President Arthur Peter Mutharika has described the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Lieutenant General, George Jaffu as a professional who has the capacity and capability to enhance the country’s national security and stability.
Speaking during the official appointment and promotion of Jaffu as General of the Malawi Defence Force at his Page House residence in Mangochi on Friday, Mutharika hailed General Jaffu’s outstanding performance record and exceptional leadership skills, noting that he has been instrumental in modernising the Defence Force.
The President said that with a distinguished career spanning several years, General Jaffu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the values of the MDF.
“I have been following Jaffu, and he is a man who has a distinguished career. His appointment was a testament of his credentials and exceptional leadership skills, and I am proud of him,” said Mutharika.
Before his appointment as MDF General, Jaffu was Deputy Commander for the Defence Force since May 2024.
He has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from Derby University, United Kingdom, and has undergone various military courses, including joint operations planning and United Nations military observers training.
In an interview, General Jaffu said that one of his mission is to ensure the welfare and accommodation of soldiers.
“There are a lot of issues that I discussed with the President, concerning national security of this country, amongst them were issues to do with the welfare of our soldiers. We want to make sure that our soldiers are well kitted, that they have all the necessary uniforms and other accessories. But we also talked of the accommodation of our soldiers, including equipment,” Jaffu said.
First Capital Bank (FCB) says is it committed to empowering women in Malawi by supporting initiatives that promote their health and business growth, which are key areas that significantly impact women’s lives and development.
The Bank’s position was made clear during a High Tea Party event in Lilongwe on Wednesday, held in partnership with Umodzi Park to celebrate Mother’s Day, under the theme ‘Empowering Women in Business and Health’.
Speaking during the event, FCB Corporate Communications Manager, Memory Mwathengere, said the Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift women in different spheres of life.
“We were very delighted with this year’s theme. As a Bank, we take these issues seriously because women today face numerous challenges that require both financial and emotional support. Partnering with Umodzi Park allowed us to celebrate women while also promoting their growth and wellbeing,” said Mwathengere.
One of the keynote speakers, a business coach and entrepreneur Chifundo Chiphanzi, encouraged women to focus on financial discipline and long-term sustainability in their businesses.
“We are encouraging women to plan before spending money in their businesses. Proper planning and prioritisation not only sustain a business but also create room for growth and legacy building,” she said.
On her part, Hlalapi Kunkeyani, a nurse at Kamuzu Central Hospital, highlighted the importance of women prioritising their health as a foundation for family and community wellbeing.
“A healthy mother is a strong mother. When a woman takes care of her health, she is able to care for her family, her community, and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation,” she said.
The event served as both a celebration of motherhood and a platform for women from various sectors to discuss critical issues surrounding entrepreneurship and women’s health.
On September 16, Malawi went to the polls to elect president, members of parliament and councillors.
Among those who exercised their right to political participation were 78 candidates with disabilities, who contested in parliamentary and local government elections.
Out of the 78 candidates with disabilities, only five (all male) made it, representing 6.4 percent. Only one is a member of Parliament (MP) while the others are councillors.
“We acknowledge the positive milestone of five candidates with disabilities. This also highlights ongoing gender disparities, a critical concern that calls for the consideration of women with disabilities in initiatives that aim at politically empowering women during election times.
“While we celebrate these successes, the low conversion rate of 6.4 percent underscores significant challenges for candidates with disabilities. The gender imbalance is evident, with women constituting only 15.4 percent of candidates, none of whom has been elected. This clearly emphasises the need for continued advocacy and support to promote inclusive participation,” said Harriet Kachimanga, communications specialist for the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA).
Of the 78 candidates with disabilities, 18 run as MPs (15 males and three females) while 60 participated in the Local Government Elections (51 males and nine females). Of the total, 34 contested as independent candidates, according to MACODA.
Down but not out
When the calling became louder and strong, Mphamvu Miracle Kalima did not hesitate but expressed her interest to contest as a councillor for Nyamadzere Ward in Nsanje District.
“In 2022 I decided I was ready to run as ward councillor in the general elections after undergoing training that non-governmental organisations were organising in the area. I have always wanted to actively fight and amplify the voices of the youth, people with disabilities and the elderly in my community,” Kalima told The Times Group, adding that her short stature became a source of ridicule from some sectors along the way.
Amid all the challenges, Kalima stayed put and run a vigorous campaign. Out of the 10 candidates that competed, Kalima came second with 2,642 votes.
