Category: National

Vice President Jane Ansah stressed that the government will not permit hunger to claim lives in Malawi.

Speaking on Friday at Kavitowe Primary School grounds in Mzimba during the launch of the 2025/26 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme for the Northern Region, she acknowledged that hunger, rising living costs, drought, and economic hardship are devastating many households.

“Just weeks into this administration, Professor Mutharika’s leadership acted on hunger, recognizing the widespread devastation,” she said. “The government does not want any Malawian to die of hunger; hence the maize distribution.” Ansah urged that all Malawians facing food shortages be registered for maize under the programme and asked district councils to prioritize vulnerable groups, including child-headed households, people with albinism, and the elderly.

She also appealed to development partners to support DoDMA, noting a funding shortfall of K147 billion to adequately assist all affected households; the government has raised only K62 billion to date.

Ansah warned vendors who buy maize from beneficiaries that they will face the full force of the law.

In Mzimba District 23, 150 households (about 104,000 people) are expected to benefit from maize. Some beneficiaries will receive maize, while others will obtain K90,000 in cash assistance.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has given K300 million to the Malawi Government to support ongoing food relief efforts in response to the current hunger crisis affecting millions across the country.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Lilongwe on Tuesday, NBM plc Board Chairman, Grant Kabango said the Bank’s contribution aligns with President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s call for the private sector and other stakeholders to assist government efforts in mitigating the impact of food shortages.

“We believe this contribution will go a long way in supporting families currently experiencing food shortages,” said Kabango.

Kabango emphasized that the Bank is committed to ensuring that no Malawian dies of hunger, noting that collective national action can make a difference in times of crisis.

“We believe that together, as Malawians, we can overcome these challenges and make sure that no one is left behind,” he added.

Receiving the support, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Joseph Mwanamvekha, commended NBM plc for its timely intervention, describing it as a testament to patriotism and corporate responsibility.

“Our deep appreciation goes to the Bank for contributing K300 million towards food relief. As we are aware, many Malawians are suffering and in need of support,” said Mwanamvekha.

He further hailed NBM plc’s leadership and board for setting an example that other institutions can emulate.

“I would also like to thank the board and management of National Bank for demonstrating that it is possible, as Malawians, to work together and address our own challenges before seeking assistance from outside,” added Mwanamvekha.

The Minister noted that the government’s resource gap in addressing the crisis is narrowing, thanks to increasing private sector participation.

“Our total requirement was quite huge, but I am pleased to indicate that the gap is narrowing and it will continue to narrow because of the positive response we are receiving,” he said.

He described the occasion as both a moment of gratitude and unity.

“Today, we are not only receiving support; we are also celebrating partnership and the fact that when Malawians unite, it is possible to address the many challenges we face,” said Mwanamvekha.

The Community Health Rights Advocacy (CheRA) has appealed to the Malawi government to demonstrate transparency and address punitive laws, particularly those in the Penal Code, at the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights scheduled for November 2025.

The Universal Periodic Review, which occurs every five years, provides an invaluable opportunity for Malawi to highlight progress made in addressing prevailing challenges and reaffirm its commitment to advancing human rights for all citizens.

Malawi’s human rights record is expected to be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Group for the fourth time on Friday in Geneva.

Malawi is one of 14 states scheduled to be reviewed during the session running from November 3-14, 2025. Previous reviews took place in November 2010, May 2015, and November 2020.

The UPR Working Group comprises the 47 member states of the Human Rights Council, though any UN member or observer state can participate in a country review.

During the 2020 review, Malawi received numerous recommendations from the international community regarding LGBTQI+ rights and the death penalty. Spain recommended that Malawi decriminalize consenting relations between persons of the same sex, prosecute perpetrators of attacks against LGBTQI+ persons, and guarantee they face no de jure or de facto discrimination.

The United States called for decriminalization of LGBTQI+ status and conduct, while Canada urged the repeal of Penal Code sections criminalizing same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults and those criminalizing transgender gender identity and expression.

Canada also recommended prohibiting discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation in all aspects of social life. Chile called for increased access to quality health services for LGBTQI+ persons, while France urged protection against discrimination and stigmatization of LGBTQI+ persons.

Switzerland recommended taking measures against discrimination and fighting impunity for violence based on gender identity and sexual orientation by revising national legislation to explicitly include these among prohibited grounds of discrimination. Iceland called for decriminalizing consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex and expanding anti-discrimination legislation accordingly.

