‘Chakwera’s press conference was a political misstep that added little value to the national discourse and raised more questions than answers’—Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

Chakwera address the media at MCP headquarters in Lilongwe * The briefing felt less like an act of leadership and more like a poorly timed attempt to control a narrative that no longer belongs to him * Coming at a time when Malawians are grappling with economic pressures, governance anxieties, and growing expectations from the MCP’s post-election aftermath * Rather than reassuring the nation, the press conference appeared defensive, reactive, and misaligned with Malawi’s current political mood By Duncan…

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Jomo Osman: From the streets of Blantyre to the Mayor’s Office; A testament to resilience, wisdom and divine elevation

* Osman’s leadership style is likely to differ fundamentally from leaders shaped solely by academic credentials * His legitimacy comes from relatability, authenticity, and a credibility forged in struggle * In a context where many citizens feel disconnected from political elites, his story brings a refreshing sense of hope and possibility Opinion piece by Chifipa Mhango, Chief Economist at Don Consultancy Group, South Africa Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital, and biggest city, woke up to one of the most inspiring…

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ESCOM intensifies campaign against vandalism, way-leave encroachment and safety risks in Southern Region

* The drive is engaging over 100 Traditional Authorities and more than 2,000 Group Village Heads to help protect Malawi’s power infrastructure * Communities warned to stay away from fallen lines, avoid touching damaged poles, and always use MERA-certified electricians to prevent fires and electrocutions * Calls on all Malawians to work together with ESCOM to protect the grid, promote safety, and ensure continued development as vandalism is costing the corporation over K3 billion each year By Duncan Mlanjira…

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MEC handing over September 16 General Elections polling records to Parliament

* The handover marks one of the final and most significant stages in the electoral cycle, symbolising closure, accountability, institutional transparency and assurance of checks and balances among various organs of government * By transferring these records, the Commission ensures that the documentary trail of the people’s will through their vote is secured for reference, scrutiny, and historical archiving By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is officially handing over September 16, 2025 General Elections polling records for the…

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Standard Bank tips government on food security as it invests K200m for disaster food response

* We all have a duty to re-imagine and re-invent our agriculture sector — it is the driver of food security, and food security is the stabiliser of our economy * If we can secure food, we will contain inflation and export the surplus grain to other countries and earn more forex By Duncan Mlanjira Standard Bank Plc has called on government and  key stakeholders to collaborate towards re-engineering Malawi’s agriculture to achieve food security and turn the country…

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Malawi’s Mid-Year Budget must prioritise stability, growth reforms and social protection—DCG Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

* The mid-year budget review is an opportunity for Malawi to reset its fiscal direction, especially at a time when the economy is grappling with high inflation, rising debt-service obligations, exchange-rate volatility, and persistent structural bottlenecks * Malawi needs a realistic fiscal path that reins in expenditure overruns, strengthens revenue performance, protects vulnerable households, and unlocks private-sector-led growth By Duncan Mlanjira As Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamveka prepares to present the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Statement to Parliament on November…

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Malawi’s depleted fuel reserves being replenished—Energy Minister Mathanga

* NOCMA’s mandate is to hold fuel reserves for the country, but since July 2024, the reserves have been empty due to forex challenges * The fuel that the country has been purchasing recently goes directly to the fuel pumps to feed the nation — thus our reserves currently have no fuel * As NOCMA urges Energy Minister to engage with Mozambican authorities to ease operational delays at the port of Beira, where fuel vessels often wait for several…

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20MW battery energy storage system under construction in Lilongwe to boost electricity supply

* Expected to be completed by February 2026 to help mitigate blackouts by injecting stored energy into the national grid * As first phase of EGENCO’s solar power plant construction at Nanjoka in Salima is expected to be completed by December this year to generate 10 megawatts By Sheminah Nkhoma & Fostina Mkandawire, MANA Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has begun constructing a 20 megawatts (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS), which is expected to be completed by…

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When accountability becomes convenient; If transparency matters now, why did it not matter then?

* Just four months ago, Simplex Chithyola Banda occupied the very office responsible for the economic decisions now suffocating Malawians * When the public raised concerns about reckless borrowing, rising inflation, and opaque negotiations, he dismissed criticism * When civil society asked for transparency in government spending, he defended the status quo. When others cautioned against the consequences of policy missteps, he remained unmoved Op-Ed by James Kadyampakeni Malawians have seen this script too many times — a leader…

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Government directs state-owned enterprises on strict expenditure control measures

President Peter Mutharika * No procurement of new vehicles; suspension of recruitments; to hold physical meetings within their office premises while encouraged to hold virtual conferences, workshops and interviews * To control the drain of foreign exchange reserves, external travel will be reduced and only to be approved by the President through the Chief Secretary * Fuel entitlement for public officers including Ministers, their deputies and senior government officials shall be reduced by 30% with immediate effect By Duncan…

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