Organisers of Mafunyeta Memorial Show have assured Malawians that this year’s event slated for August 17 at Memorial Tower in Lilongwe will be more fun.
The free show budgeted at K11 million will be held under the theme, “We are in this together”.
To be remembered: Mafunyeta. | Nation
Organising committee chairperson Steve Mphonda said they want to feature activities that will engage the audience such as offering services to the youth during the show.
He said: “Last year’s show was lively, but this year, we want it to be more lively as we plan to invite stakeholders and service providers to provide various services such as health services or any other services to the youth.
“We also intend to bring other interesting activities such as raffle draws and competitions so that people should win prizes while enjoying the show.”
Mphonda said this year’s theme resonates with socio-economic, political, mental, and physical challenges the youth are going through.
He added that they plan to have artists from across the country to perform at the show.
“Mostly, we have artists from Lilongwe, but this year, [we will have] more from outside the city because this show is not only for people in Lilongwe, but for all Malawians. We are currently working on whether we can also have international artists,” he said.
He has since called on Malawians to patronise the show in their large numbers as they have done before.
Lilongwe resident Pearson M’modzi said he is looking forward to a more exciting show this year.
“I really enjoyed the show last year and I am looking forward to seeing a much bigger show this year. I would like to also see new talent and better organisation,” he said.
Real name Patrick Magalasi, Mafunyeta, passed away on August 11 2013. He is known for songs such as Kangobwera, Come again, Ndimakondwa and Mkazi wati chani.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)-based winger Lanjesi Nkhoma was on target for the third consecutive time as his side TP Mazembe was held to a one-all draw by Saint Eloi Lupopo in a Linafoot National Play-offs encounter on Tuesday.
It was the former FCB Nyasa Bullets star’s third consecutive goal as he continues to enjoy a rich vein of form with the former African club champions.
Has scored in three consecutive matches: Nkhoma. | Courtesy of TP Mazembe
He gave Mazembe the lead 12 minutes into the top-of-the-table clash with a fine header, but Lupopo leveled the scores in the 67th minute through Kazema Basso.
The result meant Mazembe remain third in the 12-team play-offs with 32 points from 15 matches.
They are tied on points with second-placed Lupopo and are two points behind leaders Aigles du Congo JSK as the race for the title heads towards the climax.
In an interview yesterday, Nkhoma described the match as tough.
“It was unfortunate that we could not hang on to the lead, otherwise it was a tough and exciting game as we went into the match level on points.
“It was typical of a derby. Anyway, we will keep fighting and see what happens in the end.”
On his scoring form, the 23-year-old, who has taken his tally to five goals from seven matches at Mazembe, said: “I think it all boils down to team work and it shows I am fitting in well.”
Nkhoma also has three assists. His compatriot and teammate Patrick Mwaungulu, who was thrown in as a substitute, is also doing well having scored three goals for Mazembe.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs credit risk assessment shows that majority of the State-owned enterprises (SoEs) that are beneficiaries of government guarantees and on-lending arrangements have limited debt payment capacity, exposing government to higher fiscal costs and risks.
Government guarantees and on-lending arrangements are mechanisms used by government to support public enterprises or other entities in securing financing when private lenders are hesitant.
The assessment was conducted on 10 SoEs between March 2022 through March 2024 and shows that majority of the enterprises are compelled to use loans to augment working capital requirements.
The assessment found that the situation is arising from high operating and administrative costs, delays in financial reporting or audit submissions, weak revenue collection and debt recovery systems.
Other factors that cause risk rating include frequent pipe bursts, leaks and service disruptions, high non-revenue water due to leakage and illegal connections, outdated treatment facilities that cannot meet current demand or standards, inadequate monitoring of distribution systems, illegal connections and tampering with meters.
Among the SoEs, Admarc Limited, Blantyre Water Board (BWB), Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) have the highest risk while Central Region Water Board (CRWB), National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) and Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) had high risk.
On the other hand, Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (Egenco), Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) and Umodzi Holdings Company Limited (UHL) risk were moderate.
The assessment further shows that as at March 2024, the present value of expected losses of the government from the entities, except UHL, was K222.9 billion mostly to be in loan default and subsequent government bailout with challenges on debt repayment highly likely to continue in the coming years.
Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni said government remains exposed to potential fiscal shocks arising from poor financial performance of SoEs, particularly in sectors where service delivery is critical, but cost recovery is inadequate.
He said: “Addressing these risks requires coordinated and sustained reform efforts, including the enforcement of financial discipline, improvement of corporate governance, timely approval of cost-reflective tariffs, and targeted government support for social mandates.”
Published Treasury data show that during the review period, the present value of the government’s total exposure in Escom was K152 billion, with K98 billion of expected losses from guaranteed and on-lent debt totalled.
For Egenco, the present value of the government’s total exposure was at K3 billion with K72 billion expected losses of the government while for Nocma, the present value of the government’s total exposure was K192 billion with K34 billion of expected losses of the government.
BWB’s present value of the government total exposure was K24 billion with K1.4 billion of expected losses of the government whereas SRWB, the present value of the government total exposure is K11 billion with K2 billion of expected losses.
LWB’s present value of the government total exposure is K47 billion while the present values of the expected losses of the government from LWB’s facilities stand at K5 billion whereas NRWB present value of the government’s total exposure is K71 billion and K42 billion present value of expected losses.
Admarc Limited, on the other hand, had the present value of the government’s total exposure of K45 billion with a K27 billion expected losses of the government.
UHL currently has no outstanding guaranteed or on-lent debt from the government.
Scotland-based Malawian conomist Velli Nyirongo said in interview yesterday that heavy dependence on loans for working capital is a clear sign that SoEs’ core business models are not generating enough revenue to sustain themselves.
“The recurring need for government intervention coupled with ongoing losses and poor cash flow, suggests that these SoEs are not on a path to financial independence,” he said.
