Airtel Africa has stressed the need for partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data centres as key drivers of Africa’s digital future. Chief Executive Officer for the leading provider of telecommunications and mobile services, Sunil Taldar, believes the next decade of Africa’s telecom revolution will focus on enabling people to create value through digital connectivity.
In his keynote address at the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Kigali, Taldar called for collaboration among operators, regulators, investors, and innovators to build a continent where data is processed locally, talent is developed nationally, and innovation is scaled globally.
“Africa’s digital decade has begun. The continent that once leapfrogged into mobile telephony is now ready to leap again, into an era where every byte of data fuels productivity and every connection builds prosperity. Africa is ready for its next leap from access to productivity. This requires partnership between operators who co-build, technology manufacturers who equip, regulators who enable, investors who believe, tax regimes which support, and young Africans who create,” he said.
Airtel Africa’s CEO emphasized that AI is essential for smarter, greener networks, enhanced customer experiences, and more secure mobile money. He also highlighted the need for interconnected data centres via high-capacity fibre to ensure inclusive digital access, even in remote areas.
Taldar further highlighted Airtel Africa’s investments in major data-centre hubs in Nigeria and Kenya, as well as the company’s use of AI to enhance operations, including fraud detection, customer onboarding, and energy optimisation.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame urged governments and private sector players to harmonize policies and foster innovation to create a bold, connected, and competitive Africa.
“While the challenges that Africa faces are significant, they also offer great growth potential if we collaborate. Governments, the private sector, and other partners should harmonize policies and create the right environment for innovation. This will enable our data and payment systems to flow securely across borders and connect our economies. The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected, and competitive,” said Kagame.
The conference discussions align with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which prioritizes digital transformation for inclusive growth. Airtel Malawi’s efforts in expanding infrastructure, applying AI, and improving mobile money services support these national objectives and contribute to Africa’s broader digital future.
Castel Malawi Limited has deepened its drive to foster employee well-being and strengthen workplace harmony, following the successful Castel Malawi Workers Union (Camawu) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Salima over the weekend.
Addressing Camawu members, Castel Malawi Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba, stressed that the company values a strong, independent workers union as an essential partner in promoting a healthy and productive working environment.
“We believe that an organization with an empowered union and employees who freely express themselves is better positioned to thrive. The annual general meeting provides a space for reflection, review, and planning, ensuring that employees and management continue moving forward together,’’ said Zimba.
Zimba highlighted several milestones achieved since the last AGM, particularly in the area of employee welfare and work-life balance.
Among the developments, Castel Malawi has established social welfare teams, including football and netball clubs in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, to promote unity and well-being among staff.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Castel Malawi has improved facilities for casual employees, including new restrooms, changing areas, and designated break spaces, ensuring that all workers enjoy dignity and comfort regardless of employment status.
“Casual workers deserve to be treated with the same respect as permanent employees. We are proud of the progress we have made in providing them with proper amenities and spaces,” said Zimba.
From a business perspective, Castel Malawi continues to demonstrate strong market performance as it was recognized by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), the second-highest taxpayer in Malawi last year.
Zimba attributed the achievement to increased demand for Castel products, driven by the successful rebranding of Kuchekuche and the introduction of Sapitwa beer, both of which have injected new energy into the Castel brand.
“These brands have captured the excitement of Malawian consumers, and we are proud to see that some of our products are now crossing borders into Mozambique and Zambia,” added Zimba.
Camawu President, Ruben Kapito commended the collaborative spirit between management and employees.
“Productivity has been high, and this shows that things are moving in the right direction. Castel Malawi is not only performing well in the market but also ensuring that employee concerns are heard,” said Kapito.
The Paul Katema Foundation has tonight awarded 16 outstanding young entrepreneurs with K200,000 each in seed funding as part of the ongoing Young Builders Challenge, an initiative aimed at empowering youth through entrepreneurship.
The winners, drawn from both public and private universities across Malawi, were selected after presenting innovative business ideas to the Foundation.
These finalists, together with their runners up and 10 others from the open (non school affiliates) will now advance to the next phase of the competition, where even greater rewards await: the ultimate winner will receive K5 million, the runner-up K2.5 million, and the third-place finalist K1 million. All top prize winners will also benefit from tailored business mentorship.