“As an independent candidate, I run a very difficult campaign. I had little resources, mobility was a problem but I still managed to come second out of the 10 contestants, some of whom had political parties backing,” she said
Despite her loss, Kalima said she will bounce back in the next elections.
“For me, quitting was never an option because I felt that doing that would have discouraged many women and people with disabilities from running for public office because I know that having a disability is not a crime and is not supposed to limit my dreams. It is not over, I will bounce back, even stronger.
“For now, I will continue to be a voice of the disadvantaged. I will continue taking part in development activities as I used to be,” said Kalima, who has served in Voices of the Youth and People with Disability, Nsanje District Youth Network as vice chairperson and as the Area Development Committee (ADC) chairperson.
In Mulanje South West Constituency, Emilia Lucia Chapaheya came a distant fifth in a parliamentary race of eight contestants.
Despite her poor posting, she is not ready to abandon her political ambitions.
“Despite facing various challenges such as being denied access to hold rallies in other areas and receiving threats from opponents, the elections have shown that some people still believe in my capabilities. They understand that being a person with a disability does not necessarily mean I cannot do anything because I have discovered that those who are considered able and have been representing people have not done well in bringing development in their areas.
“So, I am not quitting, this is just a stepping stone. I will bounce back,” said Chipaheya, who stood as an independent and got 228 votes.
Levelling the playing field
Harriet Kachimanga. Picture Source: MACODA
Moving forward, MACODA said stakeholders need to conduct a post-election analysis to identify the key reasons for the setback.
“MACODA will remain committed to observing election results, supporting candidates with disabilities and addressing the systemic barriers that hinder equitable representation in our democracy. Further, under its legal obligation under the Persons with Disabilities Act, the Council will develop concrete guidelines to promote the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political processes like elections.
“Additionally, MACODA would like to implore all electoral stakeholders to look at disability inclusive electoral and political practices as a process and not an event; hence, there is a need to reform the country’s electoral legal norms and procedures as well as political cultures at the political party level in order to consider affirmative actions that would scale up political representation of persons with disabilities. One such area of reform would be lobbying for electoral law reform and advocating for the adoption of disability inclusive policies by political parties,” Kachimanga said.
The Disability Act of 2024 provides for deliberate policies and measures to guarantee the participation in political and public life of persons with disabilities.
“The government shall, through deliberate policies, create a conducive environment for persons with disabilities to effectively and fully exercise their political rights, directly or through their freely chosen representatives,” the Act reads in part.
On the other hand, the Gender Equality Act encourages equal participation of women in decision-making processes. But despite this, women continue to lag behind when it comes to participation in political spaces.
The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) on Friday cancelled a media inspection tour at Kamuzu Palace, over an hour after journalists were made to wait at the main gate.
According to Nation Online, 15 journalists from Nation Publications Limited, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Mibawa Television, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, MIJ FM and Malawi News Agency (MANA) convened at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe’s City Centre by the scheduled 1pm but only left after 2pm, arriving at the palace gate around 2:45pm.
The tour, organized by OPC, was to enable journalists to appreciate the extensive vandalism occurred at State Residences during the handover period, prompting investigations and urgent repair works.
According to the publication, Director of Communication in the OPC, Victor Sibale, who was facilitating the tour, told reporters that the inspection could not proceed because key personnel meant to conduct the exercise were not available, as the President was currently in the Southern Region.
“We apologise for the inconvenience. The tour will [have to] be rescheduled to a later date,” Sibale said at the palace gates.
Despite the OPC’s assurance that the tour will be rescheduled, journalists have expressed frustration over the abrupt cancellation, describing it as poorly coordinated and raising doubts about transparency in government communication.
MISA Malawi has strongly condemns the manhandling of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General, George Kasakula, by the suspected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) sympathizers.
In the morning of Friday, October 10, 2025, a group of men stormed MBC’s Kwacha premises in Blantyre, forced Kasakula to a live on-air apology to President Peter Mutharika and the DPP before manhandling him out of the premises.
“We spoke to Mr. Kasakula, who confirmed the incident and that he has reported the matter to the police. MISA Malawi condemns these barbaric and criminal acts in strongest terms and demands that the police deal with this impunity by swiftly investigating the matter and bringing the perpetrators to book.
“We specifically call upon the newly appointed Inspector General of Police Mr. Richard Luhanga to step up and act on this incident as an indication of impartiality by the police in addressing citizen safety and not being partisan.
