• Government Official Site showcases official Information and Documents.

Latest News & Reports

Latest News & Reports

Likoma, October 24: President Lazarus Chakwera has called on girls aged from nine to 14 to get Human Pappilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
Chakwera was speaking Tuesday at Madimba Ground in Likoma District during the commemoration of National Community Health Day (NCHD) where he also re-launched HPV, Tipewe Cholera and Covid-19 campaigns.
Chakwera, who was visiting the district for the first time since his ascension to presidency, said Malawi now has a life-saving vaccine that provides primary prevention of cervical cancer.
“This vaccine is available for free in all public and Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) health facilities for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 and it is administered once in one’s lifetime.
“I therefore ask all mothers and caregivers to support these young girls to get vaccinated. It is in the interest of my government to foster development and health for all people of all ages regardless of age, race, ethnicity or religion to ensure that we build a better Malawi with healthy people,” said Chakwera.
The President then implored development partners to continue supporting government in its community health agenda for the country to attain the national and international health goals and targets.
“I would like to thank Unicef, World Health Organisation, United States Agency for International Development, The Global Fund, GAVI, Lastmile Health, Mother2Mother, Embassy of Iceland, Japanese International Tobacco, and the private sector players for the continued support to government in the implementation of community health services in the country,” Chakwera explained.
Whilst on the Island, the President and First Lady Monica Chakwera appreciated some development projects which included Likoma Solar Power Plant, Chima Out-Patient Department at Chima Health Centre and Likoma Port, which are under construction.
In her remarks, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malawi, Rebecca Adda Dontoh, reassured UN’s commitment to quality health service delivery and human rights protection.
During the event, World Bicycle Relief donated 20 bicycles to Likoma District Council for health surveillance assistants on Likoma and Chizumulu Islands.
Latest News & Reports

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Friday officially launched this year's Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) with a message that the country must get into serious agricultural productivity to turn around the economy.
The launch took place at Kavidebwere Primary School under Kaluluma Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the area of Traditional Authority Kaluluma in Kasungu.
Chakwera said the country must exploit the opportunities in the agriculture sector to produce more crops for both consumption and export.
He said Malawi must start generating its own funds through agricultural commercialisation to become self-reliant and be able to finance its development needs without relying on borrowing.
Said Chakwera: “The achievement of food security for every household in Malawi is one of this government's priorities. Dependency cannot drive the country forward. Everyone in their homes, villages and towns must be self-reliant and that is what will earn us some respect.
"But if we are to be self-reliant, we have to adopt modern methods of agriculture and mechanise our farming."
He said Malawi cannot develop if it relies on debts hence the need for farmers to get into cooperatives as the country establishes mega farms.
"If we implement all these plans, Malawi will not be the same," said Chakwera.
The President also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that this year’s AIP activities are concluded within 40 days, warning he will not allow the process to be abused.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale said this year's programme is earmarked to benefit 1.5 million people where 1.49 million farming households will benefit from fertiliser and seeds while the remainder will redeem goats.
Kawale said: "Government has put in place other programmes for those that will not be on AIP. We have beneficiaries under Social Cash Transfer and Public Works programmes and others under Agricultural Commercialisation (Agcom).
"If we add all the numbers, we will see that there are over 1 million people to benefit through these other programmes."
He said 73 percent of the fertiliser needed under the AIP programme is already in the country, stressing that distribution has already started with hard to reach areas.
"This year, no one will sleep in fertiliser depots. As we are speaking, 55 transport contractors are already on the ground. Network glitches have been fixed," he said.
Latest News & Reports