Comptroller of statutory corporations Peter Simbani is quoted as having said that while SoEs have been looking up to the government for bailouts, which is not sustainable in the long-run, the government has many other priorities requiring resources.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs conducted credit risk assessment as part of ongoing efforts to enhance financial oversight and promote transparency in the management of public resources in public enterprises.
Ministry of Trade and Industry says rutile and graphite projects are among the 23 identified bankable projects earmarked to be marketed at the ongoing Unite States (US)-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.
In an interview on Tuesday, the ministry’s spokesperson Patrick Botha said titanium and graphite project in Kasiya, Lilongwe, are in line with US strategic vision on critical minerals supply chain diversification.
Part of the Kasiya rutile mining project site. | Nation
“As a ministry we are quite serious about this. Malawi will also promote its infrastructure and mining projects, specifically the development of critical minerals,” he said.
Botha said side meetings have been arranged to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly the new America First Trade Policy, including issues such as sweeping US tariffs, the recently launched Commercial Diplomacy Strategy and matters concerning the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, which is expected to expire in September this year.
When asked on the impact of such summits on the foreign direct investment considering the many investment foras the country has organised and attended, Botha said there is need for close collaboration as the ministry’s role ends at trade facilitation and creating an enabling environment for doing business.
He said: “Remember the call remains on private sector players to cease these opportunities. The ministry only facilitates and ensures that there is an enabling environment and right policies to propel growth of industries and meaningful investments.”
“For example, in agri-based value chains, the production side lies with Ministry of Agriculture while the value-addition or manufacturing side, issues of market facilitation get to be our mandate.”
In an interview on Tuesday, geologist Grain Malunga said government needs to create a conducive environment for the mining sector as investments are capital-intensive.
He said: “There is an enormous potential which the sector can provide in terms of revenue generation and infrastructure development. All this depends on how government and citizens motivate investors to invest in these ventures.
“Investment incentives are necessary because mining is capital intensive and money is borrowed on the open capital market and stock exchanges. Investors who put in money in such businesses expect high returns on their investments.”
Malawi Investment and Trade Centre director general Kruger Phiri described Malawi’s participation at this year’s event as strategic, especially its focus on the mining sector.
“Malawi’s participation in the summit is strategic, aiming to position the country as an attractive destination for investment in key sectors such as mining, Tourism and agriculture,” he said.
The Kasiya Rutile and Graphite Project is touted to have the largest rutile and other deposits such as titanium and graphite in the world with 1.8 billion tonnes of indicated and inferred resource at 1.01 percent.
This year’s spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have made it clear that the global financial system, strained by repeated crises, is no longer fit for purpose.
Growth is decelerating, climate-related volatility is rising, and debt distress is deepening, but the available policy tools remain too cumbersome, fragmented and inefficient.
Africa has long borne the brunt of these failures. But rather than merely calling for reform, African governments are increasingly advancing solutions, building institutions, and introducing innovations to help create an international financial system that allocates capital more efficiently and is equipped to handle escalating shocks and widening inequalities.
While calls for reform are often framed as a matter of fairness, the more pressing issue is efficacy. The global financial system fails to provide sufficient liquidity during crises, invest in climate adaptation, channel capital to high-return yet underfinanced green-sector opportunities, and resolve sovereign-debt disputes quickly enough to preserve development gains. It is economically dysfunctional and ultimately destabilizing.
That is why African countries have championed international debt reform and local-currency financing in recent years, urging multilateral development banks (MDBs) to take on a more active role. These proposals reflect a growing recognition that structural failures raise risk premiums, deter investment, and leave national economies increasingly exposed to external shocks.
Debt distress is the most urgent and systemic threat to global development. More than 30 African countries currently spend more on servicing external debts than on health and education. While the IMF’s Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable
Playbook encourages creditors and borrowers to come to the table sooner and emphasizes the need for transparency, its impact remains limited by a lack of enforceability.
African governments have responded by calling for a debt resolution framework that is predictable, rules-based, and responsive to development needs.
Today’s system – plagued by delays, elevated risk premiums, and poor creditor coordination, fails to align incentives, contain spillovers, and mobilise private investment. Fortunately, South Africa’s G20 presidency provides a unique opportunity for the continent to push for bold reforms that reframe debt not as a liability but as a growth catalyst.
One notable example of African efforts to redesign the global financial system is the proposal to repurpose special drawing rights (SDRs, the IMF’s reserve asset) as hybrid capital for MDBs. This idea, advanced by the African Development Bank and the G24, would allow SDRs to be leveraged while retaining their reserve-asset status, thereby creating more space for concessional lending. Several MDBs are now considering the proposal as a way to strengthen their balance sheets and expand lending capacity.
Similarly, regional institutions like the Trade and Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea) are advancing pooled credit enhancements, South-South financing platforms, and climate-finance mechanisms tailored to fragile contexts. These are not just innovations, they are viable templates that global policymakers should adopt and scale.
To be clear, public financing alone cannot mobilize the volume of investment needed to boost growth, build resilience, and accelerate the climate transition. But private capital flows continue to bypass many African economies, deterred by perceptions of high risk, rising borrowing costs, limited financial instruments, and weak project pipelines.
Instruments like credit guarantees, blended finance, and first-loss capital could help rebalance risk-return profiles and attract private investment. But to be effective, they must be deployed at scale, not confined to pilot projects. Equally critical are upstream reforms that strengthen legal frameworks and institutional capacity in order to develop a strong pipeline of investable projects.
Africa’s experience shows that MDBs must support both downstream and upstream investment. A persistent blind spot is the failure to promote local-currency finance and domestic capital market development. Over-reliance on foreign-currency borrowing exposes African countries to market volatility and raises debt-service costs. Yet MDBs and development partners continue to treat local-currency instruments as fringe or experimental.—Project Syndicate
Tax treaties play a central role in preventing double taxation and fostering economic cooperation between jurisdictions.