“The DPP must also institute. disciplinary action against its suspected sympathizers. What has happened to Mr. Kasakula is an assault not only on him as a person but on media freedom and has a chilling effect on the entire MBC staff.
“If left unchecked, this action could instill fear among many journalists who are supposed to freely enjoy their right to press freedom. MISA Malawi engaged DPP Secretary General Mr. Peter Mukhito, who said the party strongly condemns what has happened and has asked the police to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.
“Mr. Mukhito said President Mutharika does not condone such behaviour. We expect the party and the President to live up to their words and beliefs in the democratic values,” said MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga.
He also said MISA Malawi also got an assurance from the Minister of State, Alfred Gangata, that the government will look into the matter and safeguard the rights of all MBC employees.
“We demand and expect the police and the party’s quick action on the perpetrators. We need to decisively end impunity for any crimes against journalists,” he said
The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has ordered RAB Processors Limited to pay a fine as a percentage of its annual gross revenues, after being found that the company’s pricing practices were excessive and exploitative, disproportionately affecting consumers.
According to a statement signed by CFTC chief executive officer Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma, the Commission launched investigations against RAB Processors Limited (trading as Kulima Gold) on 21st January, 2025, following reports of exponential increases in fertilizer prices.
“The Commission found that the company’s pricing practices were excessive and exploitative, disproportionately affecting consumers. This conduct was deemed to violate Section 51 (q) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA), which prohibits excessive or exploitative pricing in relation to consumers.
“Furthermore, the Commission determined that the company’s actions constituted unconscionable conduct under Section 51(g) of the CFTA, as they unfairly burdened consumers without regard for faimess or equity.
“The Commission further noted that fertilizer is a critical input for agriculture in Malawi, and such practices undermine food security and economic stability for farmers and the general public,” reads the statement in part
The Commission also ordered the company to pay a monetary penalty of equivalent of 1% of their annual turnover to the Commission for engaging in exploitative pricing of goods, contrary to section 51 (q) of the CFTA.
It has also ordered Rab Processors Limited to pay a monetary penalty of equivalent of 1% of their annual turnover to the Commission for engaging in unconscionable conduct, contrary to section 51 (g) of the CFTA.
Three ministers have officially been sworn today at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre following their recent appointment by President Peter Mutharika on October 5, 2025.
George Chaponda took the oath of office, oath of allegiance and Oath of Office as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Mwanamveka sworn in as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, while Alfred Gangata assumed the position of Minister of State in the office of president.
Speaking after the swearing in of the three ministers, Mutharika said his mission is to address challenges left behind by the previous Malawi Congress Party administration.
“Our vision with the cabinet ministers is to build this country and make a government that serves people with no corruption. This is now a free country,” he said.
The president also addressed concerns over gender representation in his appointments.
“I receive comments that in my first partial appointments there are no women. I assure the people that our government will be diversified and inclusive. People just want to criticize APM all the time. Dont accuse me of gender insensitivity,” he added.
The swearing in at Sanjika Palace was administered by Director of Civil Litigation, Legislative Counsel in Ministry of Justice, Richard Santhe.
President Mutharika appointed the three ministers as first phase of ministerial appointments apart from two other appointments of Chief Secretary, Justin Saidi, Deputy Chief Secretary Stuart Ligomeka who also sworn in, taking their oaths of office and allegiance, committing to serve Malawi with total dedication.
Newly sworn in Minister of State in the Presidents office, Alfred Ruwan Gangata, 37, thanked President, Peter Mutharika for his appointment into cabinet, saying he is committed to work hard to serve the country with total dedication in line with the presidents mission to deliver with purpose.
“With this position, I will try my best to work hard and serve the country with purpose,” said young minister in the first phase of ministerial appointment.
Speaking after swearing in of Gangata and two other ministers, President Mutharika said he appointed Gangata to ensure that young people are well represented at the highest level of government.
“Gangata is a young and energetic person, and by choosing him, I want to bring the youth back into the economy. He will lead the youth and work to empower them,” he added.
The President further stated that Gangatas ministry will operate directly under his office to help restore the participation of young people in the countrys democratic and economic systems.
Apart from Gangata, other ministers sworn in include George Chapatula Chaponda as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Joseph Mathyola Mwanamveka as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.
President Mutharika appointed the ministers on October 5, marking the first phase of forming his new cabinet. Other ministerial and key government positions are expected to be announced as the administration completes its leadership team.