Regarding the death penalty, Fiji recommended that Malawi consider abolishing capital punishment, while Spain urged the establishment of a de jure moratorium on the death penalty leading to definitive abolition and consideration of ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Penal Code currently prohibits “carnal knowledge against the order of nature,” attempts to commit such acts, and gross indecency. Homosexuality among men is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, while homosexuality among women carries a penalty of up to five years. Consequently, same-sex activities face stigma and discrimination, physical and emotional violence, limited access to healthcare, and police brutality. During the 2020 review, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Australia, Iceland, and Ireland urged Malawi to repeal these sections of the Penal Code.

The government has taken some positive steps, including ratifying Resolution 275 on protection of LGBTQI+ persons, demonstrating commitment to prevent violence based on real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity. The government also registered Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA), an LGBT-led NGO, to operate in Malawi. The NRA aims to protect and advance the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly the LGBT community, by addressing challenges like human rights violations, discrimination, and inaccessibility to services.

However, significant setbacks have occurred. In July 2023, religious groups marched across Malawi to protest same-sex marriage as the Constitutional Court considered a case brought by Jana Gonani, a transgender woman convicted in December 2021 for “unnatural offense.”

The Constitutional Court ultimately dismissed the case seeking to legalize same-sex relationships, maintaining homosexuality as an offense in the country. Following the court ruling, over 139 cases of violence against the LGBTQI+ community were reported from June to December 2024, compared to 57 cases reported before the ruling.

Cuba acknowledged Malawi’s efforts to implement previous recommendations, particularly regarding economic growth, rural development, human trafficking prevention, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Denmark noted that adequate sexual and reproductive health services and quality education for every child are prerequisites for further progress. Djibouti welcomed the integration of several recommendations into national legislation, action plans, and programs, as well as in planning work on economic and social development.

Ahead of Friday’s review, CheRA released a statement signed by Executive Director Aniz Mitha calling for government transparency. “We would like the Malawi government to be transparent and ensure that punitive laws, especially in the Penal Code, are addressed in the fourth report clearly,” Mitha said.

She emphasized that the Penal Code prohibits carnal knowledge against the order of nature, attempts to commit such acts, and gross indecency, with homosexuality among men punishable by up to 14 years in prison and among women by up to five years, resulting in continued stigma, discrimination, violence, limited healthcare access, and police brutality.

Mitha called for free and unhindered access to healthcare services for key populations, ensuring that acts of criminalization and police harassment are addressed when the LGBTQI+ community seeks services. She urged the government to commit at the fourth UPR cycle to reform policing laws and ensure that law enforcement agencies do not hinder sexual and reproductive health rights of key populations.

CheRA also wants the government to review the Extended 2023-2027 National HIV Strategic Plan to clearly address punitive laws that undermine key populations and other marginalized groups in accessing HIV services. Mitha stressed that the strategic plan needs to provide equitable access to health services to key populations regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The UPR is a unique process under the United Nations Human Rights Council where member states evaluate each other’s human rights records. It provides a platform for countries like Malawi to share best practices, identify gaps, and foster international cooperation in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.

By Kelvin Kalua:

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) Southern Africa office has formally requested details from its sister office in Russia concerning Malawian girls reportedly trapped in Alabuga, a special economic zone and military-industrial complex manufacturing enemy drones for the war in Ukraine.

Alabuga has been the subject of multiple investigative reports detailing the controversial recruitment of young African women, including some from Malawi.

Reports indicate the “Alabuga Start” program advertised itself as offering work and study opportunities, but many recruits allegedly face harsh conditions and coercion into supporting Russia’s war effort.

HRW Response and Stance

Responding to inquiries about tracing the girls, HRW Senior Africa Researcher Idriss Ali Nassah confirmed the consultation.

“We have requested our partner office which looks into the Russian conflict with Ukraine to provide details of what you are asking for,” Nassah said.

He emphasized that HRW typically only comments on matters based on its own completed research.

Parliamentary and Domestic Action

While specific details on the Malawian girls remain sketchy, sources within Malawi’s Parliament indicate a motion is being prepared to debate the issue.

The parliamentary discussion will also focus on broader labor export agreements signed between Malawi and other countries.

A parliamentarian who spoke anonymously stressed the urgency: “We cannot keep quiet on this matter because it involves the lives of citizens. This is a serious issue and we want it to be tabled in Parliament. Those who aided their travel in the name of academic scholarships or job opportunities should be traced.”

Lilongwe-based human rights campaigner Benedicto Kondowe supports the call for tighter controls, maintaining that stronger measures are needed to protect citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

“We need a system where labour deals are conducted between governments, as we saw with the recent Malawi-Israel Labour Export Deal. This would ensure accountability, transparency, and most importantly, the safety of Malawian citizens abroad,” Kondowe said.

