ICTAM encourages the public to grace 2025 ICT Expo from June 4-6 as it is not just for IT experts

ICTAM president Clarence Gama * It is directly aligned with the Malawi Digital Economy Strategy (2021–2026), a blueprint that guides us in building a digitally empowered nation * As ICTAM, our role is to convene industry, government, development partners, academia, and the public in shaping a future-ready digital Malawi By Duncan Mlanjira The Information & Communication Technology Association of Malawi (ICTAM) has encourage the public to grace 2025 ICT Expo from June 4-6 at at Bingu International Convention Centre…

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His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi unveils new Chewa Heritage Foundation leadership

His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi * The appointments are made under Section 5.4 of the Foundation’s Constitution and take effect immediately  Maravi Express His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi — King of the Chewa people in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique — unveils has appointed a new steering committee to lead the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) for the next three years. A statement signed by re-appointed CHEFO chairperson, Dr. Stanley Chakhumbila Khaila, “the appointments are made under Section 5.4 of the…

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‘IMF ECF and World Bank grant are two different financial support by donors’—DCG Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

Revered Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango * A Grant by definition is a sum of money a Government or an Agency provides for a specific purpose — it can be for a road construction, hospital, school etc * In short, when given grant money, the funds cannot be diverted for other use, otherwise that is stealing * On the other hand, ECF is a credit facility or a form of overdraft or loan which IMF provides to various Governments *…

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World Bank grants US$350 million for Mpatamanga hydropower project

* Once operational, this project will help drive long term energy security and support lasting, inclusive economic growth * Energy access is fundamental to reducing poverty, fostering economic growth and attracting private investments—Energy Minister Matola By Prisca Promise Mashushu, MANA & Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express The World Bank has granted US$350 million to the Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP) that will help in transforming the country’s energy landscape and its economic development trajectory. According to a press release by…

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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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