Speaking during a live online announcement, Paul Katema, founder of the Foundation, stressed that the selection process prioritized merit.
“We combined public voting with a thorough evaluation from a diverse panel of six judges,” he said. “The judges’ input contributed 40 percent to the overall decision, ensuring a transparent and fair process.”
Katema further revealed that the competition attracted over 700 entries, demonstrating the high level of interest and entrepreneurial spirit among Malawi’s youth.
“This initiative is about more than just funding, It’s about igniting the potential in our young people and equipping them with the tools to build businesses that drive change in their communities using home grown solutions.”
The final awarding ceremony is scheduled for the end of this year.
The fourty finalists were picked by public voting and a panel of six Judges drawn from diverse backgrounds.
The Judges were; Bensam from the multimedia sector, Vincent Kumwenda from the ICT industry, Fellistus Ngwira and Dennis Imaan from the Multi-Media, and Sparkle Topola, a professional nurse.
When the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was born in 2005, it presented itself as a bold new force-pragmatic, developmental, and untainted by the corruption and infighting that plagued Malawi’s early multiparty years.
Twenty years later, that promise has come full circle.
The DPP has governed, stumbled, lost, and returned to power. Now, after its comeback in 2025, the party faces a decisive question: will it cling to old habits or embrace true renewal?
The ideology that built the DPP From the start, the DPP’s strength lay not in rigid ideology but in practical ambition.
Bingu wa Mutharika’s “Let the work of my hands speak for me” mantra captured the party’s essence: deliver roads, fertiliser, and growth and let results justify authority.
This development-first posture resonated deeply with a nation weary of endless talk and little progress. Even today, many Malawians still associate the DPP with a period of relative economic stability and visible infrastructure expansion.
The party’s identity as a developmentalist movement remains its greatest political asset. Yet, what once worked as a symbol of efficiency now risks becoming a relic of personality politics.
The limits of a personality cult The DPP’s return to government under Arthur Peter Mutharika has revived familiar faces, networks, and slogans. But it has also reignited old tensions between reformers who see the need to modernise and loyalists who view renewal as betrayal.
The reality is that Malawi’s political terrain has changed. A younger, more educated electorate no longer votes solely along regional or patronage lines. They demand transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.
The DPP cannot rely indefinitely on nostalgia for Bingu’s economic boom or Peter’s incumbency advantage. Renewal is not just desirable – it’s existential.
Three fronts for renewal
Leadership succession. The DPP must prepare a new generation of leaders who can translate its developmentalist legacy into 21st-century governance. Renewal does not mean erasing the Mutharika legacy it means extending it beyond one family. Grooming credible successors at parliamentary and district levels would signal confidence, not weakness.
Institutional reform. The DPP’s biggest vulnerability has been its perception as a “winner- takes-all” organisation where power is centralised at the top. To rebuild credibility, it needs open internal elections, transparent financing, and consistent disciplinary procedures. A professional party secretariat not personality-based patronage should drive policy and organisation.
Ideological clarity. The DPP’s greatest ideological strength-pragmatism has also been its weakness. Renewal requires articulating a clear, forward-looking vision: a progressive developmental state that invests in production, digitalisation, and youth employment while maintaining fiscal discipline.
A written manifesto that ties spending priorities to measurable outcomes would turn slogans into strategy. Renewal as political insurance Renewal is not just about good governance it’s about survival. Across Africa, parties that failed to reinvent themselves after two decades in power have faded into opposition or irrelevance.
The DPP’s 2020 defeat showed how quickly public goodwill evaporates when citizens sense arrogance or stagnation. Its 2025 victory gives it one more chance to prove that experience can coexist with humility and innovation.
A test of legacy As the DPP marks its twentieth anniversary, it has a choice. It can remain a party of personalities, or it can become a movement of purpose one capable of leading Malawi through the next generation of economic and social transformation.
True renewal will not come through speeches alone. It will come when younger leaders are empowered, when corruption is punished even within the party’s own ranks, and when the DPP’s. idea of “development” shifts from infrastructure to inclusion-jobs, education, and technology.
