The Atlas Malawi

Category: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

  • Disqualified UTM candidate drags MEC to court, claims action unlawful

    Disqualified UTM candidate drags MEC to court, claims action unlawful

    Disqualified UTM Nkhotakota Liwaladzi constituency candidate, Daniel Binda has dragged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to court claiming that the action was unlawful.

    According to a court order for directions which we have seen, High Court judge Madalitso Khose-Chimwaza is expected to hear the case on Friday, September 5, with the judgement to be delivered on September 8 2025.

    Through his lawyer Khwima Mchizi, Binda alleges the removal was unlawful and unfair and seeks consequential orders.

    Confirming the development with this reporter, Mchizi said MEC disqualified Binda because he paid nomination fees under the category of a youth, when he was not.

    Binda is 35 years old. The revised National Youth Policy of 2023-2028 defines youth as all persons from the age of 10 to 35 years regardless of their sex, race, education, culture, religion, economic, marital and physical status.

    “The National Youth Policy defines a youth as a person who is 35 years old and below. My client is 35 years old, and he is a youth. However, MEC defines a youth as someone who is less than 35 years old.

    “We argue that the National Youth Policy guides youth because the government wanted certainty to avoid confusing the citizens. Where there is confusion between two government agencies, that shouldn’t weigh against the citizen’s right to participate in politics,” he said

    The order, delivered on August 29, directed Binda to file exhibits and skeleton arguments within 72 hours, with MEC responding within 72 hours.

    The application was made under Section 42 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act. No. 10 0f 2023, seeking review of the decision of MEC.

    When a matter falls under Section 42(2), the court is empowered to abridge or compress standard procedural timelines. The section typically aims to bring the matter to a hearing quickly and may also set a target timetable for judgment, ensuring that decisions are delivered within a short, defined window after the hearing.

  • Presidential Debates Task Force engages political parties for participation

    Presidential Debates Task Force engages political parties for participation

    By Evance Matola:

    The task force organizing Malawi’s presidential debates has confirmed ongoing discussions with five political parties to secure the participation of their presidential candidates ahead of the second round of debates.

    Chairperson Golden Matonga told the Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday that the debates are scheduled for September 9, 2025, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, starting at 6 PM.

    Matonga emphasized that the debates are crucial for a healthy democracy, giving voters a chance to make informed decisions ahead of the September 16, 2025, general election.

    “As the task force, we decided to resume the second and final round of debates following a postponement that allowed time for discussions with political party leaders. I can now confirm that we are engaging with them to encourage participation,” Matonga said.

    Political analyst Dr. George Chaima said the debates will provide an opportunity for citizens to hear the manifestos of presidential aspirants ahead of the polls.

    The second round of debates had initially been scheduled for August 29, 2025, but was postponed after the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) announced they would not participate.

    The first round, held on August 21, 2025, saw participation from UTM, UDF, and People’s Party (PP) leaders.

     

  • MCP’s Chaziya drums support for Nangozo Kainga in Zomba City South Constituency

    MCP’s Chaziya drums support for Nangozo Kainga in Zomba City South Constituency

    Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspirant Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya, who has confidently declared victory in the upcoming general elections, on Friday campaigned in the newly demarcated Zomba City South Constituency, urging voters to support President Lazarus Chakwera and the party’s parliamentary candidate, Patricia Nangozo Kainga.

    Chaziya, who Member of Parliament (MP) for Chilobwe Constituency in Lilongwe, addressed MCP followers during a political rally held at Works Ground in Zomba.

    He called for unity among voters, emphasizing that meaningful development can only be achieved through collaboration between the President, Members of Parliament, and local councillors of same Party.

    Chaziya described Kainga as a development-oriented candidate committed to serving the people, contrasting her with opponents he accused of prioritizing political gain over the needs of the community.

    Patricia Nangozo Kainga, the MCP candidate for Zomba City South, pledged to bring transformative development to improve the lives of local residents.

    She urged voters to turn out in large numbers and vote for MCP candidates,from President to councillor, stating that continued development in the constituency depends on electing leaders from the same party.

    Kainga will face stiff competition from candidates representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the United Transformation Movement (UTM) in the upcoming parliamentary race.

  • The Walkers launches in style

    The Walkers launches in style

    The Walkers Social Club, a group of diverse professionals who are involved in fitness walks every Saturday launched their group in style at the weekend with a 22.45-kilometre fun walk and a donation of various medical items to Thyolo District Hospital.

