The Atlas Malawi

Author: Erik Chiputula

  • World Bank announces full disbursement to Shire Valley Transformation project

    World Bank announces full disbursement to Shire Valley Transformation project

    The World Bank has announced the full disbursement to the Shire Valley Transformation project which is closing end of December.

    World Bank Country Manager Firas Raad said this today in Lilongwe during the official opening of a three-day World Bank Country Portfolio Performance Review meeting (CPPR).

    “We still have significant amount disbursed to the Shire Valley Transformation project, scheduled to close at the end of December” said Raad.

    Through the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP), the Government of Malawi aims to boost agricultural production and increase productivity by helping farmers get a better harvest and healthier livestock and grow more high value cash crops to sell at both domestic and international markets.

    The World Bank is providing K2.5 billion on it’s national projects for this fiscal year.

    According to Raad, there are five other projects, including, the Digital Malawi, that are scheduled to close in the next six months.

    Meanwhile, Raad said there were delays in implementing these projects due to the climate challenges, the country has been facing in recent years.

    Raad said this following concerns expressed by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet Collen Zamba, about delayed implementation periods for the various projects.

    In her opening speech, Zamba said “We’ve had an extension of closing dates, so it’s something that needs to be looked at and see how best we can address those challenges”.

    Zamba further expressed deepest gratitude to the World Bank for it’s unwavering and invaluable support to the Government and people of Malawi.

    From today through to October 10th, 2024, the stakeholders will engage in discussions aimed at identifying the critical issues constraining projects implementation and resource absorption.

    Together they are expected to develop clear action plans, assigning responsibilities to ensure challenges are effectively addressed.

  • NBM eyes growth of Mo626 Basketball tournament

    NBM eyes growth of Mo626 Basketball tournament

    The National Bank of Malawi (NBM), sponsors of College Basketball championship has revealed plans of growing the competition in the years to come.

    NBM Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Jere said this on Sunday at the ABC’s Blue Gym after the finals of this year’s edition, which were successfully defended by the Malawi Assemblies of God (MAGU) men and women teams.

    “It will only be our collective interest to ensure that the competitions that are sponsored under this brand grow with the brand itself. So we are indeed looking at growing this competition in the years to come” said Jere.

    Jere further commended their partnership with BASMAL, saying there has been enormous growth of business to the National Bank since the partnership.

    Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) Vice President Banthari Banda said his association remains committed to ensure that NBM achieve its goals.

    “One thing that we would ensure is to maintain the agreement in the contract. We need to convince National Bank, we need to deliver on our side”

    “You know as much as they are sponsors, they are also business people. They are also looking for the end product so we are geared to assist them by working together with them to achieve what they are looking for”

    Jere further thanked NBM for hiking sponsorship package from K60 million to K150 million earlier this year, believing that it has improved the competitiveness in the competition.

  • MAGU PARTY! Sweeps Mo626 Basketball championships

    MAGU PARTY! Sweeps Mo626 Basketball championships

    The Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) has defended the Mo626 College Basketball trophies for both male and lady’s categories in the final matches played on Saturday in Lilongwe.

    The lady’s were the first to be crowned champions at the Blue Gym sports complex, when they beat University of Lilongwe (UNILIL) 52-48.

    After lady’s, it was the turn for MAGU men’s up against hosting side African Bible College (ABC) at the same venue.

    The game was highly contested that saw MAGU successfully edging past ABC win a narrow margin of 45-41 baskets.

    Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) vice president Banthari Banda described this year’s competition as ‘successful’.

    “I am very excited because of the level of competition this year. There was fierce competition from preliminary rounds until today as champions have been known. Let me congratulate MAGU teams for being champions this year” said Banda.

    To his part, National Bank Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Jere has attributed this year’s successes in the competition to the enough funds, his company is pumping in.

    “You can see that the level of competition and spirit to win is very high since we hiked the sponsorship package”

    “We are very encouraged that the tournament is getting bigger with each passing year and we are happy by what we are seeing”

    Banda also commended BASMAL for exercising professionalism in running this year’s competition.

    At the start of the season, the National Bank announced the increment of sponsorship package for the college championship from K60 million to K150 million per year.

  • MAGU teams shine in 2024 Mo626 College Basketball semifinals as they cruise into finals

    MAGU teams shine in 2024 Mo626 College Basketball semifinals as they cruise into finals

    The Malawi Assemblies of God (MAGU) men’s and women’s basketball teams shined in the semi finals of the 2024 Mo626 after booking their places in the finals.

    After beating University of Malawi (UNIMA) 70 to 35, MAGU men’s progressed into the finals to face African Bible Collage (ABC) who beat University of Lilongwe (UNILIL) 67 to 66.

    For women’s, UNILIL defeated Malawi University of Business Applied Science (MUBAS) 72 to 36 to book a date against MAGU who registered a 70 – 35 victory over Mzuzu University (MZUNI).