If the DPP can rise to that challenge, it might not just survive the next election cycle it could finally deliver on the full promise that inspired its creation in 2005.
Members of Timverane Club, a grouping of Tobacco farmers in the country, can now afford a smile after emerging winners of the FCB Kupha Makwacha Promotion grand prize.
The Club won a brand-new motorcycle through a grand draw the Bank conducted on Monday in Blantyre.
The promotion, which started in May and ended in August, targeted tobacco farmers across the country who bank with FCB as one way of supporting and developing tobacco farming.
Speaking after the final draw, FCB Marketing Manager Pachalo Stanley Chiyora said the Bank, as a strong supporter of farming in Malawi, introduced the promotion to assist tobacco farmers while contributing to the growth of the national economy.
“Tobacco farming is known as the backbone of Malawi’s economy, and as a Bank, we introduced this promotion to assist farmers in their day-to-day activities. It was a way of motivating them while also giving back to them as our valued customers,” said Chiyora.
He further emphasized that the Bank remains committed to providing better services to tobacco farmers and fostering continued development in the tobacco farming industry.
“We are happy with the level of participation we saw from farmers. Going forward, we will continue to support them and look into more ways to strengthen our partnership when we return next year,” said Chiyora.
The promotion also had 96 other winners who got various prizes including bicycles, bags of maize, K150,000 cash, and branded T-shirts.
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has partnered with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter to unveil a new media award aimed at fighting the growing problem of electricity infrastructure vandalism in the country.
The initiative, dubbed the ‘ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Media Award’, aims to encourage in-depth and solution-oriented journalism on the effects of infrastructure vandalism on Malawi’s economic growth and public safety.
Set to begin on November 1 this year, the award will recognize outstanding reporting in Print, Electronic, and Online Media categories.
Each winner will walk away with a cash prize of K1 million, a move designed to both reward excellence and inspire sustained coverage of this pressing issue.
Speaking during the launch, Pilirani Phiri, ESCOM’s Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, said the award showcases the corporation’s commitment to addressing vandalism through collaboration with the media.
“Vandalism of ESCOM infrastructure is not just a commercial challenge for us; it is a direct attack on Malawi’s future, causing blackouts that stall economic activity and disrupt critical services. This award is a powerful statement of our commitment to fighting this scourge and strengthening media partnerships as a foundation for national progress,” said Phiri.
Echoing the sentiment, Golden Matonga, Chairperson of MISA Malawi, hailed the partnership as a timely and strategic collaboration that empowers journalists to use their platforms for the public good.
“We are delighted to partner with ESCOM on this vital public interest initiative. The award recognizes the media’s indispensable role in public sensitization and accountability. It is a meaningful incentive for journalists to dedicate their skills to a subject of such national importance,’’ said Matonga.
According to the organizers, eligible stories will include those published or broadcast between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
Winners are set to be honoured during the annual MISA Malawi Media Awards ceremony in May 2026.
Both ESCOM and MISA Malawi have called on journalists and media houses across the country to take advantage of the competition period to explore and expose the root causes, consequences, and possible solutions to infrastructure vandalism.
Elipher Mvula, a determined and passionate individual with a disability, had always dreamed of transforming her community. She had contested as a Councillor for Bangwe Namiyango Ward on UTM ticket, but unfortunately, she didn’t win.
Despite her notable developments and commitment to her community, Elipher felt disheartened by the election outcome.
“I’m disappointed. I realized that most people in our area vote for candidates based on handouts, not their manifesto or vision for the community. It’s disheartening to see people prioritizing short-term gains over long-term development,” Elipher said
Her story highlights the determination and resilience in the face of adversity, raising awareness about accessibility and inclusivity in politics, and encouraging change.
This wasn’t Elipher’s first rodeo in politics. She had contested as a Member of Parliament in 2009 and as a Councillor in Mzimba North in 2019. Each time, she poured her heart and soul into her campaign, only to be met with disappointment.
“I’m starting to feel like it’s a waste of time,” Elipher confessed. “I’ve dedicated myself to serving my community, but it seems like people don’t appreciate genuine leadership. They’d rather sell their votes for a few coins.”
Despite her setbacks, Elipher’s passion for transforming her community remains unwavering. She believes that with the right leadership, her area can experience significant development and growth.