However, some multinational enterprises (MNEs) exploit these treaties through a strategy known as treaty shopping which involves the manipulation of tax treaties by routing income through intermediate jurisdictions forming a “triangular operating structure” comprising the source jurisdiction, the residence jurisdiction, and a conduit jurisdiction with extensive treaty networks.
Source: . | Organisation for Economic Cooperations and Development
This article examines the dark side of tax treaties, exploring how treaty shopping works, the mechanisms MNEs use to exploit treaties, and global efforts to curb the abuse led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Understanding the tax treaty network
Tax treaties are bilateral agreements between countries designed to allocate taxing rights over cross-border income. They serve to eliminate double taxation; address tax evasion and avoidance; provide a framework for settling tax disputes; and provide a stable tax environment to foreign investors.
MNEs use treaty shopping as a tax planning strategy to take advantage of favourable tax treaties between jurisdictions. This strategy typically involves three key players namely a jurisdiction where the ultimate parent or beneficial owner is resident often a low or zero tax jurisdiction; a jurisdiction where the income is generated; and a conduit or intermediate jurisdiction with extensive and favourable tax treaty networks.
How MNEs exploit the triangular model
This triangular model allows MNEs to reduce or eliminate withholding taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, or capital gains through one or more intermediate jurisdictions with beneficial tax treaties but without real economic activity.
Treaty shopping is generally facilitated through the following mechanisms:
Conduit companies that are established in jurisdictions with extensive treaty networks to act as intermediaries.
Letterbox companies that exist only on paper, with a registered address but no real economic activity, substance or employees in the country where they are incorporated. They are often used solely to claim treaty benefits.
Back-to-back loans: An enterprise in a high tax jurisdiction lends funds to an associated enterprise through a third country with a favourable tax treaty, allowing for reduced withholding tax on interest.
Circular flow of funds: MNEs may structure transactions so that funds seemingly circulate through jurisdictions, masking their origin and ultimate beneficiary, solely to leverage treaty provisions.
Hybrid mismatches that are treated differently for tax purposes in different jurisdictions to exploit gaps in treaties and avoid taxation altogether.
Combatting treaty shopping
Treaty shopping, although often legal in form, is viewed as abusive in substance. Many jurisdictions and international organisations have developed multiple strategies to counteract it. The OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action 6 recommends that tax treaties must include: the principal purpose test that denies treaty benefits if one of the main purposes of any arrangement is to secure tax benefits; and limitation on benefits clauses that allow only enterprises that meet specific conditions to benefit from treaties, often based on ownership, business activity, and substance.
The OECD also developed the multilateral instrument which allows countries to swiftly update their existing tax treaties without renegotiating each treaty.
Conclusion
Tax treaties are designed to foster cooperation, not exploitation; and to eliminate double taxation, not promote double non-taxation. Yet, the dark side of these arrangements has become a significant driver of global tax avoidance. MNEs that use aggressive treaty planning may remain technically compliant with the law, but they violate its spirit and erode public trust.
As international tax reform efforts gather pace, developing countries must not be left behind. A careful balance is needed: encouraging investment while ensuring that the tax benefits granted under treaties are only enjoyed by enterprises that are genuinely entitled to them.
Only then can tax treaties fulfil their original purpose of promoting trade and investment.
*Vilipo Muchina Munthali is the managing consultant at Swift Resources, an international tax and transfer pricing consulting firm Feedback: vilipo@swiftmalawi.com
What is democracy? When did Malawians switch from one-party rule to democracy? Why? Can you name the pillars of democracy? How can elected representatives, especially members of Parliament (MPs), make democracy work?
Change agents are taking democracy to local schools, hoping to create a progressive generation unlikely to shy away from claiming their rights and holding leaders to account.
Part of the meeting held in Rumphi recently. | Temwa Mhone
Since the dawn of democracy, Malawians have been made to believe that legislators’ role stops at buying coffins, giving handouts and spearheading community development.
The confusion of MPs’ roles went on trial recently when the High Court outlawed the lawmakers from voting in local councils and controlling Constituency Development Fund spending.
The relegation of MPs to chores best left to councillors mirrors is compounded by low awareness and give-and-take politics that prevent citizens from demanding clarity.
The rude awakening persists 32 years after Malawians elected representative democracy, rejecting founding president Kamuzu Banda’s dictatorship.
The gap echoes rising calls for the dos and don’ts of democracy to be taught in school—and not just rights, but also participation and responsibilities.
Save the Children Malawi and the Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) have rolled out Phungu Wanga (My Member of Parliament) quiz to boost learners’ awareness and participation in democratic processes. The competition seeks to cultivate a culture of democracy among learners, enhancing their understanding of MPs’ roles and the importance of citizen participation.
“So far, the Phungu Wanga Project, which is funded by the European Union, has taken the quiz contest to 33 primary schools in Chimteka Zone in Mchinji District, Chiendausiku Zone in Balaka and Mwazisi Zone in Rumphi. The contest, which targets 11 schools in each zone, focuses on Parliament’s roles and functions,” says CCSS executive director Chimphepo George Ntaba.
The initiative comes against persistently low public participation in democratic processes, with just 62 percent of eligible voters registered to vote in the September 16 General Elections.
The citizenry also lament a raw deal from elected officials, citing low understanding of lawmaking steps and weak engagement between parliamentarians and their constituents.
“This is about taking Parliament closer to the people,” says Parliament’s civic education officer Peter Njinga.
He envisages the ripple effect transcending the classrooms and school bounds—reaching learners’ households and communities.
“We are laying the foundation for a generation that understands the values of representation, legislation and oversight. These young Malawians need information to actively participate in elections and parliamentary proceedings,” Njinga states.