Regional and Diplomatic Context

Malawi’s diplomatic position is delicate. Despite voting to censure Russia at the UN over the invasion of Ukraine, the country maintains positive ties with Russia, which donated 20,000 tons of fertilizer in 2023.

Conversely, Ukraine provided 14,500 tonnes of corn in 2024 to help address food insecurity caused by El Niño.

Meanwhile, other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries like Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa have taken the lead in tracing their citizens trapped in Alabuga, raising the possibility of repatriation through embassies and Interpol agencies.

Recruitment Scale and Details

The controversy escalated when Malawi’s Ambassador to Russia, Joeph Mpinganjira, told the media last month that his office had received requests from Russia to promote recruitment for the Alabuga project.

Further investigation by media outlets, including Bloomberg, revealed that Interpol in Botswana was investigating the “Alabuga Start” program.

The program, billed in Africa as a work-study opportunity for “ambitious young women,” has been directly linked to the production of military drones.

Reports indicate that since 2022, Alabuga Start has recruited around 350 women from over 40 countries and aimed to bring 8,500 more.

Research shows the Alabuga Special Economic Zone is dedicated to mechanical engineering and the production of Shahed kamikaze drones.

According to the Russian Investigative Outlet Protokol, the 182 African and Asian women working in the drone factory include two from Malawi, alongside others from Uganda (46), Kenya (14), Nigeria (14), South Sudan (14), Rwanda (14), Zambia (4), Ethiopia (6), Ghana (2), Mozambique (1), South Africa (6), Tanzania (4), and Zimbabwe (4).

The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), the umbrella body for Malawian rights organisations, has also engaged government authorities.

HRCC Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamnba confirmed the discussions, saying, “We have discussed this with responsible ministers, but it appears even the government is not aware that some Malawian girls are trapped in a drone-making factory.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Chaponda, has reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration focusing on its main pillars of poverty eradication, employment creation, and social integration.

Speaking at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, Chaponda said in implementing the country’s vision, Malawi has developed a National Social Protection Policy whose goal is to improve the lives of vulnerable people living on less than 3 Dollars a day.

“These living conditions are aggravated by climate shocks such as natural disasters. Therefore, Malawi has scaled up transformative and climate-resilience programs. One of them is the Social Cash Transfer Program. The mode of disbursement uses a digital payment system, which improves transparency and accountability. In spite of these efforts, inflation, climate disasters, and global shocks persistently undermine progress every year.

“Social development requires strong investment in human capital. Increasing access to education is one way of achieving this goal. As a result, Malawi introduced free primary education three decades ago.

“This year, Malawi has introduced free secondary school education. We want every child to complete secondary education. But there is no point in educating a generation without creating job opportunities. Therefore, we have initiated a number of measures to create decent jobs for the Youth.

“It must be noted that 70 percent of Malawi’s population are the Youth. We are therefore focusing on developing skills for the Youth. We want to create a skilled labor market while developing the spirit of self-dependency in the Youth. We believe in teaching the Youth to learn how to fish instead of giving them fish. Skills development turns the Youth from being job seekers to becoming job creators.

“As a country, we set out to build community colleges in every part of the country as the core of the skills development program. It is skills development that sets foundations of industrialization. However, skills development needs investment if it is to play its critical role.

“Malawi is among Pathfinder Countries under the UN Global Accelerator on Decent Jobs and Social Protection. This program focuses on productive sectors that include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. We need to invest in the youth for them to productively participate in these national building sectors,” he said.

Chaponda further said Malawi believes in social integration through empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disability.

“Empowering girls includes ending child marriages. We are registering gains as Malawi’s National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage has reduced child marriage rates from 42 to 38 percent.

“Empowering girls today is empowering women in the next generation. But women need to be given space to participate in decision making. The Malawi Government remains committed to achieving the ratio principle of including women in decision making positions.

“Malawi has instruments for empowering persons living with disability, women and the elderly. These instruments include the Persons with Disabilities Act; the Older Persons Act, and the Gender Equality Act.

“We have learnt that sustained investment in social protection, education, and empowering women, youth and persons with disability can transform society,” he said.

 

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba has attributed the current fuel shortage to Tanzania’s political unrest.

A series of demonstrations and civil unrest began on 29 October 2025, coinciding with Tanzania’s general elections where President Samia Suluhu Hassan run without opponents.

The protests erupted in Dar es Salaam and later spread to other cities, following allegations of electoral irregularities, suppression of opposition parties, and police intimidation.

Suluhu Hassan was declared winner with 98 percent votes and was subsequently sworn in for a second term.