    The Walkers group with more than 150 members started their morning walk from Thyolo District Hospital from as early as 6am to Makwasa, clocking 22.45 kilometres. With a rescue vehicle in tow, Walkers who could not make it to the end point, jumped into the vehicle up to the finish point, others managed to walk the entire 22.45 kilometres.

    There were fun scenes during the walk which also saw two young Walkers below 12 years old taking part while creating a platform for networking, social bonding and a culture of wellness.

    The Walkers Social Club President, Felix Wisdom Banda, said the initiative goes beyond personal wellbeing as it contributes to community development.

    “The initiative blends fitness and charity. After the walk, we made a donation to Thyolo Hospital, ensuring that our efforts benefit the community in a tangible way,” said Banda.

    He further said the initiative not only promoted fitness but also strengthened the bond between individuals and the communities they serve, marking a new chapter in the culture of wellness in Malawi.

    The event concluded with an official launch ceremony at KUHES, headlined by a live performance from the popular Mighty Mibawa Band.

    Speaking at the launch event, Guest of Honour and Vice Chairperson of Capestars Rachel Mijiga hailed The Walkers group for the initiative hence their sponsorship of K5 million towards the launch.

    “We are grateful to the support that we get from The Walkers group for our homegrown brand Capestars. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, Capestars has received that support and as a brand we are very grateful, hence our contribution of MK5 million towards the Walkers launch and donation at Thyolo District Hospital to give back to society,” said Mijiga.

    Patron of the Walkers Professor Frank Taulo said he was happy that the group has been launched and has spread to other parts of the country.

    “Our aim is to be in all the districts in the country including Likoma. Walking and physical exercise have now become a lifestyle and we need to embrace this lifestyle so that we should be healthy mentally and physically while networking and offering each other business opportunities,” said Taulo.

    One of the Walkers, on his maiden walk, Gerald Zamadunga expressed joy at joining the group and said he enjoyed the walk.

    “I really enjoyed my time today and I will be taking part in the activities of this group especially helping the communities and networking for business opportunities,” said Zamadunga.

    Another Walker, Almateen Mussa said he was happy that the group has grown and launched in style.

    “This is awesome; we started humbly but now everyone wants to be part of this group because of the benefits of being physically fit and networking,” said Mussa who is logistics business.

    The Walkers group walks every Saturday morning from 5 am after members agree and vote on a route and it has spread to Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba, Salima and Mangochi.

    Apart from Capestars, several companies and organisations supported the Walkers launch and hospital donation and these include; National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, First Capital Bank (FCB), NBS Bank, Nali Limited, The Thomson and Barbra Mpinganjira Foundation and several individuals.

     

  • Kabwila, Usi and the art of timely outrage

    Kabwila, Usi and the art of timely outrage

    Vice President Michael Usi grew a conscience too late to save the nation – and himself.

    In 2009, James Washington, an American serving 15 years for attempted second-degree murder, thought his time had come after suffering a massive heart attack. In the spirit of ‘you can’t take secrets to the grave’, he confessed to a 2006 murder that had gone unsolved for years.

    Then, with impeccable bad timing, his heart decided to start beating again. Unfortunately for him, the justice system doesn’t have an ‘undo button’ for murder confessions.

    Washington went into the prison as a would-be killer and walked out with a fresh 45-year sentence — courtesy of his own mouth.

    Fast forward to Malawi’s political circus. Vice President Michael Usi appears to be having his own Washington moment — minus the cardiac drama.

    He has taken to hollering from the rooftops that the MCP government is packed with thieves. Of course, this revelation carries all the shock value of announcing that Lake Malawi contains water.

    Enter Jessie Kabwila, the MCP publicity secretary, who responded with a threat of arrest, along with the tantalising hint that she has a dossier of Usi’s skeletons.

    And here’s where hypocrisy sprints past comedy and collapses into farce: Kabwila has allegedly been sitting on this intel for months — years even — while dutifully smiling for the cameras.

    We have been here before — a chilling echo of the MCP’s dark days, when the party, blind to its own reflection and deaf to the winds of change sweeping across the continent, threatened Catholic bishops with death for daring to challenge the system in 1992.

    Usi, meanwhile, has spent over a year as vice president (and years before that as a minister) sipping tea with the same crooks he now denounces.