The interactive quiz bowl introducew young learners to Parliament’s roles in democracy and decision-making. It also fosters critical thinking, teamwork and public speaking while empowering marginalised groups to become civic ambassadors in their communities.
Ntaba says the initiative is helping close civic literacy gaps while giving communities the tools to demand better governance.
“We’re nurturing a new mindset that doesn’t just accept representation, but chooses to participate in it,” he said during a recent meeting in Rumphi.
CCSS and Save the Children have committed to entrench civic dialogue at constituency level by equipping local actors with knowledge and tools to engage their MPs and take the lead in policymaking.
Ntaba finds it shocking that after three decades of democracy, many Malawians still confuse the roles of MPs and councillors—often expecting legislators to implement local projects instead of making laws and providing checks and balances.
“The gap in public understanding is partly bred by the way MPs discharge their functions in constituency development coupled with the absence of councillors around 2010. We are unpacking the core functions of Parliament and its elected members,” he says.
Rumphi district coordinating primary education adviser Webster Mkandawire says when learners understand their place in democracy and Parliament’s role, they carry that knowledge for life.
“It also motivates teachers to integrate civic themes into classroom discussions in a more practical and engaging way,” he says.
The initiative also responds to structural weaknesses within Parliament’s outreach office and the limited opportunities available for community participation in shaping laws and public policies.
It seeks to make civic dialogue part of democratic culture at the constituency level .
With increased public awareness and trust in governance institutions, organisers hope that citizens, including school children, play an active role in demanding answers from elected representatives and shaping Malawi’s future.
Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture deputy director of censorship Anganile Nthakomwa has called on artists to follow censorship guidelines when composing songs.
The sentiments follow the recent release of a song by Afana Ceez titled Lako which is littered with explicit reference to how some women wiggle their ‘behinds’ to appeal to men. It also contains swearing words.
In an interview yesterday, Nthakomwa said the song contains lyrical content which is explicit, indecent, obscene and morally corrosive. She added that the song regards women as weak and sexual objects.
The deputy director further said the song contravenes Section 23 of the Censorship and Control Entertainment Act of Malawi.
The section prohibits the production, distribution and public performance of any form of entertainment content, including music that is deemed undesirable.
“Artists are expected to exercise moral discipline and public responsibility. They should be held accountable for the societal impact of their work. Content creators must understand that artistic innovation does not exempt one from social responsibility,” she said.
Nthakomwa said artists have the responsibility to avoid vulgar, profane or obscene language in their expressions.
She said they also need to refrain from producing or promoting content that denigrates religion, culture or social values, ensuring that their content does not incite disorder, glorify violence, drug use or promote immorality, particularly among young and vulnerable consumers.
Nthakomwa said: “Artists are not operating in a legal vacuum. Under Malawian law, freedom of expression is not absolute, especially when such expression endangers public morality or the cohesion of society.
“Content creators are legally bound to exercise discretion and avoid producing or promoting works that could offend, mislead or morally damage the general public, especially impressionable groups such as children and youths.”
She said Malawi encourages all stakeholders, including artists, media houses, producers and streaming platforms to pre-emptively sanitise content before it is distributed to the public.
But in a separate interview, Afana Ceez played down the sensitivity of the song lyrics attributing the content to ‘part of a long-standing hip-hop culture’. The rapper said the song has used everyday language of the people.
“The references in the song are what everyone else uses when they are talking about women. In fact, I am not the first person to do such a song. It is down to our generation. We are just trying to express ourselves in a creative way,” he said.
The Lako remix features Crispy Mw, Nae Rae, Ace Jizy, K Banton and Morale the Rapper. The song was produced by Rheumus.
Blantyre-based giants FCB Nyasa Bullets are back at the top of the TNM Super League summit after emphatically defeating Mzuzu-based Moyale Barracks 3-0 yesterday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Red-hot winger Chikumbutso Salima, attacker Sean McBrams and midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo’s goals fired the People’s Team to the summit of the table.
Nigerian Babatunde Adepoju put up a Player-of-the-Match performance, selflessly setting up Salima and McBrams for the first two goals in the first-half before Gumbo netted the third.
The lanky forward, who is associated with his magical finishing prowess, yesterday showed his other side as he turned provider.
In the 11th minute, Babatunde covered acres on the right flank before laying the ball to Salima, who easily tapped in past Moyale goalkeeper Jeremiah Simfukwe.
Then in the 37th minute, Adepoju won a ball in Bullets’ half, turned out two defenders in the box, before cutting it back to McBrams who fired home at close range.
The first-half was done and dusted with Bullets comfortably leading 2-0.
Though Moyale showed some signs of will to bounce back, they lacked the hunger which Bullets had.
Apart from defender Maneno Nyoni, who at times overlapped to jerk Bullets defence, it was only Robert Mphenzi who called goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba to duty to make a save from his shot 30 metres out in the 74th minute.
Moments later, substitute Gumbo made it 3-0 in the 77th minute with a long-range short outside the box from Yamikani Mologoni pass, beating Simfukwe, who tried to keep it out only to guide the ball into the net.
The Mzuzu-based soldiers failed to return fire as they suffered another loss after going down to Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0 in their previous match.
Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa, in a post-match interview, admitted that his charges were out of sorts.
He said: “When you make a lot of mistakes, you get punished as we did. We had a lot of problems in many areas. We need to improve our game in many areas.
“You can see we played [well], especially in the first half, playing good football, but we didn’t even shoot… Very painful.
“We need to improve some areas, like in defending.”
For Bullets coach Peter Mponda, it was yet another mission accomplished as his side has dislodged rivals Mighty Wanderers from the top.
The People’s Team now has 24 points from nine games, two above the Nomads, who have played a game less.
However, Mponda displayed humility, saying they aim at taking each game as it comes.
He said: “It was a game in phases. There were some moments when we were looking good, but in some moments we were switching off. The moment we switched off, we were making unnecessary errors, but credit should go to the guys.