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has received a state-of-the-art Agricultural Transformation Centre building, valued at over $3 million (over K5.1 bullion), from the Global Action to End Smoking.
LUANAR’s Natural Resources College (NRC) Campus Smart Farm in Lilongwe, the Centre, referred as “The Global Action Agricultural Transformation Centre, has a laboratory for soil testing and a food processing to help entrepreneurs add value to root and tuber crops such as sweet potatoes and cassava before certification by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
The Center
Designed by ORG Urbanism and Architecture and constructed by SR Nicholas Construction
Company, the landmark facility is part of the six-year Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) project implemented in Malawi by Land O’Lakes Venture37 with generous funding from the Global Action to End Smoking.
CAT Executive Director, Macleod Nkhoma, described the Centre as a “game-changer” in Malawi’s agricultural transformation journey.
“After six years of working directly with over 100,000 and indirectly with over 860,000 smallholder farmers, we are proud to see this Centre come to life. Its establishment, being part of our donor’s agreement with LUANAR, ensures that the legacy of CAT lives on. This Centre arrives at a critical time as we conclude our project with confidence, knowing it will continue to serve farmers, students, and researchers. It stands as a lasting symbol of impact,” said Nkhoma.
LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, welcomed the development, calling it a milestone investment that aligns with LUANAR’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
“This Centre positions LUANAR as a regional hub for agricultural research, teaching, and outreach. It will not only enhance our academic capacity but also offer direct support to the surrounding farming communities. We are grateful to the Global Action to End Smoking for this timely and strategic investment,” said Kaunda.
He emphasised that the university is committed to ensuring the centre remains affordable for all farmers seeking innovative solutions to improve soil fertility and crop yields, while sustaining the momentum built by CAT.
“We want to ensure that the university continues to make an impact on the farming community and the agriculture sector at large by keeping laboratory services affordable. We have the Centre for Innovation, Excellence, Research and Commercialisation, which will oversee the daily operations of the facility to ensure that no farmer is left behind,” said Kaunda.
Global Action to End Smoking Vice President and Country Director for Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI), Dr Candida Nakhumwa, emphasized that the purpose-built and fully equipped and furnished Centre is designed to support cutting-edge research, particularly in response to the global decline in tobacco demand.
“It will also promote sustainable agricultural and nutritional alternatives, serving as a vital hub for farmers, students, researchers, and other stakeholders in agricultural value chains. Among other facilities, the soil analysis laboratory at the Centre is especially key in supporting farmers to address soil health challenges which is key for increasing agricultural productivity. The rooms and open spaces are purposefully furnished to promote networking and innovation,” noted Nakhumwa.
The Centre is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between LUANAR and Global Action to End Smoking, aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation in Malawi.
Under the agreement, LUANAR committed to provide land for the Centre’s construction and for CAT project to establish Smart Farms at both its Bunda and NRC campuses.
With the new Centre, LUANAR is expected to scale up its research and outreach activities, broaden student training opportunities, and deepen partnerships with the private sector, government, and development actors in transforming Malawi’s agriculture.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority has raised fuel pump prices effective October 1, 2025, citing increased landed costs of petrol and diesel despite global price decreases and a stable local currency.
According to a statement released and signed by Board Chairperson Charles Kambauwa on September 30, 2025, both petrol and diesel prices have been adjusted upwards after exceeding the ±5 percent trigger limit.
“Petrol will now be sold at MWK3,499 per litre, up from MWK2,530, representing a 38.30 percent increase, while diesel will cost MWK3,500 from MWK2,734, a 28.02 percent hike,” reads the statement.
The statement further says that despite Free-On-Board prices of petrol and diesel decreasing by 10.64 percent and 18.14 percent, respectively, higher in-bond landed costs forced the regulator to revise the retail pump prices.
“Importers were being quoted at an average market exchange rate of MWK2,350.00 per dollar, against the official MWK1,751.00, increasing landed costs of petroleum products beyond the allowable threshold,” MERA emphasized.
According to the presser, the new pump prices are aimed at ensuring sustainable fuel supply and cost-reflective pricing, with operators compelled by law to sell at or below the approved maximum prices.
“By law, all operators are required to sell petroleum products at prices not exceeding the above approved regulated maximum pump prices,” Kambauwa stressed in the official statement.
The last time the prices of fuel were revised was in November 2023, when MERA last conducted a pump price review before the current adjustments triggered by global and local market shifts.