    If these thieves are as bold as he claims, they must have been sweeping the Treasury bare in broad daylight while he was too busy kneading dough for mandazi, perfecting his Mr Bean routines and playing the ever-smiling clown-in-chief to the commander-in-chief’s stone-faced act.

    His highlights as a vice president make for some sobering reading (and if you have tears, prepare to shed them now). Knead mandazi here. Throw a dance there. Buy bonya on Tuesday. Eat gado on Wednesday. Clown for the cameras on Thursday.

    Threaten a hapless health worker in Chikwawa on Friday for daring to arrive late. All this while parading around with enough heavily armed bodyguards (and a convoy to match) to start a small war  — if that isn’t legalised theft of public resources, then perhaps I’ve been misusing the word ‘theft’ my whole life.

    Kabwila is hardly an innocent in this drama. She now claims to hold the moral high ground with her ‘secret file’ on Usi, yet has kept the public in the dark for years.

    If she truly had evidence of misconduct, why didn’t she speak up earlier and save the country a fortune in lost funds? Timing, it seems, is everything — and in Malawian politics, timing is usually dictated by campaign schedules rather than any urgent sense of justice.

    Now the two are locked in a bizarre contest I can only describe as the ‘Confessional Olympics’.

    They’re sprinting to see who can hurl the most damaging revelations into the public square, all while conveniently ignoring the fact that their outrage has the shelf life of a campaign season.

    One might almost admire their stamina if it weren’t for the sheer cynicism of the whole exercise.

    At least James Washington had a near-death experience as an excuse for his big reveal. Usi and Kabwila have no such defence. Their sudden honesty is less a moral awakening and more like two seasoned grave diggers finally pointing out the bodies.

    And that’s the real tragedy of Malawian politics: everyone knows where the skeletons are, but the whistle only gets blown when there’s political mileage to be gained. Until then, the thieves keep looting, the jesters keep dancing and the public keeps paying — sometimes in cash, always in dignity.

  • Phungu wa Dedza Mayani, Kafwafwa amema anthu kuti amuvotele

    Phungu wa Dedza Mayani, Kafwafwa amema anthu kuti amuvotele

    Phungu wa nyumba ya malamulo wa dela la Dedza Mayani, Savel Kafwafwa wapempha anthu a derali kuti amuikenso pa m’pando pomuvotela pa 16 september pano ndicholinga choti apitilize ntchito ya zitukuko zomwe akupanga kuderali.

    Kafwafwa yemwe anali phungu wa chipani cha Malawi Congress Party (MCP) wati aima pa yekha (Independent) pa zisankho zikubwelazi.

    Kafwafwa wanena izi lachisanu pa Chitundu Primary School Ground mu boma la Dedza komwe bungwe la National Initiative for Civic Education – NICE linakonza mtsutso wa anthu onse omwe akuzapikisana nao pa mipando ya makansala komanso aphungu.

    Kafwafwa wati afuna kukwanilitsa masomphenya ake omanga nseu wa tala omwe uli kale mundondomeko ya zachuma ya dziko lino komanso akufuna kuonetsetsa kuti amange chipatala chachikulu mu derali popeza anthu amayenda pafupifupi makilomita 55 kupita kuchipatala chachikulu cha Dedza.

    Poonjezela, Kafwafwa anati afuna kulimbikitsa ulimi osadalira Mvura kwenikweni malingana ndi Kusintha kwa nyengo ndicholinga choti athetse vuto la njala lomwe lakhudza derali.

    Iye wati zitukuko zonsezi kuti zitheke, ali okonzeka kugwira ntchito limodzi ndi chipani chilichonse chomwe chilowe m’boma pa zisankho zikubwelazi.

    “m’maganizo anga zitukuko monga nseu wa tala, chipatala chachikulu, zikuyenela a boma- akumtundawo kuti avomeleze ndipo nthawi zina ngati sukugwira nao bwino ntchito amatha kukumana zinthu ngati zimenezi. Nde palinso Ubwino okhalira mu boma”, anatelo Kafwafwa.

    Poyankhula ndi mmodzi yemwe anatenga nawo mbali pa mtsutsowu yemwe akupikisana nao pa m’pando wa ukansala ku Chitundu Ward, a Chikondi moses wa chipani cha DPP wati afuna kuzaimila ku derali kaamba koti amayi ambiri amapondelezedwa ndipo iye afuna azatukule miyoyo yao akamuika pa udindo .