“Defensively, we are not very good. We haven’t reached the level we want, but credit should go to the players.”
In other matches, champions Silver Strikers moved up three places to fifth after beating Karonga United 3-1 at Karonga Stadium.
The Bankers now have 15 points from eight matches.
Chinsisi Maonga, Festus Duwe and Chimwemwe Idana were on target for the Bankers while Patrick Phri netted the consolation goal for Ingwina ya Karonga.
Rookies and table anchors Songwe Border United’s misery continued after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chitipa United while Civil Service United beat Creck Sporting Club 2-0.
Creck Sporting Club say they have challenged FAM determination to fine them K1 million and ban three of their players for incidents that occurred during their Airtel Top 8 quarter-final against FCB Nyasa Bullets on April 26, 2025 at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Lilongwe-based outfit’s trio of Miracle Gabeya, Hadji Wali and George Chaomba were charged with assault and misconduct offences contrary to the tournament’s rules and regulations.
In its determination, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) found Chaomba guilty of misconduct for elbowing Bullets’ Henry Chiwaya and sanctioned him with a two-match ban across all competitions “and a straight red card to run concurrently effective immediately”.
The association also found Wali guilty of assaulting Phodo, “who was lying on the ground, by stepping on his hand and leg in an off-ball incident”.
As a result, FAM has slapped the Creck Sporting captain with a four-match ban across all competitions and a straight red card “to run concurrently effective immediately”.
On the other hand, Gabeya was found guilty of stepping on Bullets forward Babatunde Adepoju’s his hand also in an off-the ball incident, and has since been banned for three matches across all competitions as well as a straight red card to run concurrently effective immediately.
But Creck Sporting board chairperson Muhammad Selemani said in an interview yesterday that they have challenged the verdict as they are seeking clarification on some issues.
He said: “For your information, we have been handed two determinations. The first one stated that the bans should apply to the Airtel Top 8.
“Then a day later, they sent us another determination, saying we should disregard the initial one.
“Now, the second determination extends the bans to other competitions. So, we are saying where is the second determination coming from? If anything, there should be a review because materially and legally, this is wrong unless there is a re-hearing.
“So, we have formally written them, saying we don’t agree. The seriousness of the authorities is in question as this is not supposed to be the case. The determinations are affecting material facts which is technically wrong.”
However, FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka in an interview yesterday said they were yet to get Creck Sporting’s communication.
He said: “But the sanctions on players extend to other competitions, that is the practice.”
Zakazaka further said the fine is to be paid before the club’s next match while the sanctions for the players are with immediate effect.
Bullets won the match 1-0 to qualify for the semi-finals after playing out a goalless draw in the first leg.
Malawi, alongside other UN members, will not be able to achieve any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, a decade after adopting the goals.
This is according to the 2025 Sustainable Development Report published on Tuesday ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development scheduled for June 30 to July 3 2025 in Seville, Spain.
According to an analysis of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiate for the United Nations (UN), of the 17 SDGs Malawi adopted in 2015, none is on track.
Malawi is also facing major challenges in fighting poverty (SDG1) with progress showing a declining trend while challenges remain on achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13) as progress has moderately improved.
Progress on SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG4 (quality education), SDG7 (affordable clean energy), SDG8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG15 (life on land), SDG16 (peace, justice and string institutions) and SDG17 (partnerships for the goals), stagnated.
Consequently, Malawi has been ranked 139 out of 167 economies with an SDG index score of 57.1, above regional average score of 53.9 percent.
In a written response yesterday, National Planning Commission (NPC) acting director general Joseph Nagoli said while Malawi is struggling to meet SDG targets, there has been some progress.
“It is true many countries, including Malawi, are struggling to meet SDGs,” he said.
However, Nagoli said by end of 2024, “the country has made good progress” on SDGs three, four, six, seven and 14; moderate progress on five, nine, 13 and 17 with slow progress in one, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 16.
The purpose of the SDGs, which have a deadline of 2030, is to provide a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The country began domesticating the SDGs through the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (2017/22) and later in the Malawi 2063, currently being implemented under the First 10-year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).
Speaking separately, Economics Association of Malawi president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza observed that when SDGs are off-track, the MIP-1 dashboard, which continues to track progress while showing the reality on the ground, also reveals the reality of the country’s development.
“Therefore, there are serious spillovers between failing to attain SDGs and failing to attain MIP-1 and also MW2063; because this also entails missing on the trajectory that was to transform us by 2030,” she said.
On his part, development economist Dalitso Kabambe observed that failing to meet the SDGs is more than a mistake.
He said: “It condemns [Malawians] to hunger, corruption and broken systems. If we continue on this path, it’s like telling every poor Malawian: ‘You don’t matter’.
“We must stop pretending that everything is fine with fancy words and promises from donors.”
With Malawi’s debt hitting almost K17 trillion, stakeholders at the National Dialogue on Financing for Development held in Lilongwe yesterday took turns to figure out how such a huge sum has been utilised to develop the country.
They noted that the debt, coupled with corruption and conditions by international lending institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), have paralysed public service delivery, much to the detriment of the poor.
Former minister of Finance (C) Sosten Gwengwe in a meeting with Saito (2ndR) in Lilongwe during the ECF negotiations. | Nation
The discussion was held under the theme ‘The impact of IMF and World Bank conditionalities or austerity policies and debt stress on public service delivery with focus on education and health sectors’.
Organised by the Universal Health Coverage Coalition (UHCC), ActionAid Malawi (AAM), Partners in Health and AHF Malawi, the debate emanated from ‘The Human Cost of Public Sector Cut in Africa’ report which AAM did in six countries including Malawi.
Setting the ball rolling, Principal Secretary responsible for reforms in the Ministry of Health Matthias Joshua said the debt situation was worrying as 27 percent of the national budget goes towards debt repayment.
