The NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has issued a stern warning to all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malawi, urging them to comply with legal requirements or face de-registration. Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, NGORA Chief Executive Officer Edward Chileka-Banda emphasized the critical role NGOs play in Malawi’s development, particularly in healthcare, education, human rights, and sustainable development. However, he stressed that adherence to regulations is essential for ensuring transparency and long-term impact. “As a result of our public notice, 121 NGOs have so far complied, with 55 registering with NGORA, 55 submitting their reports, and 11 renewing their licenses. While this progress is commendable, we urge all remaining NGOs to fulfill their regulatory obligations promptly,” Chileka-Banda stated. He further revealed that as of February 4, 2025, only 167 out of 1,155 registered NGOs had acquired a valid 2025 license. To enhance transparency, NGORA will publish a list of compliant...

The walls are closing in on disgraced former Immigration chief, Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (retired), as the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal has delivered yet another humiliating blow, refusing to grant a stay on the High Court’s damning judgement that nullified his appointment. In a desperate attempt to cling to power, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda scrambled to secure a lifeline for Kalumo, arguing that the High Court ruling was riddled with “irregularities.” But Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa saw through the smoke and mirrors, dismissing the application with sharp precision. In his ruling, Justice Chikopa didn’t mince words: “We do not think the Immigration and Citizenship Services will grind to a halt in the absence of Brigadier General Kalumo [retired]. Or that irreparable damage will be done to Brigadier General Kalumo or the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship Services in Malawi if a stay is not granted.” This scathing...

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have sharply criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for allegedly breaching diplomatic protocols after contacting billionaire Elon Musk regarding the recently enacted Expropriation Act. The EFF labeled Ramaphosa’s actions as “reckless,” accusing him of compromising South Africa’s sovereignty to appease U.S. interests. Malema In a strongly worded statement, the EFF expressed dismay over Ramaphosa’s direct engagement with Musk—an unelected U.S. business figure—highlighting concerns over the President’s willingness to prioritize foreign business interests over national policy integrity. “This breaking of diplomatic protocol should never be taken lightly,” the statement read, describing it as symptomatic of a “dependency syndrome” on Western influence. The party further accused Musk of exploiting his ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure South African authorities into easing regulatory barriers for his satellite company, Starlink. According to the EFF, Musk’s push undermines South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, which...

Vice-President Dr. Michael Usi, operating as the Minister of Public Service Delivery, has today expressed deep frustration with the ongoing delays in bringing 31 million litres of fuel from Tanga Port in Tanzania and has issued a firm 48-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Energy, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), and the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) to address the issue. In a high-level meeting this afternoon with key stakeholders in the fuel sector, including the Ministry of Energy, NOCMA, and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), Dr. Usi sought to understand the causes behind the persistent fuel supply disruptions. The meeting was attended by key figures such as Minister of Energy Hon. Ibrahim Matola, NOCMA CEO Dr. Hazemba Chibombo, PPDA Executive Director Dr. Reginald Chifundo, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). However, according to...

The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Education, remains committed to ensuring that no child—especially girls—drops out of school due to a lack of tuition fees or basic necessities like school uniforms. One of the government’s most significant partners in this effort is the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable girls across Malawi. CAMFED identifies needy students from various regions and provides the necessary support to keep them in school until they achieve their academic goals. Mzuzu Government Secondary School is one of the many institutions benefiting from CAMFED’s assistance. Currently, 20 girls and 2 boys in Form 1 are receiving tuition support from CAMFED, along with 2 girls and 2 boys in Form 2. Speaking to Nyasa Times on Monday during a donation event at Mzuzu Government Secondary School, CAMFED’s District Operations Officer for Mzimba, Esmie Kalua Mwafulirwa, highlighted the organization’s long-standing role...

