel Makata yesterday said Admarc is still delivering maize to its depots and is satisfied with the progress so far.
He said: “So there is no need for panic. We are going to continue delivering maize and opening more depots until we reach our target of 360 markets countrywide.”
During a visit to Karonga Admarc depot, we found it open with only rice being sold.
“Maize is available at the depot but we are waiting for instructions from management to start selling it,” said one of the workers.
In Nkhata Bay, the depot at the Boma was closed forcing people to buy maize at about K50 000 per 50 kilogramme (kg) bag from private traders.
Admarc sells its maize at K790 per kg, translating to K39 500 a 50kg bag.
Dedza Admarc depot was closed while in Salima, workers said they expect maize delivery next week.
In Mangochi, spot checks at Chomba, Mwalija, Lungwena, Nabale, Makanjira and Namwera depots showed that it is only at Chomba where Admarc is selling the staple grain.
Hawa Mdala, a resident of Ndete Village in Traditional Authority Makanjira, expressed worry over the unavailability of maize at the depot in her area.
“We are concerned because we are buying 10kg of maize at K5 700 from vendors while Admarc is not selling maize here,” she said.
Admarc depots at Mwanza and Machinga are also yet to start selling maize.
However, the situation was different at Zingwangwa Admarc in Blantyre where the market opened yesterday with people buying a maximum of 20 kg.
In an interview, Beatrice Keke of Zingwangwa Township expressed delight after buying 20 kg of maize but asked that the limit be increased to at least 25 kg.
At Mbame Admarc in Mpemba, workers said they received 600kg of maize which they started selling on December 27 2024 and ran out yesterday.
On rationing, Makata said Admarc sells a maximum of 25kg of maize per person to prevent people from buying and reselling the maize but each market has a commodity committee which sets limits depending on demand.
In Malawi, the lean period which starts in October and ends in March is usually characterised by an increase in food prices and food scarcity.
In its report on the 2024/25 harvest season, the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee, a multi-stakeholder grouping, projected that about 5.7 million Malawians would face hunger during the lean period.
Additional reporting: Jordan Simeon Phiri, Joseph Mbughi, Zondani Mbale, Brian Chigumula, Greenwell Kayuni, Haneeph Maulana, Ayamba Kandodo and Lovemore Khomo
Frustrated by prolonged dry spells that have left their crops dry, some farmers in the country have started uprooting their maize in the hope of replanting should rains start in earnest.
Most of the affected farmers are those who planted their crops with the first rains in November and December while others planted for the second time in mid-December 2024.
Ngolingo shows dried up crops in his field on January 1 2025. | Macmillan Mhone
Maize in some of the affected fields wilted while in others it has prematurely tasselled, making it impossible to mature normally.
During a visit to Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu on New Year’s Day 2025, farmers said they decided to uproot the crops because they feel they would not do well under the circumstances.
One of the farmers, David Ngolingo of Matengo Village said he uprooted wilted crops in one of his maize fields and replanted with the hope that rains will come.
“I accessed the first maize seeds through a farm inputs loan programme which required me to pay a deposit of K40 000 and I bought the replacement seeds after doing piecework. But we have not received rain for two weeks so the seeds have not germinated,” he said.
Ngolingo, a 39-year-old father of five, has another one-acre field of maize, which he applied fertiliser, and beans.
A visit to his garden showed that the beans have permanently died while most of the maize appear to have little hope of surviving.
Eliza Mwitha, a farmer from Moffat Village in the same area, said there are many farmers who have replanted on two occasions because of the dry spell.
She said she invested over K300 000 by planting maize, beans and pigeon peas.
In an interview last month, Farmers Union of Malawi president Maness Nkhata said some farmers in the country have lost their second crop after the first one also wilted in early December 2024.
Since the onset of the 2024/25 rainfall season in November, rains have been erratic and a heat wave experienced in December dried up crops in various parts of the country.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thomson Mpinganjira has assured the Nomads faithful of his commitment to the club even if second-tier league side Ekhaya FC earns TNM Super League promotion.
The business mogul and philanthropist said this on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Wanderers Presidential Ball at Makoli Restaurant in Bvumbwe, Thyolo, following fears he might switch attention to a side owned by his family company, Ekhaya Farms Foods.
Mpinganjira: There is no problem. | Nation
Both Wanderers and Ekhaya FC enjoy sponsorship from the Ekhaya brand.
Ekhaya FC lead the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Premier Division’s Top 8 playoffs with 22 points from 10 games and can earn promotion to the 2025 TNM Super League if they win their four remaining games.
Zomba-based Malawi Defence Force side Red Lions are second on a better goal-difference following a tie at 16 points with third-placed FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserves from nine matches each.
Said Mpinganjira: “I am in Wanderers in my personal capacity because it is a club I have supported all the time. For Ekhaya FC, Ekhaya provides money, but there are three entities that bankroll the team. There is Ekhaya, Renaissance and myself as an individual. The team’s name is there to promote the Ekhaya brand.
“All the same, there is no problem supporting two teams. For example, Emirates sponsors a number of teams in Europe. It is a mere speculation. There is no way we will stop sponsoring Wanderers.”
The soft-spoken business mogul added that if all goes well in future, Ekhaya will have a football stadium.
