By Aisha Amidu Lilongwe, December 9, Mana: Malawi is expected to have access to wide markets across Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This follows the virtual session that the heads of states and government of the African Union (AU) had following the allegations that there is no trade amongst African countries. The ACFTA is expected to bring together 55 African countries with a combined population of 1.2 billion of people including a growing middle class and combined GDP of more than US$3.4 Trillion. Addressing the media at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe, said AfCFTA marks a new dawn to African economies and to boost intra Africa trade. AfCFTA is expected to start on 1st January 2021 upon submitting the required instruments that are used to operationalize. Gwengwe said Malawi will benefit a lot as the AfCFTA will create opportunities in industrial development through the high demand of raw materials in areas where they were not reached and in the agricultural sector. “Malawi will benefit much through the agriculture sector as they are many African countries in northern and central Africa which are in need of our products like Soya beans, maize, sugar, and other leguminous products. “Not only will we benefit through the agriculture sector but also in the industrial sector as Malawi will be an intermediate in the value chains. Apart from producing finished goods, there will also be high demand in raw and semi processed materials,” he said. He further said that not all goods will go into the AfCFTA as they have been divided in 3 categories of products which are non-sensitive products (to be liberalized in 5-10 years), sensitive list (to be liberalized in 10-13 years) and lastly the excluded list which will not be liberalized. Ministry of Trade Principal Secretary, Christina Chatima, said the World Bank has put Adjustment Facility program in order to help countries secure their financial positions in case they have been faced with shortages due to AfCFTA. “As AfCFTA will be in operational, other countries will be faced with financial challenges as some of them generate income in boarders where people pay revenue to the goods that are coming to and from. This problem has been sorted already through the money that has been set aside by the World Bank,” Chatima said. Ministry of Trade has also involved small holder farmers in the agriculture sector so as to promote home grown products and industrialization through the products that will be processed in the country.
Author: Leyman Publications
Chakwera Calls For Concerted Effort To Fight Corruption
By Memory Chatonda Blantyre, December 9, Mana: President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has advised Malawians to champion the fight against corruption at all levels in order to build a better Malawi. Chakwera made the remarks on Wednesday when he presided over commemoration of International Anti Corruption day in Blantyre organized by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB). The Malawi leader said corruption is evil as it erodes development of any country hence the need for every individual to play a critical role to mercilessly terminate it. “As far as I am concerned, corruption is evil and needs to be eliminated because its occurrence over the past years has led to economic impoverishment and moral decay in our people. “Although, Dr Chilima and I have promised to fight corruption by among other things provide enough resources to the bureau and also make it function independently, that alone cannot be enough to meet the Tonse standard of ending corruption as stated in the fourth pillar of super high five agenda ” he said. He, therefore, called on people to join hands to consolidate ideas to deal with the scourge of corruption at all levels. ” Every individual such as civil society organizations, religious bodies and traditional leaders have a role to play in this fight to make corruption history in our nation. “Let us all be doers not talkers. Act now to end corruption where we are, act now to end corruption as a matter of urgency, act now to do something today that prevent corruption tomorrow, act now to identify and stop the particular form of corruption, “he said. The Malawi leader, therefore, urged ACB to not continue working in isolation rather engage various people in the fight. ” I desire to see the fight against corruption become a collective responsibility. The heads of government ministries, departments, agencies and other institutions must be enlisted in this battle,” he said The Malawi leader then called urged ACB to have offices in all public offices to sentitise people on adverse effects of the malpractice and report those that engage in the act. “ACB could be more effective if it has ears and eyes in places where corruption crimes are being committed including State house, “he said Meanwhile the Malawi leader has unveiled 14 National Integrity Committee members to oversee National Anti Corruption Strategy Il. ACB Director General, Reyneck Matemba, thanked the president for gracing the occasion. He disclosed that since Tonse administration took office in July 2020, no one has ever dared to interfere with the work of ACB and that the institution is gaining confidence in the sight of Malawians He, therefore, reminded all public officers to inculcate in themselves a culture of corruption intolerance and Integrity when serving Malawians. ” People holding public offices should remind themselves that every decision they make, they shall be held accountable one day. As such, be individuals of high integrity and learn from experience of others,” he said. Matemba, therefore, called for concerted effort among Malawians to fight the corruption in order to develop the nation in all spheres of development. Concurring with Matemba, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Titus Mvalo, urged state and non state actors to develop deliberate policies to promote integrity and ethical behavior which are key to fighting corruption. Meanwhile, ACB plans to implement National Anti corruption strategy Il (NACS ll), to among others root out any form of corruption at all levels. In 2003, the United Nations General Assembly designated 9th December as the international Anti Corruption Day. This is the day when people all over the world reflect on the fight against corruption. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘Act Now; Fight corruption for a better Malawi’s.
