The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) – a social and governance arm of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) – has asked faith leaders to assume a greater role in championing an end to gender-based violence (GBV) in Malawi. Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of an interface with representatives of the faith community last Friday, CCJP Gender Project Officer Stella Zimba-Wella observed that religious leaders hold the key to ending GBV because of the influence they wield in the society. Zimba-Wella also emphasized the need for multi-sectoral approach that promotes a working relationship between faith and secular role-players, adding that use of religious and non-religious resources allows a community to respond to GBV survivors in a proactive and appropriate way. “We have engaged faith leaders in GBV fight realizing the need to move side by side in fighting violence. Faith leaders have a bigger following, and...

The government of Malawi has announced the successful securing of essential foreign exchange facilities to facilitate the immediate procurement of fuel, as part of its ongoing efforts to address the current fuel supply crisis that has severely impacted businesses, transportation, and daily life across the country. Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola In a statement issued by the Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, on Tuesday, the government outlined key measures being implemented to stabilize fuel supply following widespread disruptions, including fuel shortages and long queues at service stations. The securing of foreign exchange was described as a critical step in enabling the country to import sufficient fuel to meet demand.   “We have secured essential foreign exchange facilities for immediate fuel procurement, which will allow us to import the necessary quantities of fuel to address the current shortage,” Minister Matola confirmed. “This will ensure that Malawians have consistent access to fuel,...

A payment of K14.5 billion authorized by Malawi’s Attorney General, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, to Victoria Pharmaceuticals Industry Limited has raised serious questions among governance and accountability watchdogs. The hefty sum, which has been approved for settlement by the government, comes with a series of unanswered questions: Why is the payment being made now? What is the justification for such a large amount? And is there transparency in how this payment was authorized? The payment is reportedly linked to an outstanding debt of about $5.3 million (K9.3 billion) owed by the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) to Victoria Pharmaceuticals for the supply of pharmaceutical products in 2016. However, the payment amount has nearly doubled to K14.5 billion after adding interest and other charges, a detail that has sparked concern among civil society groups and watchdog organizations. According to a communication dated August 23, 2024, from Nyirenda’s office, the total debt owed...

First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has lauded key global and national partnerships in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB), recognizing the invaluable support of the Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership, and various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for their ongoing commitment and leadership in addressing the TB epidemic both locally and globally. Madam Chakwera made these remarks on Monday during a High-Level Breakfast event held under the theme: “Amplifying Voices To End TB Stigma.” The event brought together global and local health leaders, partners, and stakeholders who are collectively working to tackle TB, a disease that continues to claim over 4,100 lives worldwide every day despite being preventable and treatable. “The support provided by our partners has been critical in Malawi’s efforts to combat TB. Your continued engagement is vital to achieving our shared goals,” said Madam Chakwera, emphasizing that the fight against TB is a global challenge that requires continued...

At Muloza health center, in Mulanje district, Ellen Banda goes out of the facility a disappointed person. She has been provided with malaria medication, but the facility does not have pain killers. The clinician has hence advised her to buy the pain killers at a local pharmacy. “It becomes disapoting to walk a long distance to a health facility and only be told that the facility does not have basic pain killers like aspirin or panadol, and it becomes very challenging when you do not have the money,” said Banda. This situation could have been avoidable if the country never depended on imported essential drugs at it’s health facilities, says Aniz Mitha Executive Director at Community Health Rights Advocacy (CHERA). CHERA and KELIN Kenya are in a solidarity project led by the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) which is advocating for the removal of intellectual property rights on medicines so...

In the ever-evolving political landscape of Malawi, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) stands out as a beacon of democratic ideals and progressive leadership. As the party holds its much-anticipated presidential convention in Mzuzu, the legacy of the late Dr. Saulos Chilima—former Vice President and founder of the party—remains central to the party’s trajectory. Yet, it is not just his political vision that marks UTM as a force to reckon with; it is the remarkable decision by the Chilima family to forgo automatic control of the party after his untimely death that could very well position UTM as one of the strongest and most resilient political entities in Malawi’s history. In Malawi’s political culture, where party leadership has often been defined by family dynasties and succession by bloodlines, UTM’s approach marks a significant departure from the norm. This article aims to examine why the decision by the Chilima family to refrain...

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has entered into a promising five-year partnership with Sino Borcar Investment Holdings Limited to trial and produce non-GM (genetically modified) castor oil seeds and chili varieties aimed at export markets, particularly in China. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lilongwe, LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this partnership on Malawi’s economy, particularly in generating foreign exchange. Kaunda highlighted the high demand for the seeds in China, underscoring the importance of diversifying Malawi’s agricultural output. “If agriculture does not perform in this country, we are doomed,” Kaunda said. “That’s what we can rely on at present, and you’ve seen how tobacco has performed over the years. We have been looking for alternatives, and I think this partnership offers us a potential crop that can substitute tobacco or at least complement what we are getting from...

The heat continues to rise for Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) President Enock Chihana, following his controversial remarks on 13 November 2024 that have sparked outrage across Malawi. Chihana’s comments, which were widely condemned as divisive and tribalistic, have now led to an official ultimatum from Chewa cultural leaders, who are demanding an apology within three days or face further repercussions. The political fallout from Chihana’s remarks is mounting, with critics accusing him of irresponsibly stoking tribal tensions in the run-up to the 2025 general elections. Chihana, speaking at a public event, made a statement that has caused deep offense to many, especially among the Chewa community. Quoted as saying, “Chimashini chimenechi cha Smartmatic mudzikavoterana ku dambwe komweko (Chewa Traditional shrines),” Chihana’s words have been interpreted as not only disrespectful but as a calculated attempt to mock the Chewa people and their cultural practices. Tribalism, Hate Speech, and Political IrresponsibilityThe backlash...

In a move that has stirred mixed reactions, President Lazarus Chakwera’s order to tighten control over foreign currency transactions is both timely and essential for the country’s economic health. Chakwera With Malawi facing persistent foreign exchange shortages, which have undermined crucial imports like fuel, fertilizer, and medical supplies, it is clear that the status quo cannot continue. While critics may argue that the new measures could stifle economic activity or burden legitimate businesses, the risks of inaction far outweigh these concerns. The President’s decision is a direct response to the systemic abuse of the foreign currency market by a small but powerful group of institutions and individuals who have been manipulating the system for personal gain. Unmasking the culprits: Who benefits from the forex shortage? At the heart of the issue are allegations, as revealed by the Attorney General, that non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and other entities receiving foreign...

Stanley Onjezani Kenani, the self-proclaimed literary genius and cultural commentator, has once again taken to his keyboard, this time to post a misguided commentary on the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s (RBM) directive to centralize foreign currency accounts. His recent remarks on social media have left many Malawians scratching their heads, struggling to understand the point of his musings. Once admired as a brilliant writer with a sharp wit and insightful commentary, Onjezani’s latest rant, however, raises more questions than answers. Rather than engaging with the pressing economic realities of our time, he has chosen to trivialize what is, in fact, a critical step in stabilizing Malawi’s economy. Let’s start with a confession. Many of us grew up admiring Onjezani—a boy from Kasungu whose literary prowess was admired by many. He had a knack for combining intellect with creativity, and for a while, it seemed like he was poised to be...