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, believes it is possible to eradicate hunger in Malawi within just one growing season. Chambo made the remarks during an interface meeting organized by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) with Nyika Media Club and Civil Society Organizations at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu. Calling for a mindset shift among Malawians, Chambo argued that hunger can be eradicated within a year if people commit to farming, especially with the availability of farm input loans from NEEF. “If more people take advantage of farm input loans from NEEF, it is possible to end hunger. Suppose every journalist, Member of Parliament, director, and others cultivate maize on several hectares using rainfall and irrigation—that would be the starting point to ending hunger,” said Chambo. He emphasized the need for deliberate policies that encourage politicians and the general public to actively engage in farming to combat hunger. Chambo...

The National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) has distributed fertiliser to farmers in Chitipa and Karonga districts as part of efforts to enhance food security and promote agricultural productivity.  Farmers in their field In Chitipa, 252 smallholder farmers benefited from the programme, while 330 farmers received fertiliser in Karonga District. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, presided over the distribution exercises, held on Wednesday in Chitipa and Thursday in Karonga. During the events, Chambo highlighted the government’s commitment to eradicating hunger through strategic agricultural support programs. “The government is working tirelessly to eliminate hunger in the country through initiatives like this. Despite facing some initial challenges, the programme has shown great potential for improvement in the next farming season,” said Chambo. Chambo also urged Neef to enhance the loan package by including seeds and pesticides alongside fertiliser to create a more comprehensive agricultural support system. On his part, Neef Executive Director,...

Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda is burning the midnight oil, tirelessly working around the clock to secure solutions to Malawi’s crippling foreign exchange (forex) crisis. Chithyola, who has become synonymous with relentless dedication since assuming office, revealed that the government is engaged in productive bilateral negotiations aimed at unlocking substantial forex inflows. Chithyola Speaking in an exclusive interview on Friday, Chithyola’s voice bore the fatigue of sleepless nights yet resonated with unwavering resolve. “The urgent challenge affecting our economy is the scarcity of foreign exchange,” he said. “Addressing this requires a combination of immediate and long-term strategies, and I am committed to ensuring that Malawi emerges stronger.” Chithyola disclosed that, in the short term, the government is actively negotiating bilateral agreements with strategic international partners to secure vital forex inflows. These high-stakes discussions are being conducted with countries that have the potential to bolster Malawi’s foreign reserves significantly. “For the...

The recent High Court ruling, which decisively discharged the injunction by 11 thin plastics manufacturers, is not just a legal victory—it is a resounding slap in the face of corporate greed and environmental recklessness. The government’s unwavering stance in defending the Environmental Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015, despite years of shameless legal wrangling, deserves thunderous applause. City Plastics Industry, Flexo Pack Limited, G. Plastics Wholesale and Retail, G.S Plastic Industry, Jagot Plastics Limited, O.G Plastic Industries (2008) Limited, Plastimax Limited, Polypack Limited, Qingdao Recycling Limited, Sharma Industries Limited, and Shore Rubber (Lilongwe) Limited—these corporate culprits have spent nearly a decade hiding behind courtrooms, clinging to profits drenched in environmental degradation. Their greed-fueled legal antics have been nothing short of an assault on Malawi’s future, prioritizing plastic pollution over public health, sustainability, and common decency. Justice Howard Pemba’s ruling ripped through their facade, rightly condemning their actions as an abuse of...

Denis Carlos Zimba is a pragmatic self-starter, accomplished economist, infrastructure and environmental specialist, and entrepreneur. With an extensive career spanning development economics, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability, Denis has established himself as a leader in promoting sustainable economic growth through his ventures and initiatives. Denis Zimba Denis’s professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. He has developed significant expertise in climate resilience, operations management, and environmental economics, with a practical, results-oriented approach. His ability to navigate complex industries such as construction, logistics, and sustainability has positioned him as a key player in crafting innovative solutions that meet the needs of modern economies while protecting the environment. As the Founder and CEO of multiple impactful organizations, Denis has proven his ability to lead and inspire change: 1. LETS BUILD IT: A construction and infrastructure development company focused on integrating sustainable building...