Harriet Kachimanga, Public Relations Officer for the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process.
Kachimanga
“We commend the Malawi Electoral Commission for its inclusive approach towards people with disabilities. MEC has been committed to disability inclusion throughout the electoral process starting from registration to nomination papers. They even reduced the fees for people with disability. However, we need to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities, such as negative attitudes and limited support.”
Maggie Kathewera Banda, Executive Director for Women’s Legal Resources Center (WOLREC), emphasized the need for affirmative action to promote women’s participation in politics. “Countries that have done well have affirmative action in place. Without it, we’ll be singing the same song every election.”
According to MACODA, 137,925 people with disabilities participated in Malawi’s past elections representing 1.92% of registered voters. MACODA issued 95 disability certificates to the candidates while MEC approved 78 candidates.
Out of the 78 candidates, 18 were contesting as Members of Parliament and only 3 were women while 60 contested as ward councillors, 51 were male and 9 female.
The night of 11th October was another kind of a night in the History of Malawi and also in God’ kingdom as we witnessed the noise of cheering all loud and live music by the old Band Kalimba and also Skeffa Chimoto in the city centre at Capital Hotel where the charismatic Prophetic Preacher Senior Prophet Justice Hara was launching his maiden appearance in the book writing industry.
Senior Prophet Justice Hara who is currently serving as the Deputy In command(Associate Pastor)of ECG the Jesus Nation is well known in the world,who started prophetic ministry at a very tender age and now touching millions of souls across the globe.
Speaking during the occasion of Books Launching that was graced by a famous men of God in Malawi ,politicians,Business people,ECG followers,students from different colleges and also senior Government officials he said he started writing books when he was young,all he was waiting was time to manifest the talent. “I have written a number of books that will touch alot of lives,i have just started with five books that we have launched today says Hara.
”These fives books were written not on imagination but based on revelations; there are alot of profound secrets you will find in these books,they are not just mere books but powerfull revelations. In this information age, true power lies in Divine, precise knowledge and wisdom, especially in these critical end times.” says Prophet Hara.
In his statement Bishop Kachikuni of Living waters who was the Guest of Honor said Prophet Hara is not just a mere man,he is the man full of wisdom. “i believe in him,i have known him some years back….he is the man of Prayer and believe me in these books you will never regret having your copies” said Bishop Kachikuni.
Among the renown people who attended the Launching was Honorable Skeffa Chimoto, Hon Kandodo,Prophet Mbale and other high level dignatories.
The five books that were launched includes DESTINY IS A MYSTERY, WHO IS MANal, UNVEILING THE MYSTERY OF FATHERHOOD and SONSHIP, EXPOSITION ON PRISON EPISTLES and EXPOSITION ON PRAYER.
President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who is also chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Richard Msowoya, as Head of Mission for the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania is scheduled to hold its General Elections on 29th October, 2025, during which citizens will elect the President, Members of the National Assembly, and Ward Councillors.
Minister of Foreign Affair and international Cooperation, George Chaponda has confirmed the development, saying the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) operates under the leadership of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Upon receipt of an official invitation from a Member State to observe its national elections, the Chairperson of the Organ appoints a Head of Mission (HoM) to lead the delegation.
The Chairperson is further supported by the Organ Troika, which comprises the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), the Incoming and Outgoing Chairpersons, and two members of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC).
In addition, the Chairperson may appoint an Alternate Head of Mission to assist in the execution of the Mission’s mandate.
In the heat of misfortunes, women have repeatedly demonstrated that resilience is their strongest asset. For women in business, the journey to success is often filled with challenges, some rooted in personal loss while others stem from a desire to achieve more and become more.
It is not surprising that their courage transforms into unstoppable momentum when these women find the right support.
As we celebrate International Women’s month, we turn the spotlight on a group of remarkable women who have challenged the odds, built thriving businesses, and contributed to the economic growth of their families and communities with support from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s ‘Amai Angathe’ product offering.
Layka Thakwalakwa from Nchalo, an ambitious woman in the agri-business sector, faced a life-altering challenge when Cyclone Freddy hit in 2022, wiping out much of her livestock and leaving her in despair. Her business, which had been thriving, was suddenly at risk of collapsing.