Malawi in a fix
During a panel discussion, Political Science Association of Malawi president Henry Chingaipe said Malawi was in a fix, as it was borrowing money to train healthcare workers and teachers, but due to conditions by the IMF, it cannot employ them all.
With wage cap conditions, he said the government cannot even promote workers on time as that would lead to increased salaries, which leads to drug pilferages in health facilities.
Said Chingaipe: “I ask myself, did we get into this debt crisis by accident? What have we done with the money borrowed this far? Have we been prudent enough with the money we have been borrowing?
“We keep borrowing and I am afraid that not long from now, the percentage of budget repayment may hit 50 percent.”
On health, Association of Malawian Midwives president Keith Lipato said facilities are now failing to provide women with lignocaine, a drug that eases pain during delivery because of lack of resources.
He said: “Because of these huge debts very little is trickling to the health sector. We are being forced even to tell patients to buy plaster of Paris and other drugs because we don’t have them.
“Let’s be honest! How much is spent locally when the President is travelling? Where is money from toll gates going? How do you expect hard work from a nurse who gets K5 000 for working for 12 hours at night?”
Corruption worsening situation
Chingaipe, who was part of the Presidential Taskforce on Public Reforms, said the group had unearthed serious levels of corruption and wastage of resources.
“For instance, we discovered that sometimes they would buy medicine that is not needed, wait for them to expire and hold a ceremony to burn them. Text books provided by the World Bank for public schools ended up in private schools,” he said.
Civil Society Education Coalition executive director Benedicto Kondowe shared insights on how the education sector is also facing challenges including failure by the central government to provide budgeted resources to the sector.
What now?
Panellists suggested the need for multilateral lending institutions like IMF to cancel debts while at the same time urging the government of Malawi to borrow cautiously.
The European Union (EU) has announced a €2 billion (about K4.2 trillion) Joint Strategy aimed to accelerate progress in Malawi’s governance, education, green growth, and social inclusion covering the period 2024 to 2027.
In his remarks during the strategy launch in Lilongwe on Wednesday, EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach said the bloc is shifting from fragmented aid efforts from its member States to a more coordinated, impact-driven partnership as they support Malawi’s national development priorities.
Skinnebach makes a presentation during the meeting yesterday in Lilongwe.| Wycliffe Njiragoma
Describing the strategy as a “model for future cooperation” and a testament to the EU’s deepening commitment to teamwork and results, he said it also aligns with Malawi’s development blueprint, the Malawi 2063 Vision (MW2063) Agenda.
Said Skinnebach: “This Joint Strategy brings together the strengths of the EU and its member States—Germany, Ireland, the Belgian region of Flanders and others—as well as the European Investment Bank and development finance institutions. Together, we are committing €2 billion to help drive Malawi’s long-term transformation.”
Of the amount, he said €1.4 billion is in grants while €600 million is in concessional loans, forming one of the most significant coordinated development packages ever rolled out by the EU in Malawi.
“This isn’t about new money or flashy promises; it’s about doing things better. Rather than each country working in isolation, we are aligning our efforts to optimise impact, reduce duplication and ensure that support truly meets the needs of Malawians,” said Skinnebach.
Taking her turn, Irish Ambassador Kate Brady described the Joint Strategy as a dual-purpose instrument that aligns local programming with EU efforts, while also giving Malawi a stronger voice within European decision-making.
“As resident member States, we play multiple roles,” she said. “Yes, we run our own programmes on agricultural commercialisation, social protection and human rights, but we also advocate for Malawi within EU institutions. This strategy reflects that spirit of solidarity.”
Germany’s Chargé d’affaires Andreas Hartmann said Germany is in it for the long haul.
“We believe in meaningful partnerships. This Joint Strategy ensures we are not just contributing funding, but that we are strategically aligned with the EU and with Malawi,” he said.
The strategy comes at a time some of Malawi’s key development partners, notably the United States Government, have drastically reduced their support to Malawi and other developing countries.
United States head of Malawi Mission Amy W. Diaz told Nation Online last week that the US Government is transitioning partners like Malawi from aid to trade and that investment is one of the Embassy’s top priorities.
Political parties represented in Parliament have said they have been sourcing funds from their members, businesspersons and well-wishers both within and outside the country to finance campaigns for the September 16 2025 General Election.
Ahead of the beginning of the campaign period on July 14, the political parties have already spent millions of kwacha on rallies and party materials.
Parties dig deep to buy cloths for party supporters.
In an interview, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana said his party has received donations from well-wishers and individual businesses with which it has printed thousands of T-shirts and other materials.
Said Chihana: “In Malawi, it is difficult for party followers to make contributions, so I am also forced to access loans to fund the party so that it should not die.”
He said a single rally can cost between K30 million and K40 million.
In a separate interview, Democratic Progressive Party secretary general Peter Mukhito said the aspirants procure their own campaign materials while the party organises fundraising activities.
“Whenever there is a rally, a budget is presented in our forums and members contribute. We want to avoid reliance on businesses but sometimes we also get funds from well-wishers,” he said.
UDF spokesperson Dyson Jangiya said the party gets contributions from its followers while leaders also fund some of the activities.
Malawi Congress Party deputy secretary general Gerald Kazembe said they depend on donations of cash or materials from supporters and well-wishers.
On his part, UTM publicity secretary Felix Njawala said the party raises funds through membership subscriptions and donations from individuals.
However, People’s Party secretary general Ben Chakhame said the party has been financing its activities on its own but is open to donations from well-wishers.
“We will submit details to the Registrar of Political Parties who will release the information to the public,” he said.
The Political Parties Act allows parties to receive membership fees and donations from any individual or organisation for the purposes of financing its activities.
Section 27 (2) of the Act compels political parties to declare to the Registrar of Political Parties any donation with a monetary value of at least K1 000 000 from an individual donor.