“In fact, there were plans to run MDC [Chilomoni] Stadium [in Blantyre] for Wanderers and Ekhaya FC to use as their home ground, but that failed to happen due to some other issues. But in the near future, Ekhaya will have a stadium,” he said.
Wanderers supporter Nelson Bwede Chole, who won Nomads’ top fan of the year during the Presidential Ball, said he was happy that Mpinganjira has reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
Meanwhile, Ekhaya FC will on January 6 face Wanderers Reserves in the SRFA Premier Division Top 8 playoffs at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre while Nyambadwe United will be up against Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium.
This afternoon, Ekhaya will entertain Mwanza Stars at Mpira Stadium while Ndirande Stars will take on Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium.
Athletics Malawi (AM) president Kondwani Chamwala has described his committee’s first year in office as challenging because their predecessors did not make handovers.
He said the situation forced them to purchase other office materials.
Chamwala: We have struggled a lot to operate. | Nation
Chamwala made the remarks on Wednesday during the opening of the association’s annual general meeting in Lilongwe.
He said: “We faced a lot of challenges despite making a few strides. Our predecessors are yet to hand over assets to us and we have struggled a lot to operate the office.”
Chamwala alleged that their predecessors did not hand over assets such as laptop, furniture, institutional phone, fan, printer and punching machine.
When contacted, former AM general secretary Frank Chitembeya could not be reached on his phone nor respond to WhatsApp messages.
However, former AM president Godfrey Phiri in an interview denied the allegations.
He said: “It is news to me and I don’t understand the problem of the new executive committee because I left office a year ago ‘very smart’ after handing over everything to the current executive.
“I don’t know whom they want to please. We have been meeting all this time, but nobody has questioned me about these so-called assets.”
Phiri said raising the issue after a year is meant to tarnish the previous committee.
The former AM president said that former vice-treasurer John Mwathiwa, who is serving in the new committee, attended the handovers.
But Mwathiwa in a telephone call dismissed Phiri’s remarks describing them as false.
“Previously, we used to be housed in Bingu National Stadium, but the office is now closed and Mr Godfrey Phiri and his GS took the assets to their houses,” he said.
In his report, the current AM treasurer Adron Msowoya also said the previous administration refused to handover property.
Malawi National Council of Sports chief executive officer Henry Kamata said issues of poor governance are not particular to athletics alone.
He said: “If sports associations had functional secretariat, some of these problems will be avoided or eliminated.
“In a number of cases, you find leadership that runs associations as personal entities. When they leave office, they cling to associations’ documents and equipment.”
The 16-counter Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) market capitalisation in 2024 increased by 56 percent and registered a 55 percent return on investment despite the harsh economic environment.
Market data shows that despite the return on investment being below 78.85 percent registered in 2023, analysts and MSE officials described the performance as exceptional in view of the the poor economic environment.
Kamanga: It has shown remarkable resilience | Nation
In an interview on Wednesday, MSE chief executive officer John Kamanga said the market exhibited resilience and strong performance in 2024, adding that it is one of the best years to date.
“Of the 16 counters, nine achieved positive real capital appreciation returns that surpassed the inflation rate of 27 percent,” he said.
He further said these achievements highlight the strength, resilience and potential of the country’s capital market as a platform for creating sustainable wealth and fostering economic growth.
Minority Shareholders Association of Listed Companies secretary general Frank Harawa, in an interview on Wednesday, described the market’s performance in 2024 as outstanding.
On his part, capital market analyst Cosmas Chigwe said the gains in market capitalisation show resilience at a time the country’s economy is facing headwinds.
MSE was established in March 1995 and opened for business on November 11 1996 with National Insurance Company of Malawi Limited, now Nico Holdings plc, as the first counter to list.
Four people died while 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries in New Year’s Day road accidents, police have said.
National Police deputy public relations officer Harry Namwaza said in an interview yesterday that they recorded nine accidents during the New Year’s Day celebration, the same figure as in 2024.
Scene of a car crash
He s a i d : “Howe v e r, the number of people who have been killed in the road accidents has increased from two in 2024 to four this year.
“The number of people who have sustained injuries from road accidents during the period has also increased in 2025 from 10 [in 2024] to 15.”
Namwaza called on road users in the country to ensure total adherence to road traffic regulations for their safety and prevention of road accidents.
“During the period, police deployed traffic officers in all major public roads to enforce road traffic rules and regulations. Police booked 510 motorists for exceeding speed limit, 660 for exceeding capacity, 92 for drink and driv ing and f lagged 220 unroadworthy vehicles,” he said.
Comment i ng on the s tat i s t i c s, Road Saf e t y Alert Foundation (Rosaf ) spokesperson Thokozani Chenjezi expressed worry over the lives lost and number of accidents recorded.
“As a country we should strive to reduce accidents so that we meet the 2030 target of reducing accidents by half from the year 2021,” he said.
Chenjezi said there is need for collaborative efforts in 2025 to reduce accidents, especially that 2025 is an election year and there will be a lot of movements. He said politicians should avoid using trucks and lorries to ferry supporters.
The number of deaths in road accidents during Christmas in 2024 increased from eight in 2023 to 13 in 2024.
