PICTORIAL: Rehabilitation works of 66.5km Kacheche-Chiweta M1 Road stretch underway

Construction works for the rehabilitation of the Kacheche-Chiweta 66.5km stretch of the M1 Road has registered significant progress being undertaken by contractor, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited. The road forms part of the important business route from Mzuzu to Karonga to enter into Tanzania to its sea port of Dar es Salaam. The road had been in complete sorry state of disrepair and on many occasions trucks were breaking down — completely blocking the road up until…

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Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango disputes Government’s assertion that suspension of IMF ECF is a bold step and a victory for Malawians

A conference of IMF gurus * He contends that the IMF didn’t impose conditions on Malawi — but rather negotiated and needed assurance from the MCP-led Government on areas of fiscal discipline, among other terms * President Lazarus Chakwera then signed up to an agreement in 2023 because they were desperate for forex and donor confidence — and thus the same Chakwera administration cannot blame IMF on not meeting targets of the very terms it agreed to By Duncan…

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Blantyre City Council heavily subsidises beyond what residents pay as city rates towards meeting cost of services delivery

* With the growing cost of service delivery, coupled with replacement of vandalised infrastructure such as road structures (street lights and signs) and sewer infrastructure system, the revenue collected is never enough * As it includes meeting other equally crucial amenities such as garbage collection and other service management costs * We need to realise that the Council is having serious cashflow problems. We are, however, appealing to private sector to join hands with the Council in ensuring amenities…

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‘Chakwera’s administration is now in self inflicting economic mood ahead of the September 16 elections’—analyst

* The termination of this program is expected to negatively affect Malawi’s international credit rating which may worsen the unavailability of forex * Thus “Malawians should brace themselves for a tough time ahead as this development seems to be the last nail of Chakwera’s administration By Duncan Mlanjira President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration “is now in self inflicting economic mood ahead of the September 16 general elections” following the suspension of the extended credit facility (ECF) by the International Monetary…

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‘IMF’s decision to suspend ECF programme is a wake-up call for government to stop piling huge debts and to enhance fight against corruption’

Rev. Baxton Maulidi * It is a blessing in disguise because as a country, we can’t keep on piling huge debts only to be plundered through government over-expenditure * We need bold leadership and new way of thinking to end corruption and overspending must stop—Rev. Maulidi By Duncan Mlanjira All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Economic Justice, Transparency & Accountability champion in Malawi, Rev. Baxton Maulidi contends that the decision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to suspend Malawi’s…

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CFTC registers 194 cases relating to unfair trading practices between January-March 2025

CFTC PRO Innocent Helema  * The most common violation is alleged excessive pricing with 48 complaints, seconded by excluding liability with 27 complaints * The increase in the number of cases is an indication that the public trusts the CFTC and that their understanding of competition and consumer protection is improving By Duncan Mlanjira Following public awareness for people to report on unfair trade practices, the Competition & Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has registered 194 cases relating to unfair…

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‘IMF’s statement on suspension of ECF carries a political undertone’—Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

* The decision by the IMF is a clear vote of no confidence on the current government administration’s ability to effectively manage an economy * It is a total termination of support and represents a filing of divorce papers. It is the first time since our democracy in 1994 that such strong words have been used that point towards an electoral process as the remedy to Malawi situation. * It is very clear that what the IMF is telling…

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MACRA urges the public to participate in SIM card registration exercise between July and September 2025 to curb online fraud

* The regulations will help law enforcers track criminals, enhance accuracy and improve service delivery of telecommunication companies — among other benefits * It is paramount that the process is in line with the Communications Act as the process requires that individuals must be honest with the information they provide and keep their personal information security by not sharing with others By Augustus Nkhwazi, MANA SIM card registration exercise, that is aimed at curbing online fraud, is set to…

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Malawi registers success in scaling up access to energy

* I am happy to have heard testimonies from agricultural cooperatives such as sugarcane growers and irrigation schemes, who have benefited from the project * It is a clear indication that the country is moving towards MW2063 national vision on affordable energy—Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola By Eunice Disi Lole, MANA Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola has applauded Global Energy Access for People and Planet (GEAPP), in collaboration with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), for the successful implementation of…

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Kamuzu Day replaced Queen’s Day observed during British rule in all Commonwealth countries

* Since Malawi attained her republican status in July 1966, we now have the President of the Republic, who is the Head of State and Government * The position of the Queen as Queen of Malawi, therefore, automatically disappears — but May 14 will remain a public holiday in Malawi * And it will be called ‘Kamuzu Day’ after the head of State and government, H.E. the President of the Republic of Malawi (The Times, 1967) By Duncan Mlanjira…

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