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said Malawi has the potential of becoming a self-reliant country through innovations in sectors like agriculture.
The president made the remarks Friday when he inspected wheat farming activities at Mpale Wheat Farm-Pyxus Agriculture in Senior Chief Chakhaza in Dowa, and also appreciated a harvest of wheat seed being bred at the farm.
Chakwera said the country needs to come up with tangible solutions that address challenges the country is facing, like huge costs of importation of goods like wheat, which drains the country's forex and renders prices of byproducts high.
"When we innovate in wheat production, we are sure that in the long run, we will be able to meet a huge part of the country's wheat demand, reduce costs of products and significantly cut on forex externalization, which are all crucial factors in the development of this country," said Chakwera.
He commended Pyxus for innovating in multiplying wheat seed whose four brands government recently introduced in Malawi.
He said farmers in mega farms, Shire Valley Transformative Program and other large-scale farmers could have a chance to use the seed which are high yielding and mature in three months.
He then called upon all Malawians to continue working hard and also support interventions that can transform the socioeconomic profile of this country.
In an interview, Dr Alfred Mwenefumbo, Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical services in the ministry of agriculture said government is committed to looking at different potentials that can reduce the importation of crops consumed in Malawi like wheat.
Chief Executive Officer for Pyxus, Ronald Ngwira, said the company decided to venture into multiplication of the new four brands of wheat because of the potential wheat production the country has.
"I think it is very important for Malawi because the country currently imports $48 million worth of wheat. And 99% of the wheat we use is imported and we only grow 1% of it,
"So, what we intend to do is to is multiply the wheat so that by summer next year, we should have around 150,000 kilograms of wheat seed enough to be cultivated on 15,000 hectares of land. This looks promising and it will be a game changer for the nation," he said.
Latest News & Reports

President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on developed countries and money lending international institutions to consider cancelling debts owed by struggling economies.

He made this plea during his address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America on Thursday.

Chakwera said that most of the countries in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Malawi are distressed with the burden of never-ending repaying of debts which has seen their economies failing to catch up with the economies of the developed countries.

He added that the idea of ending poverty by the year 2030 as advocated in the Sustainable Development Goals would become another lip-service if the developing countries are not written off.

The Malawi Leader emphasized that, "We need decisions and actions on debt, for like most LDCs, Malawi is in distress because its debt is unsustainable and so our call on behalf of all LDCs on this matter remains the same: Cancel the debt".

Chakwera  reminded world leaders that the UN family has made minimal progress in past years in terms of economic growth due to among other things the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and Ukraine war,  emphasizing that, this was more reason the developing  countries must relieved off their debts burden.

This is President Chakwera's second address to the UN General Assembly and this call for debt cancellation is a follow-up to his maiden address last year when he appealed to advanced economy countries nations to emulate the example of China forgiving African countries some of their debts.

President Chakwera continues to engage heads of various international institutions to lobby for financial support to assist Malawi to regain economic growth.

Latest News & Reports

International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Malawian Authorities have reached a staff level agreement on the second (and last) review of the Staff Monitored Program with Executive Board Involvement (PMB), and a microeconomic and financial policies and reforms to be supported by a new 48-month financing arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) of about $174.00 million.

According to a press release issued by IMF on September 21, 2023, the agreement is subject to IMF Management and Executive Board approval and receipt of the necessary financing assurances.

The statement further says the proposed ECF is going to support Malawi’s ongoing efforts to restore a stable and sustainable macroeconomic position consistent with strong and durable poverty reduction and growth as envisaged under Malawi 2063.

“The arrangement is expected to catalyze grant financing to support such efforts,” reads the statement in part.

To reach this stage where the agreement between Malawi and IMF has been made, Malawi stepped up efforts to reach the stage and meet fiscal targets under the PMB. Among the efforts made were; adjusting expenditure to offset a shortfall in revenue, containing government borrowing, tightening the monetary policy to contain inflationary pressures and resuming foreign exchange auctions.

IMF team led by Mika Saito held discussions with Malawian authorities during August 29 – September 20 via hybrid and in-person meetings in Lilongwe.

Latest News & Reports

Malawi's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Dr Agnes Chimbiri-Molande has stressed the need for Malawi to attend the Global summit as world leaders are geared to discuss the progress of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards 2030 agenda.

She described the meeting as important, saying  President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera will join world leaders and engage them on significant matters on finding solutions to alleviate the challenges affecting Malawi in particular and the globe in general towards achieving the SDGs.

She said the global debate will mainly focus on financing development, climate change, universal coverage, pandemic prevention as well as the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) among others.

‘’This is the platform where the whole world and all 193 member states including international organizations gather annually to discuss how to advance their countries economically hence the need for Malawi to take part,’’ she said.

She noted that most countries are not on a right track to achieve the SDGs which is at half way timeline before 2030 stressing the need for the Malawi leader to engage world leaders, heads of organisations and potential investors who have shown interest to support Malawi.

During the UN indaba, world leaders will take time to discuss some of the biggest crisis on the planet in 2023, citing Africa under-reported crises, as well as Ukraine's endangered lives and severe infrastructural damage among others.

Governments will be engaging in the annual high level General debate for the opening of the 78th session of the General Assembly under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity progress and the sustainability for all.