    Poyankhulanso ndi a Mfumu a derali omwe amaimila mfumu yaikulu Tambala ayamikila bungwe la NICE pokodza mtsutsowu ndipo awapempha kuti apitilize kupeleka maphunziro ndi upangili kwa anthu kuti kaundula oponya voti azakhale wa bata ndi mtendele.

    “Ife tikuthokoza kwambiri a nice potiunikila kuti chisankho si nkhondo ndipo aliyense amene azapambane kaya ndi phungu, kaya ndi kansala azagwire ntchito limodzi popanda mavuto alionse”, a Tambala anatelo.

  • MCP, DPP absence at presidential debate, missed opportunity, says political experts

    MCP, DPP absence at presidential debate, missed opportunity, says political experts

     

    By Paul Madise:

    The absence of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from the first edition of the Presidential Debate sparked concern among political experts.

    Despite this development, the Task Force remained committed to providing a platform for all candidates to present their visions and policies to the electorate.

    Gift Sambo, a political expert, expressed disappointment with the development, stating that the absence of these parties had significantly impacted the morale of the event. “The debate could have been more engaging if both the incumbent and the major challenger were present to face each other. This was what most voters were looking forward to,” he said.

    Sambo noted that, in a democratic society, political players had the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in debates.

    Forcing them to participate would have been out of order, instead, Sambo advised the organizers to respect the parties’ decisions and move forward, valuing diverse choices and respecting the rights of rational actors to make strategic decisions.

    However, Sambo commended players who worked tirelessly to entrench a culture of debate in Malawi’s electoral democracy, emphasizing that such forums were critical in enhancing political accountability. He added that the decision by the two major parties not to participate was retrogressive.

    “The decision by the two major parties not to participate in the event was therefore retrogressive. This development suggested that at the elite level, there was little commitment towards the empowerment of institutions meant to facilitate the consolidation of practices and institutions meant to deepen people-centred modes of governance,” he emphasized.

    Chimwemwe Tsitsi, a political analyst, shared similar views, stating that the withdrawal showed that political parties hardly saw the benefits of such debates.

    “The objectives of the organizers could hardly be achieved without the involvement of the two major contenders. Since these were the two major political parties, it meant the number of people attending physically or following through various media platforms was significantly reduced,” he said.

    Both Sambo and Tsitsi described the withdrawal as a missed opportunity for the two parties to demonstrate their commitment to democratic values.

    Tsitsi added that the development might have affected smaller parties that missed the opportunity to share their visions with a wider national audience.

    “It’s like MCP and DPP denied the other parties a platform to reach out to a lot of Malawians at once with their manifestos and take the two leading contenders to task over their perceived weaknesses,” he added. “The likes of UTM, UDF, and PP might have been greater losers in all this,” he concluded.

    Despite this, Tsitsi emphasized that the organizers should have taken this as a lesson to be more considerate of political parties’ viewpoints on modalities and other relevant issues in the organization of debates.

    “As organizers, they were indirectly losers for failing to achieve what they initially planned, which somehow rendered the debate as a non-event,” Tsitsi concluded.

     

  • NBM plc gives ICAM K10 million for annual lake conference

    NBM plc gives ICAM K10 million for annual lake conference

    National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K10 million towards this year’s Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) Annual Lake conference set to take place from August 21 to 23 Mangochi.

    The conference will be held under the theme ‘From Awareness to Action: Catalysing Malawi’s Economic Resilience and Sustainable Growth’.

    Speaking during the symbolic cheque presentation in Blantyre on Wednesday, NBM Capital Markets Finance Manager, Tuntufye Singogo, said the Bank is committed to moving beyond awareness to practical action, hence its support for the conference.

    “We are committed to action and supporting initiatives that empower Malawians, drive innovation, and strengthen resilience in both the financial sector and the wider economy. This conference is one of the most prestigious professional gatherings in Malawi. It provides a platform where policymakers and key private sector leaders converge to share insights, exchange ideas, and shape strategies that influence our nation’s economic trajectory,” said Singogo.

    ICAM Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zigowa, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it will go a long way in facilitating the smooth coordination of the conference.

    “We appreciate the support from the Bank as it demonstrates their commitment to advancing accountancy in Malawi. This year, we will focus on addressing the economic challenges and shocks the country is facing, while exploring ways to prepare for and sustain a resilient economy,” said Zigowa.