However the number of road accidents during the 2024 Christmas was lower than in 2023. Police recorded 19 road accidents during the Christmas in 2024, down from 24 in 2023. This represented a 21 percent decrease. The number of people injured also declined from 34 in 2023 to 24 in 2024.
In its 2023 annual report released last March, police said 1 001people died in 4 977 road accidents recorded in 2023, representing about 6.2 percent decrease from 1 068 people in 2022.
Pedestrians were the most affected as 450 of them were killed followed by passengers who accounted for 254 and 119 pedal cyclists. On the other hand, 95 motorcyclists died last year along with 82 motor vehicle drivers and an oxcart rider.
Police and road safety specialists have often attributed the surge in road accidents to poor road conditions, driving under the influence of alcohol, over-speeding and careless overtaking.
However, an investigation Nation Publications Limited (NPL) conducted in 2017 established that corruption at the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services also worsened road traffic accidents. The investigation established that unqualified people were able to get driver’s licences while unroadworthy vehicles ply the country’s roads using counterfeit permits or certificates of fitness dubiously issued for the vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Government plans to reduce road carnage by 50 percent by 2030.
DH Bank plc says it is in the process of acquiring a controlling stake in one of the commercial banks in Africa as the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE)-listed firm pursues its regional growth strategy.
The bank, which conducted market research in Zambia and Mozambique in the past two years, has cautioned its shareholders and stakeholders about an imminent transaction that could potentially affect its share price.
Without naming the bank, FDH Bank plc indicated in a cautionary statement signed by company secretary Juliano Kanyongolo that the negotiations are at an advanced stage, suggesting a deal could be reached soon.
Reads the statement in part: “The board of directors of FDH Bank plc wishes to advise the general public that the company is prospecting to acquire a controlling stake in a bank within the African region. This is in line with the bank’s strategy to pursue regional growth.”
During 2024 Investors Forum in May this year, FDH Bank plc managing director Noel Mkulichi confirmed the bank conducted market surveys in Zambia and Mozambique to assess the feasibility of penetrating the regional markets as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
He said FDH Bank wanted to tread carefully as it was conducting market research to minimise risks that could affect equity holders.
Said Mkulichi: “The markets are different in terms of legal and business environment, so we need to analyse further before investing.
“We are currently assessing the Zambian market and we will see whether there will be an acquisition. Last year, [2023] we went to Mozambique for a similar mission, but for now we are still doing the study.”
If FDH Bank plc successfully penetrates the regional markets, it will be among the three MSE-listed banks that have subsidiaries across Malawi borders after FMB Capital Holdings plc, through First Capital Bank, entered Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana markets while National Bank of Malawi plc owns 51 percent stake in Akiba Commercial Bank of Tanzania.
In an interview yesterday, financial consultant and former banking executive Misheck Esau said the regional expansion is a good development.
He said: “Trade in services just like exports of goods is the way to go for our companies.
“I really do not have any advice to give them except to encourage them to ride on their strengths on the Malawi market to become a strong player.”
Esau, however, stressed that when expanding outside, companies should always remember that Malawi remains under-serviced and there is a lot they can do locally to acquire more capacity.
In a separate interview yesterday, MSE chief executive officer John Kamanga described the move as critical to the economy as it signals maturity of the country’s financial sector and guarantees foreign exchange generation through dividends.
He said: “This is a good move as it means the said companies would be getting dividends in foreign exchange. Investing in various markets reduces the risks.”
Stockbrokers Malawi Limited equity investment analyst Kondwani Makwakwa said such expansion is helpful to FDH Bank, because it could enhance profitability by accessing new markets and a broader customer base.
He said: “This expansion might also contribute to increased revenues, improved market share and ultimately better returns for shareholders.
“However, the success of such an initiative hinges on conducting thorough and comprehensive due diligence.”
Makwakwa said proper due diligence is critical to identifying and mitigating the diverse risks associated with international expansion, such as, political and economic instability as well as operational challenges.
FDH Bank plc, with a market capitalisation of about K1 trillion on MSE, had its share price trading at K148.23 as of yesterday. The bank expects its profit to jump to K62 billion in the year ended December 31 2024 from K35.6 billion year before.
Back in 2014, wearing the hat of Leader of Opposition in Parliament, President Lazarus Chakwera thought a lean Cabinet with its size legislated was the best way to go.
Fastforward to a decade later, serving as President, political realities have forced him to expand the size of his Cabinet to the disappointment of some stakeholders, including the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) which hoped that with the Tonse Alliance collapsing and only Malawi Congress Party (MCP) as a major ruling entity, he would bring down the number of Cabinet members.
Made commitments: Chakwera | Nation
However, nine months to the September 16 2025 General Election, the President has found himself with a 31-member Cabinet, up from 27, as he tries to consolidate his political base and shore up his re-election campaign.
PAC has since expressed disappointment with the bloated Cabinet five months after the quasi-religious grouping met the President and reminded him on the need to keep his promise on a lean Cabinet.
During his response to the State of the Nation Address delivered by former president Peter Mutharika, Chakwera, as Leader of Opposition in Parliament, proposed an amendment to the Constitution to include a provision that would limit the Cabinet size to 20.