The General Assembly is the main deliberative policy making and representative organ of the United Nations comprising all 193 Member States of the UN. It provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues including peace and security.

Latest News & Reports

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in New York, United States of America, joining world leaders, to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly ( UNGA).

Arriving in New York, the Malawi leader, who is accompanied by  First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera and other dignitaries was warmly welcomed by Malawi's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dr. Agnes Chimbiri Molande, Ambassador for Malawi to United States of America  Esmie Chombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Malawi Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Lieutenant General Clement Namangale (Rtd) among others.

President Chakwera who is expected to address the 78th United Nation General assembly and deliver the Malawi national statement on 21st September 2023 will highlight the setbacks on global progress, poverty and food insecurity, which is worsening amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, inflation, the high cost of living and the way humanitarian needs are escalating in scale and cost.

The Malawi leader is scheduled to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit meeting, the Millennium Challenge Compact meetings, Malawi Partners conference as well as the African Investment meeting among others.

In his address, President Chakwera is expected to call for National Support towards Malawi's efforts to build economic resilience against future exogenous shocks and keep Malawi on the track to become a middle-income economy by the year 2030.

The Malawi leader is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with some other heads of state, organizations and business leaders, all geared towards mobilizing resources for Malawi post-cyclone Freddy reconstruction and recovery, as well as private investment.

On the sidelines of the UN conference, the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera will also hold several meetings in which she is expected to engage with other First Ladies and heads of international organizations where she will be advocating for support and exploring avenues for international support for development in Malawi.

Malawi stands to benefit a lot at this global gathering as it will bring opportunities to establish more connections with other world leaders and heads of various organization to finding solutions considering the economic hardships Malawi and the global world is currently facing.

Latest News & Reports

As part of his administration’s commitment to foresee the implementation of crucial developments in the country, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera made a milestone visit to the northern region this month for the commissioning of two developmental projects.

The President visited Nkhata Bay District for the commissioning of the Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply System and Sanitation Facilities, which took place at the Northern Region Water Board offices in the district.

Upon his arrival, President Chakwera first toured the Nkhata Bay Water Treatment Plant and proceeded to unveil a plaque at the facility to officially mark the commissioning of the US$30.55 million project.

The project was jointly financed by the African Development Bank at a tune of US$15.1 million, OPEC Fund for International Development at a tune of US$12million and the government of Malawi at a tune of US$3.45million.

Speaking after commissioning the project, President Chakwera said the development marked a new beginning for the people of Nkhata Bay in ensuring that they have increased access to portable water. 

“It gives me great joy to join the people in Nkhata Bay in celebrating this project which has been successfully completed ahead of time and within budget. This facility is not a favour from government to people, but it is a right that they have to enjoy from their government,” Chakwera said.

 Board Chairperson for Northern Region Water Board, Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo said the inauguration of the facilities marked a significant increase in the production capacity to carter for the growing demand.

The development will improve the health and sanitation of over 105 000 people in Nkhata Bay district and surrounding areas, as per President Chakwera’s agenda in the Malawi 2063, which envisions a healthy population by ensuring provision of clean water as well as sanitation and hygiene services at household and community level.

According to NRWB, under the sanitation component, the project has also supported the council through the promotion of open defecation free communities.

This saw 23 ventilated improved pit latrines being constructed for the public and household sanitation being improved through marketing of improved sanitation facilities and hygiene practices.

President Chakwera then, on Friday September 8, winded up his official duties by officiating the commissioning of the Linga Irrigation Scheme also known as the Linga Mega Farm at Linga in Kande, Nkhata Bay.

The scheme, which is expected to benefit over 5000 farmers and is the largest scheme in Malawi, has seen over 800 rice and beans farmers start irrigation farming on a 450 hectare out of the 1000 hectares of land available.

Linga Dam, which is part of the scheme, was constructed with funds to the tune of $21million (about K23.6 billion) and has a storage capacity of 14.7 million cubic meters of water.

It is located within Chintheche Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the areas of Traditional Authorities Fukamapiri and Malengamzoma. People in these areas will be using water from the Linga Dam.

President Lazarus Chakwera described the scheme as one of the most critical and modernized, which will go a long way in increasing agricultural productivity.

“The project of mega farms will ensure that farmers get to harvest more than once a year instead of relying on rain fed agriculture only. The good thing is that markets have already been identified for the products.