Sharing her story, Thakwalakwa complained that she saw her dreams being shattered after the crisis, until the Bank came to her rescue.
“I felt like my world was crumbling around me as I had invested so much, and with the Cyclone, everything was gone. I didn’t know how to rebuild myself. Instead of giving up, I started to look for ways in which l could grow my business, that’s when l reached out to NBM.”
“In 2023, l applied for a loan of K4 million which helped me build again my business. After l had paid off the loan, I upgraded to another K7 million loan which has boosted my business. Now, l supply my goods to several supermarkets across the Southern Region,” she shares.
thakwalakwa displays the products from her factory
Presently, Thakwalakwa has managed to purchase machinery that processes honey and rice, and employs 12 people in her growing business.
For another Nchalo-based powerhouse Grace Mlanga, her journey to success began in the online clothing business before she found her passion in agriculture.
Pivoting from fashion to farming, Grace now supplies maize, beans, and other legumes to secondary schools, a business that is growing rapidly.
“The clothing business was operating online, and it was moving slow, hence I needed more. When I discovered the potential in agriculture, I knew I had to make the switch. However, I needed capital to start and that’s when I approached NBM plc and got a loan of K2 million in 2023,” says Mlanga.
With the loan she accessed, she switched into a rapidly growing market.
“Unlike in the early days, when I struggled due to limited capital and low income, I can now meet the demands of my customers,” she shares.
She says the loan has transformed her business, allowing her to supply healthy and nutritious produce to schools, making her feed the future generation while making profits at the same time.
Grace Phiri Mlanga
“I never thought I would be here today, I am proud of what I have built, and none of this would have been possible without the Bank’s support. It has been a game-changer for me,” reveals Grace.
In Nchalo again, is Grace Kalidozo, whose entrepreneurial journey began in the electronics sector.
However, the nature of the electronics business is slow moving, so while still operating that business, she wanted a business with more and faster returns.
She too benefited from the NBM plc’s ‘Amai Angathe’ loan, which provided the platform she needed to expand her business and start selling maize and maize flour at Nchalo Market.
“The loan from the bank allowed me to add another business to my operating business model and start selling maize and maize flour at Nchalo market,” she informs.
After her first loan of K2 million, Kalidozo’s business took off, and in the same year she upgraded to K5 million loan. By 2024, she was granted another K7 million, which enabled her to scale up her maize production and distribution.
“With the additional loans, I was able to expand my stock and reach a larger customer base. I am now able to serve the entire Nchalo market, and I have a steady income. It feels like my business is finally on the right path,” Kalidozo explains, beaming with pride.
The bank’s commitment goes beyond supporting women in agri-business, it also empowers female entrepreneurs across diverse industries.
In Blantyre’s Chilobwe township, you will meet Gloria Unyolo, a prime example of this expanded vision.
Unyolo, who began her journey in the second-hand clothing business, is now the founder and director of Gracious Private Academy.
Like many ambitious entrepreneurs, she has always dreamed big and aspired to own a private school.
After her business began to grow, she started to face challenges in her operations for the academy, including the need for better infrastructure, more staff members, and additional learning materials to accommodate the increasing number of students.
These growing demands prompted her to seek further financial support, which she found through the ‘Amai Angathe’ loan, allowing her to expand and enhance the academy’s facilities.
“I initially received a loan of K5 million, which I was able to repay quickly. This success enabled me to apply for a second loan of K7 million.”
“With the loan I have managed to add classroom blocks. Before, I used to borrow money from friends, which l was supposed to pay back within 30 days, but now I can get a loan and pay little by little while my projects are progressing,” she explains.
NBM Plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager for NBM Plc, Akossa Hiwa, highlights the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in business through such products.
“We believe that empowering women is the key to fostering sustainable growth and development. The ‘Amai Angathe’ loan product offering was created to provide women with the financial support they need to realize their full potential. This is perfectly aligned to this year’s International Women’s Day theme of ‘Accelerating-Action’.”
“Our focus is on creating opportunities for women to succeed in business, and we are happy with the impact that this service has had on the lives of entrepreneurs. These women are not just building businesses; they are also creating jobs and driving economic growth,” she explains.