He said: “It is in this regard that the Malawi Congress Party’s position is that even the reduction of Cabinet size to 20 should be included in the Constitution, and knowing that the State President is committed to the reduction of presidential powers gives us confidence that he would be supportive of this development.”
In the run-up to the 2019 Tripartite Elections, PAC met presidential candidates and each one of them, including Chakwera as MCP torchbearer, committed to 19 promises, including a lean Cabinet of between 14 and 20 members.
But in a telephone interview yesterday, PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said they are disappointed with the bloated Cabinet, especially after reminding the President on the same in August.
He said: “Our reaction is that of shock and disappointment because the President did commit to have a lean Cabinet. At first we understood a little bit because when he was promising he did not have an alliance in mind, but now that the alliance no longer exists, it is surprising.
“So this is the time the President should have considered his commitment made in 2013 and in 2019.”
Matonga said PAC booked an appointment with the President and once the audience is granted they will include the issue of Cabinet size.
Mzuzu University-based economist Christoper Mbukwa, in a separate interview, faulted Chakwera for being insensitive to the economic challenges facing the country.
Sounding frustrated, he said with the talk of austerity measures the bloated Cabinet was the least one would have expected.
Said Mbukwa: “But he comes up with a bloated Cabinet with so many deputies and some functions can be amalgamated. All this is like undoing what was preached during the Mid-Year Budget Review. It’s a missed opportunity.
“In a country where we are struggling with our fiscal space, we have got so many good programmes, but we do not have resources to bankroll such. Some of the areas where we can have some good savings are in this area of appointments.”
On why the President seems to have departed from his word, presidential press secretaryAnthony Kasunda said the primary consideration in the configuration of the Cabinet was to ensure the delivery of quality services and development to Malawians.
He said: “This objective takes precedence over historical precedents, political ends or parochial interests that characterised previous administrations.”
In an earlier Facebook post in November 2018, Chakwera faulted Mutharika for appointing more members of the Cabinet from his home region, saying the action was divisive.
But The Nation analysis shows that in the Cabinet announced on New Year’s Day 2025, about 54 percent of members are from the Central Region and the bulk of them from Lilongwe District, Chakwera’s home.
On the regional balance, Kasunda said the Cabinet “comprises capable individuals from all regions of Malawi and various political parties, including the opposition”.
In the same November 2018 Facebook post Chakwera also accused Mutharika of sidelining women after only three made the 20-member Cabinet, representing 15 percent.
On the other hand, Chakwera’s new Cabinet of 31 has 12 women or 38.7 percent, slightly below the gender ratio of 60-40 in public appointments prescribed in the Gender Equality Act. But minus Chakwera, the 12 represent 40 percent.
NGO Gender Coordinating Network chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda wondered why Chakwera decided to rape the Gender Equality Act on appointments.
In an interview yesterday, she said: “We are not consistently using the law, it seems we only use it when it’s convenient. I thought we have come of age. I am really tired, because we are moving two steps forward and three steps backwards.
“As an advocate of the women’s manifesto, I am really scared because we seem not to have political will and we can have a government portraying that kind of attitude, what does it mean for the rest of the leaders?”
But Kasunda said the law was adhered to because the President is not counted as a Cabinet appointee. Going by his assertion, the number of women in Cabinet comes to 40 percent.
Section 92(1) of the Constitution says about the Cabinet: “There shall be a Cabinet consisting of the President, the First Vice-President, the Second Vice-President and such ministers and deputy ministers as may, from time to time, be appointed by the President.”
The year just gone, 2024, has been pivotal for Malawi, marked by renewed international collaborations aimed at tackling the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Key agreements with the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have injected much-needed resources into education and agriculture sectors, aligning with the country’s long-term development blueprint, Malawi 2063 (MW2063).
Skinnebach: It is a symbol of renewed collaboration | Nation
One of the year’s most significant milestones was the EU’s resumption of budget support, 10 years after its suspension due to the Cashgate, the plunder of taxpayers’ money at Capital Hill by government officials and their collaborators in the private sector.
In October last year, the EU signed a €55 million (about K105 billion) financing agreement with Malawi Government, marking a renewed vote of confidence in the country’s fiscal reforms.
Of this money, €50 million (about K95 billion) will provide direct budgetary support for over 30 months, with €5 million (about K10 billion) allocated to complementary programmes.
An initial disbursement of €20 million (about K38 billion) is expected by the end of the year, offering critical relief amid conomic difficulties.
The programme prioritises secondary education, a sector that has long been underfunded yet is essential to country’s aspirations of building human capital.
The funding also supports Malawi’s revised Public Finance Management Act 2022, ensuring better accountability in resource allocation and usage.
EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach hailed the agreement as a symbol of “renewed collaboration,” while Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda highlighted its alignment with MW2063, which emphasises youth-focused human capital development.
The EU’s move sets a precedent for other development partners to follow, reinforcing trust in Malawi’s reform agenda.
AfDB drives agricultural transformation
Agriculture, the backbone of Malawi’s economy, which contributes about 25 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, received a significant boost through a $42.6 million (about K75 billion) grant from AfDB.