“I am glad to hear that farmers can be able to earn K500 Million from this project. That is very inspiring and will ensure that this country is food secure. Households will get engaged in income-generating activities and afford to send their children to school,” said Chakwera.

The project of megafarms goes inline with the first pillar of the Malawi Agenda 2063 which focuses on Agriculture Productivity and Commercialization.

One of the farmers who has benefited from the project and who is also president for Linga Water Users Association, Anderson Manda, thanked President Chakwera for the development, saying before the establishment of mega farms, farmers used to struggle to irrigate on a big land.

“We began farming on this particular land in 2007. It was a tough process as we struggled to accumulate water from rivers with little manpower. We are really thankful to the president for this development. We have irrigated on a large area and this is a first in the history of farming in this district,” said Manda.

The Linga Irrigation Scheme was jointly funded by the African Development Bank, the Malawi Government and the European Investment Bank.

In his closing remarks as he addressed a crowd which gathered at Nkondezi Primary School Ground in Nkhata Bay, Chakwera called upon Malawians to be responsible for all development projects which government establishes, to ensure that the country moves forward.

“It is my plea to us all to be patriotic and nurture these projects so that we have more in the future. If we are patriotic in such developments, we will see our country develop within a few years,” said Chakwera.

Latest News & Reports

Government institutions in Thyolo, Mulanje, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts have applauded the ongoing installation of free internet connection in public institutions across the country through the Digital Malawi Project.

Steve Martin Tiwisa is an ICT programmer at Thyolo District Hospital, where Wi-Fi installation has been completed and is fully functional. He testifies that previously, internet access at the hospital was high cost and unreliable, which posed challenges when it came to sharing data with other stakeholders. He says the current connection provided by the government through this project is very stable and freely accessible to all staff, allowing for seamless communication between different departments.

“We anticipate great improvements as this free internet will help facilitate fast and reliable communication with our partners with whom we share data on malaria and ART among others,” Tiwisa said.

The Director of Health and Social Services for Thyolo District Council, Dr Arnold Jumbe hailed the connectivity and commended government's efforts in advancing progress through digitalization. He said through the initiative, they are saving a lot of money as it provides readily available access and simplifies communication with partners. Additionally, guests can also access the service while waiting for assistance.

"Prior to this installation, we heavily relied on individual resources, which often hindered our work. There were instances where we had to seek internet access elsewhere and share data physically but now, we are reducing both time wastage and communication costs. We are able to dedicate more time to assisting patients and providing them with better service.

As the world is going digital, we too are transitioning to a paperless environment, for instance, in the past, we had to physically move from one department to another to access data from the radiology department. However, now scans and x-rays can be effortlessly transferred through our systems and easily accessed using the government Wi-Fi," said Dr Jumbe.

Project Manager for Bengo Net, Dickson Daelo, said all installations in Thyolo have successfully been completed and the staff are already benefiting from it in 7 institutions including the Court, Prison, Ministry of Labour, District Commissioner, District Education Manager, District Hospital and District Health Offices. He further said the connectivity can be extended to include patients and other locals around the hospital.

"We have seen a significant improvement in access to government services, as confirmed by our colleagues at the hospital. Previously, hospital staff had to travel to other buildings to access internet services, but since the installation, they can now directly access government systems such as HRMIS," he said.

Staff at Mulanje District Hospital expressed their appreciation for the free internet services installed at the institution. According to Felix Monia, Administrator at Mulanje District Hospital, the internet is being utilized to carry out various administrative processes and share important health information.

Site visits to Chikwawa and Nsanje Magistrate Courts, District Education Offices, post office, and district hospitals also revealed that network infrastructure installations are complete, and the contractor is finalizing configurations, sensitization, and providing support to address any arising challenges regarding the free internet services.

Chikwawa Magistrate Court Administrator, Martin Musopole said that reliable public internet is important for accessing old cases online for making judgment references. He said reliable internet will also help reduce congestion in the office, as they will no longer need to store many hard copies of reports or old cases for reference.

Principal Secretary for Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Hetherwick Njati said the project will enhance efficiency in the delivery of government services, particularly through system interconnectivity. He stated that this approach would reduce expenditures for government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as they transition to a paperless system.

The digital connectivity component of Digital Malawi project is intended to increase access to connectivity nationwide, by Connecting all public institutions in the country and addressing connectivity gaps for government, higher education, and private sector in the provision of e-services.

Search