Meanwhile, political analysts Ernest Thindwa and Gift Sambo have said it is hard for parties in the country to raise enough money from their members which is why they mostly rely on businesses.
Professor of Medicine, and Environmental & Occupation Health at the University of California in the United States of America (USA) Saurabh Chatterjee says Malawians should look at cholera beyond water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash).
In his presentation yesterday during a public lecture at Malawi University of Business and Applied Science (Mubas) in Blantyre, he observed that there are other factors such as heat waves that exacerbate cholera outbreak in Malawi and other countries.
Chatterjee cited the estimated 58 700 cholera cases and 1 759 deaths that Malawi recorded between March 2022 and May 2023, saying the outbreak was linked to heatwaves that hit most parts of the country in December 2021.
He said: “The heat creates a favourable condition for the multiplication of vibrio cholera pathogens [microorganisms]. We also found that heat stress exposure leads to the change in the way our immune system works.
“The immune system becomes weakened and there are also changes in the gut bacteria population in our body that makes it more susceptible to significant effects of vibriosis-related infections.”
He further established that when people, particularly children, the elderly and chronically ill patients are exposed to heatwave, their intestines develop leakages.
In an interview after the public lecture, Mubas associate professor in environmental sanitation Khumbo Kalulu said the presentation was an eye-opener to both lecturers and students.
He noted that currently most Malawians link cholera to lack of Wash facilities, particularly during the rainy season.
Said Kalulu: “Normally, we associate cholera with water and sanitation practices, but in this case, it gives us more areas that we should be focusing on.”
In the past three years, Malawi has been struggling with cholera. This forced Ministry of Health to launch the Malawi Multisectoral Cholera Control Plan (2025-2030).
Panga-wielding men on Thursday manhandled civil rights activist Sylvester Namiwa at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground, tearing off all his clothes in the process.
The attack occurred at the start of demonstrations he was leading, calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.
Panga-wielding men manhandled civil rights activist Sylvester Namiwa picture by Jacob Nankhonya
This reporter witnessed an unregistered Toyota Fortuner drive directly towards a group of police officers standing between two Malawi Defence Force (MDF) armoured vehicles.
From the vehicle emerged several men who seized Namiwa by his clothes and began roughing him up in full view of both police and MDF personnel.
Panga-wielding men manhandled civil rights activist Sylvester Namiwa at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground picture by Jacob Nankhonya
One of the assailants kept asking, “Kodi uyu ndi ndani?” (“Who is this person?”) while pulling him aside.
Namiwa pleaded with the officers for help, to no avail.
“Akulu akulu, dzikoli lafika pamenepa? A polisi, mukundisiya anthu awa apange nane zimene akufuna? Ndithandizeni!” he cried. (“Has this country really come to this? Officers, are you just letting these people do whatever they want to me? Help me!”)
Namiwa being attacked in full view of Police and MDF officers picture by Jacob Nankhonya
The police watched uneasily as the incident unfolded, stepping back or sideways whenever Namiwa tried to seek refuge among them. Meanwhile, the MDF officers on top of the armoured vehicles kept fidgeting with their guns but did not intervene.
This was the second time the group had gone after Namiwa. Earlier, they had confronted him and his team as they sat in a minibus carrying a public address system, abruptly stopping the song “Freedom is Coming Tomorrow” that was playing at the time.
Namiwa sustained bruises and bleeding on his hands.
Eventually, police launched tear gas at the scene. As the attackers fled the gas, Namiwa managed to break free from their grip and escaped.
A window of opportunity has opened for FCB Nyasa Bullets midfielder Yankho Singo after South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows showed strong interest to sign him.
The Flames workhorse is expected to leave for South Africa tomorrow, according to sources at the club.
Impressed at Cosafa Cup: Singo (L). | Nation
Singo impressed at the recent 2025 Cosafa Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa where he was the only Flames player named in the competition’s group stage best XI.
“The club is now willing to have a good look at the player and there is a strong possibility that he is not coming back,” said the source.
But Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga in an interview yesterday only confirmed that several clubs showed interest in their players.
He said: “Many clubs expressed interests about most of our players who travelled with the national team. If anything serious comes up, we will issue a statement.”
In a related developement, Silver Strikers attacking midfielder Chimwemwe Idana is also set to join Zambian topflight side Zanaco FC.
Idana has been on Zanaco and Red Arrows radar for a while.
Apparently, the player has settled for Zanaco and is travelling to Zambian capital Lusaka to agree on personal terms, according to Zambian online publication ZAMfoot.
“There was a tug of war between the two sides. It seems Zanaco has won,” the publication wrote yesterday.
If successful, Idana will join Flames forward Chawanangwa Kaonga, who also play for Zanaco.
While it will be the first time for Singo to sign for a foreign club, Idana had a stint with Mbeya FC after leaving Bullets, only to be loaned out to Silver.
Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire has hailed the achievements of France-based women’s footballer Tabitha Chawinga as Malawi’s biggest sports ambassador.
The minister said this in Lilongwe on Thursday when he presented the Scorchers captain with the 2025 Regional 5 Sportsperson of The Year Award.
Mkandawire hands over the award to Tabitha. | Singayazi Kaminjolo
The accolade was conferred on Chawinga in absentia in Zimbabwe earlier this month and Mkandawire collected it on her behalf.
He said Chawinga invested her time, including resources and commitment to sharpen her skills and talent in sports and today she is enjoying the fruits..
Said Mkandawire: “In whatever we do in life, there is time to invest and time to yield. Likewise, in sports, as a country, we invest in talent development and other aspects. Tabitha is one of the products which the country has produced. She has represented Malawi well.
“It has also given hope to young up -nd-coming athletes and the general public that Malawi has great sports talent which if properly nurtured, would enable Malawi to effectively compete and win all sorts of awards at all levels of sports competitions.”