Signed in Lilongwe, the agreements target three key areas: budgetary support, agricultural productivity and commercialisation, and climate resilience.
The $23 million (about K40 billion) Agricultural-Based Budgetary Support Programme, the largest component, seeks to unlock the sector’s potential as a driver of economic transformation.
By enhancing public financial management through the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (Ifmis), the programme aims to improve efficiency, transparency and budget execution.
Additionally, the Africa Disaster Risk Financing Programme addresses climate risks, such as those posed by El Nino, by strengthening disaster planning and response capabilities. These measures aim to safeguard rural communities and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Chithyola-Banda praised the AfDB’s support, noting its alignment with MW2063, which identifies agriculture as a pillar for economic growth. The funding is expected to enhance productivity, promote commercialisation, and improve market access for smallholder farmers, addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.
Education and agriculture: Unified vision
Both the EU and AfDB initiatives align with MW2063’s dual focus on education and agriculture. Improved secondary education aims to equip Malawi’s youth with the skills needed for a self-reliant future, while agricultural transformation seeks to position the country as a net exporter of value-added products.
These programmes share a commitment to enhancing public financial management, a critical component for ensuring the effective utilisation of resources. The emphasis on transparency and accountability reflects growing confidence in Malawi’s institutions and governance systems.
Challenges, opportunities ahead
The agreements with the EU and AfDB represent more than financial inflows; they symbolise trust in Malawi’s ability to implement reforms. However, this trust comes with stringent expectations for accountability and performance.
Chithyola-Banda has pledged his government’s commitment to meeting these standards, recognising the opportunity to attract further international support.
The just-ended year laid a solid foundation for growth, but the road ahead remains challenging. Sustained reform efforts, prudent resource management, and unwavering transparency will be essential to translating these investments into tangible outcomes for Malawians.
Conclusion
The year 2024 was a turning point for Malawi, showcasing the power of strategic partnerships in addressing complex socio-economic challenges. With substantial support directed towards education and agriculture, Malawi is better positioned to achieve the aspirations outlined in MW2063.
The renewed trust from the EU and AfDB demonstrates that progress is possible when reforms align with international standards.
If Malawi can maintain this momentum, 2024 will be remembered as the year the country turned a corner towards sustainable growth and self-reliance.
Players in the creative industry say they feel art and culture sectors are not getting the required attention due to their bundling with other bigger sectors, notably Local Government.
The recent reservations follow a Cabinet reshuffle announcement on Wednesday night by President Lazarus Chakwera, which sees Local Government, Unity and Culture maintained under the same portfolio with the art department falling under it.
Played down the fears: Chimwendo Banda.
In an interview yesterday, University of Malawi lecturer in theatre film studies Thoko Kapiri said the amalgamation of the Local Government and Unity sectors with Culture is somehow disenfranchising the arts and cultural sectors.
He said: “This is not only because Local Government is a bigger department, but it is also because in the Malawi 2063 framework and African Union Agenda 2063, aspects of arts and culture are more inclined to be placed under what we call the creative industry.
“The creative industry itself is more in affinity with the tourism industry that is why you notice that in the previous Cabinet setups they used to combine culture, arts and tourism. There is a bit of balance there as tourism is not as big as Local Government.”
Kapiri, who is also a renowned actor, said it would be better if we reverted to the previous setup as the Local Government Department is more dominant and challenging which will automatically render the arts and culture sectors being sidelined.
“We should consider what the two sectors are contributing to the GDP, which unofficially stands at 13 percent. That shows that the two deserve their own ministry. We do arts because it is industrial and the cultural. Moving forward I think we need to see arts and culture standing on its own,” he said.
In a sperate interview, Solomonic Peacock director MacArthur Matukuta said the embedding of culture, arts under local government and unity has made the issue of implementation of programmes not to be very clear as the Local Government requires more attention owing to its size.
He said: “The development of the nation starts with the Local Government. Now if we embed the department of culture to the ministry of Local Government, we will overlook it.
“On the other hand, the development of arts and culture is also a big unit that requires its own ministry. Maybe if it were married to tourism, there could have been a certain correlation because tourism cannot thrive on its own without arts and culture.”
Matukuta thanked the government for the effort it is making in improving the sectors, but he said there is more that can be done and making arts and culture an independent ministry will facilitate such expected growth.
“After the establishment of the Arts Council the next step will be to develop arts and culture and if we are to achieve that we need more focus. If we maintain the status quo we will continue looking at arts and culture just as another branch,” he said.
Echoing the sentiments is National Theatre of Malawi president Maxwell ‘DC’ Chiphinga who said having the Hahec Bill assented to, the only ideal thing is to make arts and culture an independent ministry.
“But since government is trying to work in line with our economy, putting us together with tourism would be much better than local government and unity which is already overloaded,” he said.
But in a separate interview yesterday, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda played down the fears and assured the sectors that they are giving the two sectors the required attention.
The minister said: “Once the Arts Council has been fully operationalised it will enhance the works of artists across the country by providing support, looking at the welfare and at the same time facilitating in exporting our culture and art products.”
Chimwendo Banda said they believe the council, because of its mandate, will be the head of all the operations and will help to improve all the challenges that the sectors have been facing in the past.