    The final matches will be played tomorrow Saturday at ABC Blue Gym, starting with lady’s at 14:30 before men’s final 16:30.

    Speaking at the launch of the season, NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the Mo626 College Basketball Tournament aligns with its goals of supporting youth development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering community engagement.

    “NBM plc aims to connect with the youth, particularly university students, who are key to the future of the country. The partnership with basketball aligns with NBM plc’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and nurturing talent.

    “Together, we are creating a pathway for the youth to not only thrive in sports but to also become positive contributors to society. The Mo626 College Basketball stands as a symbol of this shared vision, and we look forward to witnessing the extraordinary talent and determination that will be on display now that the tournament is nearing an end,” Hiwa explained.

    Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) vice president, Banthari Banda said they expect the level of competition in the Top Eight to be exceptionally high.

    “With the best university teams in Malawi participating, we anticipate intense matches and high-quality performances from both the men’s and women’s divisions. These teams have been preparing thoroughly, and we look forward to seeing a display of strong teamwork, technical skills, and tactical awareness,” said Banda

  • MultiChoice Malawi changes distribution model to bring services closer to the customers as they open Mega Dealer Offices

    MultiChoice Malawi changes distribution model to bring services closer to the customers as they open Mega Dealer Offices

    The MultiChoice Malawi believes customers will now start accessing the company’s services easily, as they have embarked on a campaign to open mega dealer offices countrywide.

    Head of Sales for MultiChoice Malawi, Edwin Henry Banda, disclosed this in Lilongwe, during the opening of Mega Dealer Office at Bwandiro.

    Banda said they decided to change distribution model by opening Mega Dealer Offices to bring more convenience to their customers.

    “Mega dealer is the one that is responsible for distribution of stock to all our agents within central region”

    “We also have a branch where customers can access all our services through this place, as well as what we call a DSF camp, where brand ambassadors can meet and start off to sell decoders all over like foot soldiers” said Banda

    According to Banda, MultiChoice Malawi has already opened Mega Dealer Offices in Zomba and Blantyre, and next week they are opening another Office in Mzuzu.

    Lilongwe City Mayor, Esther Sagawa was the guest of honer during the event, and she praised MultiChoice for the move, saying there is growing demand for entertainment services.

  • Gaba wasiyidwanso

    Gaba wasiyidwanso

    Katswiri wa team ya Mallumo Gallants mdziko la South Africa, Frank Gabadinho Mhango wasiyidwa pa mndandanda wa osewela a team ya Malawi.

    Flames ikuliwela ku Senegal komwe ikasewere ndi timu ya dzikolo lachisanu likubwelali ndipo ma team awiriwa adzakumanaso pa 15 October kuno kumudzi.

    Ngakhale Football Association of Malawi inapempha Mphunzitsi wadziko lino Patrick Mabedi kuti atenge Gaba ndi osewela ena akunja kwa dziko lino, izi sizinatheke kamba koti pandandandawu palibepo katswiriyu.

    Mabedi watenga koyamba otseka kumbuyo chakumamzere wa Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Timothy Silwimba, pomwe akatswiri awiri omwe amasewera ku Mozambique Lloyd Njaliwa komaso Richard Mbulu abwelera mu team yadziko lino atasowa kwa kanthawi.

    Wina yemwe wabwelela mu timuyi ndi otchinga pagolo wa Blue Eagles Brighton Munthali yemwe sanapezeke masewero omwe Flames inasewela ndi Burkina Faso komanso Burundi mu September kamba kovulala.

    Nawu ndandanda wa osewela omwe Patrick Mabedi watenga:

    Pagolo: George Chikooka (Silver Strikers) and Brighton Munthali (Blue Eagles)

    Kumbuyo: Mark Lameck, Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya, Timothy Silwimba (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Chembezi Denis (Al Qasim SC-Iraq)

    Pakati: Liyod Aaron(FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Wisdom Mpinganjira (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Chimwemwe Idana (Silver Strikers), Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu (TP Mazembe-DRC), John Banda (UD Songo-Mozambique), Yamikani Chester, Lloyd Njeliwa (Costa do sol-Mozambique), Robert Saizi (Zanaco-Zambia)

    Kutsogolo: Zeliat Nkhoma (Kamuzu Barracks), Chawanangwa Kaonga (Zanaco-Zambia), Richard Mbulu ((Costa do sol-Mozambique)

  • 2024 Mo626 Tournament ends Saturday

    2024 Mo626 Tournament ends Saturday

    The 2024 Mo626 Basketball tournament is expected to be completed this Saturday in Lilongwe.

    BASMAL General Secretary, Peter Gomani has confirmed to The Atlas Malawi that the champions will be determined on Saturday at the Blue Gym in the capital.

    According to Gomani, the semi-final matches for both men and women will take place on Friday.