On his part, Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said Tabitha has unlocked opportunities for girls in the country to thrive on the football pitch.
He said: “As Sports Council, we are excited to get the award through Tabitha. Without fear, I can proudly say Tabitha is the biggest brand in Malawi football. You are an inspiration to a lot of girls in the country.
“We follow you and almost all Malawians do as well. We love the fact that you are humble and, please maintain such a humble attitude. May God bless you.”
On her part, Tabitha said more investment in women football by government will transform the lives of the girls in the country financially.
She said: “We appreciate the support the President Lazarus Chakwera, government and Sports Council are giving to sports. It is commendable. But we need more resources in women football.
“I can assure you that football can be a gateway to financial success for girls in the country.
“We hope government will invest more in women’s football. We have been begging for resources for a long time. I hope we don’t sound like professional beggars.”
The Region 5 award is just one of the many accolades Tabitha has won.
The 28-year-old Olympic Lyonnaise Feminine forward last year won the 2024 French Professional Football Players Union (UNFP) Women’s Player of the Season accolade, 2024 French Arkema First Division Player of the Season and the league’s golden boot with 19 goals.
This is in addition to 2015 Elitettan top scorer, 2017 Damallsvenskan top scorer, 2017 Sweden Forward of the Year, 2018, 2019, 2021 Chinese Women’s Super League top scorer, 2018, 2019 Chinese Women’s Super League Player of the Year, 2022-23 Serie A Female Footballer of the Year, 2023-24 UNFP Division 1 Féminine Player of the Year, 2023-24 Trophées FFF D1 Féminine Best Player and 2024 Division 1 Féminine Player of the Month for February and March.
InspireX, through its Design the Future programme, says it is preparing secondary school students for financially-rewarding careers in digital media and technology.
The initiative, which concluded its pilot phase at Chipasula Secondary School in Lilongwe on Tuesday, focuses on equipping young people with practical skills in graphic design, motion graphics, videography, animation, software development and storytelling.
InspireX chief operations officer Enoch Thom said they are showing students that skills such as coding, videography and graphic design are not fall-back options, but high-value tools they can monetise.
“Our own company was built on videography. These same skills can create jobs and contribute to Malawi’s economic growth,” he said.
On his part, InspireX chief creative officer Ekari Faria said the programme is designed to shift mindsets early.
“Most people turn to digital skills after failing elsewhere. We’re reaching students before they make those decisions. We want them to choose creative careers from the start,” he said.
Students in the InspireX programme not only interact with industry mentors, but also engage in hands-on projects, including drone demonstrations, visual storytelling and design challenges.
“I used to do graphic design as a hobby,” said Angella Juma, a Form 3 student at Chipasula. “Now I see it as a career. I didn’t know what I wanted to be before, but this has helped me realise my path.”
In an earlier interview, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences information and communications lecturer Umali Leonard said introducing students and young people to modern programming languages early in their academic studies will prepare them for the contemporary job market.
“The programme is being implemented in partnership with Noble Minds, a creative business solutions firm and targets students, especially girls, at a formative stage in their education.
A new World Bank approach paper has urged low and middle-income countries, including Malawi, to scale up energy efficiency as a fast and affordable solution to rising energy demand, economic pressures and energy insecurity.
The paper authored by Bretton Woods institution economists titled ‘Power more with less: Scaling up energy efficiency for growth and energy security’, highlights the massive global energy waste, with estimated economic loss at over $4.5 trillion annually.
Approach papers are produced by World Bank staff with external contributions. However, the findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in the study do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank or its executive officers.
The paper indicates that most of the waste is due to inefficiencies in fossil fuel production, transmission and end-use.
The report warns that without intervention, energy demand in low-income countries, including Malawi, could rise by 30 percent over the next decade, mostly met by fossil fuels.
Reads the report in part: “These efforts are accompanied by policy and regulatory support, including establishing minimum energy performance standards in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors to help ensure these new connections are financially sustainable and affordable to households while ensuring more efficiency from the outset.”
The paper notes that countries such as Malawi have the most to gain from energy efficiency, given rising demand and limited fiscal space.
Energy efficiency defined as delivering the same or better service using less energy is framed as the lowest-cost way to meet growing demand, avoid new power plant construction and cut household energy costs.
Measures such as efficient lighting, cooling systems and better appliances could ease strain on national grids while creating new economic opportunities, according to the paper.
Malawi is among the countries taking action and as part of its National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative, the Malawi Government is targeting both supply and demand inefficiencies.
On the supply side, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi is implementing a 34-point roadmap to reduce power losses, which currently account for nearly 23 percent of generated electricity.
These losses reportedly contributed to the utility’s K49.6 billion loss in the 2023/24 financial year, according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report 2025.
On the demand side, Malawi is preparing to introduce minimum energy performance standards to phase out inefficient appliances such as incandescent bulbs and outdated refrigerators.
In an interview yesterday, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences renewable energy specialist Kelvin Tembo said if well-implemented, electricity efficiency measures could help reduce blackouts, slow tariff increases and improve access without costly new infrastructure.
He said: “We really need to be pushing towards energy efficiency because the [financial] losses to using outmoded technology is huge.
“We need to accelerate this programme to set Malawi on the path to economic transformation.”
For a country where just over 15 percent of the population has electricity access, according to the National Statistical Office, the shift to “powering more with less” could prove crucial to achieving universal, affordable energy.
Ministry of Energy has projected that electricity generation capacity will reach 1 620 megawatts (MW) by 2030, way below the 5 000MW target to turn Malawi into a lower middle-income economy.
Malawi’s current total installed electricity capacity is at 554.24MW, with 101MW from solar power, according to the Ministry of Energy.
Electricity generation in Malawi is primarily from hydropower, with 90 percent generated along the Shire River.