Press Corporation (PCL) plc is expecting the 2024 profit to range to be between K115 billion and K122 billion as the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE)-listed conglomerate targets significant diversification towards energy.
The country’s biggest company based on a number of subsidiaries projected this profit in its trading statement published on MSE this week, which is an increase of about 63 percent from 2023.
Reads the statement signed by company secretary Maureen Mbeye: “Press Corporation plc hereby advises its members and the investing public that the consolidated profit-after-tax for the year ending December 31 2024 is expected to be between K115.70 billion and K122.48 billion compared to K75.05 billion reported in the previous corresponding period, representing an increase ranging between 54 percent and 63 percent.”
This means the group would be the second-most profitable from Nico Holdings plc, another listed conglomerate which is forecasting a profit of between K122 billion and K131 billion from K59 billion in 2023 which is 122 percent increase.
PCL’s profit increase will mainly be driven by its subsidiary, National Bank of Malawi plc, anticipation of K98 billion profit from K78 billion in 2023 while its telecommunications subsidiary, TNM, is expected to recover from a loss of K4.7 billion in 2023 to a profit of K9 billion.
Meanwhile, the group, which recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), has expressed interest to invest in energy, targeting electricity and fertiliser production.
According to PCL chief executive officer Ronald Mangani, this is in line with the MSE-listed firm’s 2024-2028 strategic plan.
He said plans to set up a $55.1 million (about K96.4 billion) 50 megawatt (MW) solar power plant at Nkhoma in Lilongwe, which will be run by its new entity Press Energy, are at an advanced stage.
“We have a timeline and by that time line within a period of two years from now, we should be able to implement the project to a point where we begin to put power into the national grid.
“We will be contributing to energy generation in the country. We will be contributing to employment creation and, we will also be contributing to saving of foreign exchange,” Mangani said after signing the PPA in December 2024.
Some of the subsidiaries of PCL include National Bank, TNM, MTL, Press properties, Press Cane, Ethanol Company limited, The Foods Limited (Maldeco) and MacSteel Limited while it also has interest in Puma Energy and Limbe Leaf, among others.
The real estate sector registered a remarkable recovery from Covid -19 in 2024 as rental growth averaged 20 percent, which has resulted in leading property giants forecasting a significant jump in profits.
This has happened three years after the sector was heavily hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, when the business slowdown reduced demand for office space, leaving most commercial properties empty and affecting their revenue base.
One of Mpico’s properties: Gemini House | Nation
While the revenues of the two leading property companies, Icon plc and Mpico plc, stagnated at K21 billion and K6.9 billion, respectively in 2022 and 2023, they both expect significant improvements in 2024 according to trading statements.
For instance, Mpico is projecting net profit to range from K11.4 billion to K12.5 billion from K7 billion in 2023 while Icon, which posted K19 billion profit last year could raise it to K25 billion.
“Icon Properties plc accordingly advices that the profit-after-tax for the year-ending December 31 2024 is expected to be between K22 billion and K25 billion, representing an increase of between 15 percent and 50 percent above the previous year-ended December 31 2023 profit-after-tax of K19 billion,” reads the trading statement.
In an interview, real estate expert Desmond Namangale said the projections are justified by market indicators which show that rental growth for the year averaged 20 percent with commercial property going as far as 25 percent.
He said: “The real estate market has experienced a substantial recovery from the shocks it suffered during and after the Covid-19 period. For example, the market indicates that commercial properties rental growth for the year under review is between 20 percent and 25 percent within major cities.”
Namangale, who is also managing director of real estate management firm Knight Frank, said few international organisations and government offices are accepting rental growth of between 30 percent and 40 percent.
“For residential properties, rental growth is ranging between 15 percent and 20 percent, with 20 percent achievable in our major cities. Otherwise, 15 percent is the most easily acceptable rental growth for residential properties countrywide.
“What this means is that the real estate sector is recuperating and as we all know that real estate hedges against inflation and this is a gain to the investors,” he said.
Equity investment analyst at Stockbrokers Malawi Limited Kondwani Makwakwa noted that the property sector demonstrated robust performance in 2024 as trading statements revealed a marked improvement in financial outcomes compared to 2023.
“These strong results have reinforced investor confidence, highlighting the sector’s adaptability, resilience, and significant growth potential within an evolving economic landscape.
“Furthermore, positive trading statements present the potential for increased dividends, signaling financial stability and enhancing the sector’s appeal to investors,” Makwakwa said.
Looking ahead, Makwakwa said in 2025 the sector is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities, driving continued success and reinforcing its strong potential for value creation.
Tama Farmers Trust, a body representing tobacco growers’ interests, has noted increasing production costs due to the need for irrigation in most parts, which should be factored in minimum price build-up.
Tama Farmers Trust president Abiel Kalima Banda disclosed this in an interview on Thursday as farmers continue taking care of their leaf in the field ahead of the 2025 selling season which has drawn interest from farmers after a successful 2024 season.
A farmer harvests his tobacco in a previous growing season. | Nation
Kalima Banda, who is also a commercial farmer, has highlighted the need for more extension services during the growing season from the buying companies who control 80 percent of the tobacco production through contract-farming.