In a statement released Wednesday, Namalomba said government is taking measures to address the problem.

“Government wishes to inform the nation that it is fully aware of the fuel shortages currently being experienced across the country. Government understands the inconvenience this situation has caused to citizens and businesses and assures the public that it is firmly on top of the matter.

“The challenge has resulted mainly from logistical disruptions along the main supply routes through Tanzania. Government has already taken decisive action to normalize the situation.

“Deliveries are currently being processed, and normal fuel supply is expected to resume shortly. The Government acknowledges continued patience and cooperation from the public and it assures the nation that efforts are being made to ensure stable and sustainable fuel availability across the country,” he said

 

As Malawi continues to experience persistent blackouts, the Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited (EGENCO) has announced that as of today, the available generation capacity stands at 347.35MW

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the company said the temporary reduction in hydropower generation capacity is due to technical faults affecting some machines.

“As of today, our available generation capacity stands at 347.35MW. Two major units are currently out of service: Tedzani III Unit 5 (31 MW) has been offline since December 2024 due to burnt generator stator windings. We have finalized a contract with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of Austria to repair the machine.

“The OEM is mobilizing materials, and their engineers are expected to arrive in Malawi later this month to carry out the repairs. Nkula B Unit 5 (20 MW) failed to start upon restoration after replacement of turbine shaft seal which commenced on Friday, 31st October 2025 and completed last evening.

“Our engineering team is working diligently to restore this Unit. Our diesel generators which supplement power generation capacity in times of high demand or insufficient hydro generation capacity have been affected by the scarcity of diesel fuel.

“This means 51 MW of hydro capacity is currently unavailable for supply to ESCOM. We remain fully committed to restoring these units as quickly as possible and minimizing the impact on power supply. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” reads the statement in part

By Jeremiah Mphande:

President Peter Mutharika has urged newly appointed Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and the Attorney General to work with integrity and deliver tangible results for the nation, stressing that their appointments are a call to service and not a reward.

The President made the remarks at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Sunday during the swearing-in ceremony of 21 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, including Attorney General Frank Mbeta.

“This is not a time to eat, rather, it is a time to work, and to work hard for the prosperity of our beloved country,” said President Mutharika.

The President said his administration is focused on transforming the economy through production and exports to create jobs and generate foreign exchange.

He called on the new Cabinet to remove bottlenecks that hinder national progress and to support his development agenda with urgency and diligence.

Mutharika further announced that every constituency across the country will receive K5 billion annually to promote grassroots development under the decentralization policy.

He said this initiative aims to ensure that all Malawians benefit from national development programmes and that growth is inclusive and visible at community level.

He also challenged the Cabinet to empower young people by integrating skills development in national projects, saying the youth are central to driving industrialization, innovation and sustainable growth.

The President warned against corruption, describing it as a cancer that drains public resources and undermines national progress.

He reminded the newly appointed leaders to set an example by demonstrating transparency and financial prudence.

“No nation can prosper where corruption thrives,” he said, adding that every tambala of public funds must deliver value to the citizens.

Turning to the Attorney General, Mutharika urged him to strengthen the legislative framework to promote accountability, seal loopholes and ensure that all government contracts protect Malawi’s national interests.

He emphasized that leadership is a sacred trust and that those in public office must serve with humility, compassion and honour, pledging that he would closely monitor progress through monthly performance reports from each ministry.

“I have every hope that each one of you will serve with honour and distinction,” Mutharika said as he concluded his address.

The event was attended by Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, Second Vice President Enock Chihana, senior government officials, clergy and other invited guests.

 

High Court Judge Anneline Kathambi has lifted the FIA preservation order on Ceaser Mugore trading as Sura Trading Malawi, which supplied Malawi Defence Force equipment worth K1.7 billion. Following investigations, the court found no case against the company regarding the MDF contract.

The court also ordered FIA to unfreeze the company’s funds—more than K1.7 billion—from two Standard Bank accounts and one First Capital Bank account that had been frozen. FIA Senior Public Relations Officer Patience Lunda confirmed the development.

“The FIA secured a K1.7 billion forfeiture order against Sura Trading on suspicion it represented proceeds of procurement fraud. The Court’s ruling, delivered on 15 September 2025, directs the FIA to transfer the forfeited funds to the Confiscation Fund and then unfreeze the accounts for the owner’s use,” she said.

The court also ordered the FIA to publish the ruling in the Gazette or two widely circulated Malawian newspapers. Accordingly, the FIA published the Forfeiture Order in Malawi News and Weekend Nation.

The preservation order was issued in September 2022.