    “We have have four games on Friday in the semifinals, two for men and other two matches for women”

    “We will start with women games as UNILIL will take on MUBAS in an early kick-off from 15:00, then MAGU will be up against MZUNI from 16:30”

    “After lady’s, we going to witness the men’s encounters between UNIMA and MAGU at 18:00 and then ABC dating UNILIL at 19:30, all matches at ABC Blue Gym” said Gomani

    He further indicated that winners in the semifinals will face each other on Saturday, starting with lady’s category at 14:30 before men’s 16:30.

    The final was initially supposed to take place last Saturday, before the organizers rescheduled it to this coming Saturday.

  • Burning Spear’s Malawi live performance on- Sound Addicts

    Burning Spear’s Malawi live performance on- Sound Addicts

    Sound Addicts, one of the organizers for the Burning Spear live performance in Malawi, has dismissed speculations that the show slated for October 26th at Civo Stadium, has been cancelled.

    The Sound Addicts founder, Shadreck Kalukusha, believes the rumors are coming in due to misunderstandings that were there between the Jamaican reggae artist and Kenyan music promoters.

    However, Kalukusha says the misunderstandings have been resolved now, and this will not affect their event here.

    “let me confirm here that Burning Spear is coming to Africa and his show at Civo Stadium on 26th is still on”.

    “I understand that people have these speculations because of production understandings that happened in Kenya but they resolved the issues and he insisted that he’s coming” said Kalukusha

    According to Kalukusha, preparations for the show are now going towards the final stages.

    “The preparations are going on well. We are pretty much ready for the show to happen and the main focus right now is marketing. We are happy that as of now the tickets, hotel accomodations have been secured”

    This will be part of Burning Spear’s tour to Africa celebration of unity, peace and love – core message of Burning Spear’s music.

    The tour marks Burning Spear’s triumphant return to Africa, with performances in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the grand finale in Malawi.

    The legendary Jamaican Reggae artist is coming with the full band, comprising of 17 people from Jamaica.

  • Implementation of MW2063 facing challenges beyond government control- Janet Banda

    Implementation of MW2063 facing challenges beyond government control- Janet Banda

    The Office of the President and Cabinet says efforts to achieve the country’s ambitious blueprint, Malawi 2063 are facing challenges that are beyond Government’s control.

    Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Janet Banda said this on Tuesday in Lilongwe during official opening of the MW2063 First 10-year Implementation Plan (MIP-1) Pillar and Enabler Coordination Group (PECGS) meeting which will run up to October 9, 2024.

    Among others, Banda mentioned about global challenges as one of things that are derailing the implementation of the Malawi 2063.

    “Most of the Challenges that have been there are beyond our control due to the economic environment that we are operating in at the moment”

    “Most of the challenges are political, socio economic basically caused by the previous Cyclones, Covid, the war in Ukraine so these are still having impact on most economies in the world, so Malawi is not spared” she said

    Banda further stressed the need for collaborative efforts among Ministeries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA’s) in a bid to Achieve MW2063.

    To his part, NPC Director General, Thomas Munthali, described the meeting as important, saying it will help to find solutions to the challenges.

    “We decided to bring these stakeholders together to have a candid conversation on what is it that we need to do from each institutional point of view, individual point of view, so that we can move forward”

    “Meetings of this nature will help to identify challenges that are there, the gaps and come up with solutions as a team” said Munthali

    However, USAID Learn to Perform Activity Chief of Party, Dr. Francis Ogolo Okele, has commended Malawi for making progress in a bid to achieve it’s goals.

    Okele further advised Malawi to increase awareness so to attract many stakeholders in the private sector as well as the internationally.

  • MCP wants DPP deputy SG Chikwanje fired

    MCP wants DPP deputy SG Chikwanje fired

    The rulling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has asked the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), to fire its deputy Secretary General, Daudi Chikwanje, from the post over remarks he made during the weekend.

    Chikwanje has been spotted in a video clip that has gone viral on social media, encouraging DPP Supporters to attack MCP faithfuls.

    “It’s shameful to find someone wearing MCP regalia, these people needs to be burned because they are demonic. Why are you leaving free MCP supporters here? Let’s start biting” said Chikwanje during a political rally at Nsanama.

    Reacting on this during the press briefing, MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, condemned remarks by Chikwanje, saying they were careless and uncalled for.

    He further demanded that the DPP leadership should fire Daudi Chikwanje, on the post, in respect of democracy.

    “That comes from an elected member of Parliament, who is called honorable? really? this is a shame to the Democracy of Malawi”

    “If DPP really respect democracy, they must fire Daudi Chikwanje as a secretary general as well as on the post of regional governor” said Chimwendo Banda

    However, Chimwendo Banda has appealed to MCP faithfuls to continue exercising peace and unity regardless of different party affiliations.

    Additionally, Chimwendo Banda appealed to the Malawi Police to act against everyone who wants to promote violence in the country.

    Meanwhile, Daudi Chikwanje is currently in Police custody over the remarks he made at the rally, Malawi Police Spokesperson Peter Kalaya has confirmed.