He said: “Preparations for the forthcoming season are going on well as farmers are busy taking care of tobacco in the field. As of now, some places have started receiving rains while others are still waiting for rains.
“The only concern is that in the areas where rains have not come yet farmers are forced to fetch water at a distance to make sure their seedlings are in good condition and we really believe this is another cost of production that should be considered.”
According to Kalima Banda, this case is serious because rivers dried up in such areas and determined farmers are forced to employ casual labour for the task and, he has insisted that it is a cost of production to be constituted in pricing.
The Tama Farmers Trust’s president has also highlighted the need for more extension services to ensure growers produce quality leaf under both contract and auction market.
“Extension services are critical in tobacco production. I must say that buyers, who support 80 percent of the country’s tobacco production through contract-farming, are doing fairly well and have to continue their efforts,” said Kalima Banda.
His comments come following an appeal by the Media Network on Tobacco for buyers to invest in extension service provision to auction farmers which it felt are mainly being left out as most buyers only support their contracted farmers.
The network’s chairperson Alfred Chauwa said: “We are calling for buyers to offer extension services to all farmers because they buy the golden leaf from everyone.
“For years now, quality has remained the main determining factor for good prices and it has also remained the determining factor for the rejection rate.”
In a separate interview JTI Malawi director of corporate affairs and communications Limbani Kakhome said he is aware of the calls on extension services, but stressed the need for the industry to set up minimum requirements.
“As a company, we have our model but I think for the industry we need to have a framework or a minimum requirement that industry players would be following as a benchmark,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Tobacco Commission (TC).
This year, tobacco buyers are demanding 213 million kilogrammes (kg), a feat Tama Farmers Trust said will be difficult to achieve due to capacity challenges.
TC licensed about 54 370 farmers to grow 238.9 million kg of tobacco, which brings in about 60 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Last season, TC licensed farmers to grow 265.9 million kg of the leaf, but farmers ended up producing 133 million kg. Then the country raked in $396.9 (about K694.9 billion) from the leaf sold at an average price of $2.98 (K5 217) per kg, a rise from the previous season’s $282.1 million (K494 billion) at average price of $2.14 (about K3 747) per kg.
In the 2021/2022 season, the country earned $197 million (about K344.9 billion) at an average price of $1.59 (about K2 784) per kg while in 2020/21 season, the country realised $195 million (about K341.4 billion) at an average price of $1.60 (about K2 801) per kg.
Chaka cha 2024 ndi china mwa zaka zomwe Amalawi sadzaiwala kaamba ka ziyangoyango zomwe adadutsamo mpaka ena kumalingalira za zionetsero.
Nkhani yoyamba idali ya kukwera kwa mitengo ya katundu mpakana shuga kumagula K2 800, chingwa chenichenichi mpaka kumafika K2 000 ndipo chopweteka kwambiri ndi mtengo wa fetereza yemwe amadutsa K100 000.
Mizere ya osaka mafuta siyikusowa. | Nation
Alimi ambiri adalira ndi mtengowo, moti ena adapanga chiganizo chongolima popanda fetereza pomwe enanso adaiwala kamvekedwe ka tiyi poti kugula shuga n’chomwera chake kudasanduka danga la okhawo omwe amapeza ndalama.
Izi zitafikapo, Amalawi motsogozedwa ndi mabungwe adamanga zokayenda ku msewu kukatula nkhawa zawo kwa adindo kuti achitepo kanthu.
Mkulu wa bungwe la Centre for Democracy and Ecomic Development Initiative (Cdedi) a Silvester Namiwa adamema Amalawi kuti akadzilankhulire kudzera m’zionetsero.
“Boma lichitepo kanthu pa mitengo ya katundu chifukwa Amalawi akuvutika ndipo likalephera kutsitsa mitengoyo, tichita zionetsero za dziko lonse mpaka tione kusintha makamaka pa mitengo ya katundu wofunikira kwambiri pa moyo wa munthu,” adatero a Namiwa.
M’chaka chomwechi, anthu pafupifupi 7 miliyoni adakhudzidwa ndi njala yomwe akugubuduka nayo mpaka pano moti andale ena adabwera poyera n’kulengeza kuti anthu m’madera mwawo akugonera mango ndi chitedze.
Izi zimachitika nduna ya za ulimi a Sam Kawale atauza nyumba yomweyo kuti boma lakonzeka kuyamba kugawa chimanga ndi ufa kuyambira mmadera momwe njalayo yakulitsitsa koma aphungu ena adatsutsa kuti andunawo samanena zoona chifukwa boma lilibe chimanga.
“Tidapita ku nkhokwe za boma ndipo kulibe chimanga, tsono chimanga chomwe agawecho chichokera kuti? Ndi bwino kuwauza anthu zoona kusiyana n’kuwapatsa chiyembekezo cha bodza,” adatero a Sameer Sulemani pomwe ndi wa pampando wa komiti ya za ulimi.
Ululuwu uli mkati, kudagwa chilala cha mafuta a galimoto kufikira poti anthu amagona mmalo ogulitsira mafutawo kudikira pomwe agalimoto zonyamula anthu adangokwenza mitengo kuonjezera ululuwo.