    The conference is expected to draw more than 1,000 ICAM members.

  • Illovo finds way out of forex shortages with U$45m loan

    Illovo finds way out of forex shortages with U$45m loan

    Shareholders of Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc on Tuesday voted in favour of borrowing U$45 million from the company’s majority shareholder, Sucoma, to help the sugar manufacturer avert a US dollar-related credit crunch and escape possible effects of a devaluation.

    Chairman Jimmy Lipunga told the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Blantyre that the funds will be used to pay part of a chunk of Illovo’s accumulated debt of about U$72 million, mostly to foreign-based suppliers, including sister companies.

    He said a further option of accessing U$15 million is available, but by paying off the bigger proportion of the debt, Illovo will be unencumbering its operating costs most of which are US-dollar denominated due to the need for seasonal imports of equipment, inputs and raw materials.

    Malawi’s worsening shortages of US dollars resulted in Illovo’s inability to service its suppliers, he said. The situation led to Illovo’s debt and related interest, accumulating.

    “We thought of restructuring our working capital with the goal of reducing the burden of US-denominated debts and interest. We think this is a good alternative compared to converting our debt into equity which carries the risk of share dilution,” said Lipunga.

    A circular to shareholders released at the EGM says Illovo owes its related parties and fellow subsidiaries of Associated British Foods (ABF Plc), ABF Sugar Pty, Illovo Sugar Johannesburg and Illovo Group Marketing Services an equivalent of U$72 million or 1.3 Billion rands. The funds were used by sister companies to buy essential machinery and services on behalf of Illovo Sugar Malawi.

    “The trading balance has accumulated over a period of approximately four years due to inability to source sufficient foreign exchange in the market and through exports. The purpose of the shareholder loan is to settle this accumulated intercompany trade payable, which Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc has been unable to clear due to persistent foreign currency constraints,” reads the circular.

    It says the newly authorised loan will provide immediate FX liquidity to enable the settlement of a significant proportion of the group’s outstanding intercompany payables.

    Lipunga hoped that the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) would soften its grip on foreign currency management rules to create room for Illovo’s forex-related operations.

    Frank Harawa, a representative of Illovo’s minority shareholders immediately welcomed the borrowing resolution, saying it reflected innovation by the company’s management to safeguard operations and bottom line.

    “It’s commendable that management is thinking outside the box in how to settle its debts in US dollars,” he said.

    Sucoma Holdings Limited is the majority shareholder in ISM with a 75.98% stake, Old Mutual Life 10.87% while the public and institutional shareholders own 13.15% of Illovo’s sweetness business.

    Illovo is an industry giant, employing over 10,000 people at its two sugar mills in Chikwawa and Nkhotakota and Limbe corporate office. These operations have been at an elevated risk in recent years due to Malawi’s foreign currency shortages and the impact of tropical cyclones and climate change on Illovo’s sugar production and milling.

  • FCB powers Bankers conference with K7 million

    FCB powers Bankers conference with K7 million

    First Capital Bank has reinforced its position as a key driver of innovation and collaboration in Malawi’s financial sector by injecting K7 million into the 2025 Bankers Lake Conference, which opened yesterday at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.

    FCB Head of marketing and Communications Twikale Chirwa said the conference theme ‘Facing the Future Together: The Phenomenal Power of Synergy’ is a fitting reflection of the bank’s belief that collaboration drives innovation, inclusion and sustainable growth in Malawi’s financial sector.

    “At First Capital Bank, we see synergy not just as a theme, but as a strategy. The banking sector thrives when we collaborate to innovate, adapt, and deliver value for our customers and communities. Our K7 million sponsorship reflects our commitment to driving that shared progress,” said Chirwa.

    First Capital Bank’s contribution is funding critical aspects of the three-day event, ensuring that delegates experience a world-class platform for dialogue on innovation, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience.

    This year’s Bankers Lake Conference is expected to produce actionable strategies to enhance the banking industry’s responsiveness to the changing needs of Malawians — a mission that First Capital Bank continues to champion.

    Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) Chief Executive Officer Lyness Nkungula hailed FCB for the supporting saying it will go a long way in making the annual lake conference a success.

    The Banker’s Lake Conference has become Malawi’s premier annual gathering for financial leaders, regulators, innovators, and policymakers. It provides a unique platform to address emerging industry challenges, harness opportunities, and forge partnerships that will define the future of banking.