Mwachitsanzo, mtunda omwe anthu amanyinyirika n’kale kukwerera K1 500 kuchoka ku Nsungwi kupita m’tauni ya Lilongwe tsopano akukwerera K2 000. Motero, mtunda wochoka ku Machinjiri mu mzinda wa Blantyre, minibasi ya K1 000 pano ili pa K1 500. Izi zikungopherezera kuti mitengo yoyendera yakwera ponseponse.
Poona izi, wa pampando wa mabungwe omenyera anthu ufulu Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) a Gift Trapence adachenjeza boma kuti likonze vuto la mafuta agalimoto zinthu zisadavute kwambiri.
“Nkhani ya mafuta si nkhani yoti tizivutika nayo chifukwa ndi zinthu zoti timayenera kukonzekera osati kumachita kudzidzimukira ayi. Apapa boma likonze vuto limeneri kapena avomereze kuti alephera,” adatero a Trapence.
Akadaulo monga mkulu wa bungwe loimira anthu ogula a John Kapito komanso komiti yoona za za chilengedwe ku Nyumba ya Malamulo a Werani Chilenga adaunikira kuti vutoli likhoza kutha ngati boma lingakwenze mtengo wa mafuta.
“Boma likamagula mafuta a galimoto kunja limagula pa mtengo wokwera pomwe kuno likugulitsa pamtengo wotsika ndiye palibe chomwe likupanga nchifukwa chake lizilephera kuyitanitsa mafuta,” adatero a Kapito.
Mtsogoleri wa dziko lino a Lazarus Chakwera ati asintha zina mwa nduna zawo n’kuonjezera chiwerengero cha nduna ndi achiwiri awo kufika pa 31 kuchoka pa 27 pomwe chiwerengerocho chidakhazikika mmbuyo monsemu.
Iwo adalengeza izi mu uthenga wawo wa chaka chatsopano kwa Amalawi ndipo mwa zina iwo adagawa unduna wa za maphunziro kuti ukhale m’magawo awiri wina woyang’anira za maphunziro a ukachenjede basi pomwe wina woyang’anra maphunziro a ku sekondale ndi ku pulaimale.
Pakusinthako, a Chakwera achotsa yemwe adali nduna ya za chitetezo cha dziko a Harry Mkandawire ndi yemwe adali wachiwiri kwa nduna ya za maphunziro mayi Nancy Chaola Mdooko.
Nkhope zatsopano ndi a Ezekiel Ching’oma, mayi Jessie Kabwila omwe ndi mneneri wa chipani cha MCP, mayi Joyce Chitsulo phungu wa chipani cha DPP, a Benedicto Chambo omwenso ndi a DPP, a Peter Dimba, mayi Patricia Nangozo Kainga komanso a Noah Chimpeni a chipani cha PP.
Malingana ndi a Chakwera, a Ching’oma akukakhala nduna ya za chitetezo cha m’dziko, a Kabwila awapatsa unduna woyang’anira za maphunziro a m’sukulu za ukachenjede, ndipo a Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima atsalira ku unduna wa za maphunziro koma aziyang’anira maphunziro a pulaimale ndi sekondale.
Komwe achoka a Mkandawire ku unduna wachitetezo cha m’dziko kwapita mayi Monica Chang’anamuno omwe adali nduna ya za migodi ndipo iwo mmalo mwawo mwalowa a Ken Zikhale Ng’oma womwe mpando wawo ku chitetezo chamdziko kwapita a Ching’oma.
Yemwe adali wachiwiri kwa nduna ya za maboma ang’onoang’ono a Owen Chomanika tsopano ndi nduna ya za chilengedwe ndi kusintha kwa nyengo komwe kalelo kudali a Michael Usi asadasankhidwe kukhala wachiwiri kwa pulezidenti kulowa mmalo mwa malemu a Saulos Chilima.
A Chitsulo akukatenga malo a a Chomanika ngati wachiwiri kwa nduna ya za maboma ang’onoang’ono, a Chambo awapatsa udindo wa wachiwiri kwa nduna yazamalimidwe, a Dimba tsopano ndi achiwiri kwa nduna ya zomangamanga pomwe a Kainga ndi achiwiri kwa nduna yoona za ubale wa dziko la Malawi ndi maiko ena.
Mayi Halima Daud achoka ku unduna wa za umoyo komwe adali achiwiri n’kukakhala achiwiri kwa nduna yoona zoti pasamakhale kusiyana pakati pa amayi ndi abambo ndi chitukuko cha m’madera ndipo mmalo mwawo ku unduna wa za umoyo kwapita a Chimpeni. Nduna zina zonse sizidasinthe mmipando mwawo.
A Chakwera adati mu 2024 dziko la Malawi lidalira kangapo monga pa imfa ya a Chilima ndi anthu ena 8 pa ngozi ya ndege, mphepo ya El-Nino yomwe idasokoneza zokolola ndi kupha anthu komanso kuononga chuma ndi mvula ya mkuntho yomwe idagwa mu December 2024 n’kuononga.
M’ndemanga yake mkulu wabungwe la Centre for Social Transparency and Accountability a Willy Kambwandira adati: “Apulezidenti alankhula zopatsa chiyembekezo ngakhale mwina ndi mwina m’mafunikabe kulongosolera.”