Great Angels to Host Christmas Show
By Natasha Muthete Lilongwe, Mana: One of the most famous gospel groups in the country, Great Angels Choir will host a Gospel show on December 25, 2020 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Music Director for the Great Angels Choir, Ephraim Zonda on Friday told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Lilongwe, that they decided to come up with a live gospel show to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth through music. “We have invited different gospel and secular musicians namely Lulu, Anthony Makondesa, Thoko Katimba, Limbani Simenti, Miracle Chinga, Kondwani Chirwa and among others within and outside the city,” he said. Zonda said people should expect to buy K3,000 for standard ticket and K5,000 for VIP to attend the show. Music Director added that though the death of their producer, late Joseph Tembo, the show would assist them to sample-out some of their new released songs in their upcoming album produced by Amos Mlolowa’s studio in Blantyre which would be released next year. He pointed out that Covid-19 has affected them and other musicians including them because they were not able to host live shows though they depend on shows. “We failed to have new album and some programme were cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic,” Zonda said. He highlighted that next year the group was planning to tour the whole country with live shows so that they could reach out to many people. One of the fans of Great Angels Choir, George Mussa welcomed the people’s choir for organising the show. “Am happy that Great Angels Choir is back on stage, and am expecting more from well produced songs coming from them through Joseph Tembo passed away,” he said.
Malawi Supports Extension Of Silencing The Guns Programme
By Tione Andsen Lilongwe, Mana: Malawi supports the proposal to extend the mandate of African Union (AU) programme of Silencing the Guns and roadmap beyond 2020. President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera made Malawi’s position on Sunday during Virtual 14th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Silencing Guns. He said the extension was for the period of 10 years from 2021 to 2030 with periodic reviews of two years considering that its objectives have not been fully realized. “Malawi wishes to support the extension of the mandate of the Amnesty for a periodic of 10 years and calls on all countries with peacekeeping missions to integrate their national disbarment processes with United Nation’s Rule of Law, calls for voluntary disbarment,” the President added. He said this would eventually ensure the safety of those surrendering arms, thereby improving sustainability of the intervention as civilians would only respond to a call for voluntary disbarment if they are given national guarantee. Chakwera proposed that AU commission should concentrate on control of import, circulation and availability of arms since these contribute significantly to conflict on the continent. “We are all primary drivers of the Silencing the guns, Malawi wishes to recommend that all member states should consider developing and implementing action plans, with effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting measures on management and resolution of conflicts,” the President told the meeting. He viewed that Regional Economic Communities (RECs) should serve as effective building blocks of the AU and bridge AU and members states in achieving the objectives of the Silencing the Guns Agenda through the development of regional action plan. Chakwera call on international community to work closely with African States, AU and RECs to eradicate conditions that germinate the seeds of violence. “This should be done by among other means, supporting AU’s and REC’s peace building efforts by stopping weapons flows to the continent,” he added. Chairperson of AU, President of South Africa, Cyril Ramamphosa stressed the need to control arms sale in order to minimize conflicts in the continent. He said the sale of arms has brought a lot of suffering to girls and women in conflict areas where they are subjected to all forms of violence by armed men.
Chingeni Tollgate To Raise Over MK4.5 Billion Annually
By Fostina Mkandawire Ntcheu, Mana: Chingeni road tollgate under construction in Ntcheu district is expected to be raising K4.5 billion annually when completed. The amount was arrived at after a feasibility study was conducted before construction commenced at the sight. In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Ntcheu, Chair for Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State Enterprises, Isaac Kaneka attested to the importance of the tollgate to the development of the country. He said after visiting the site, the committee was satisfied with the progress of the construction work at the site, taking into consideration the fact that Covid-19 slowed the progress of the construction. Kaneka said the project would benefit Malawians because the money that would be collected at the site would be used for road maintenance across the country. The Project which commenced in July 2020 was expected to be completed in December 2020, but due to Covid-19 it will be completed in March 2021. He said the committee would continue monitoring the project even after completion to ensure that there is accountability and transparency of funds realized from the project. The project works under construction include the following structures, toll islands, canopies, plaza buildings, plant buildings, toll booths inclusive of all internals utilities and the road works. The K 2 billion tollgate has been facilitated by government through the Roads Authority and the Roads Fund Administration. Chief Executive officer for the Roads Fund Stewart Malata said the road would serve as an additional source of funding to compliment the current two sources of Roads fund income and would increase the Roads fund revenues. “This project will in turn result in an increase in the volume of the roads constructed and maintained by the roads fund,” he said. Malata said improved road condition was a key tool to accelerate the country’s economic growth as it improves transportation of agricultural produce, improves trade and increases access to social amenities. He made mention of Covid-19, delaying the project in terms of importation of construction materials, due to travel restrictions world over. The Chingeni toll plaza is located in Ntcheu District, about 0.5 km just before the Zomba turn-off at Chingeni along the M1 road.
Malawi Veep Chilima Spits Venom On Women Rights Abusers
Lilongwe, Mana: Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima has said rapists and other women rights perpetrators must be faced with an iron fist to protect women and girls from various rights abuses they are currently subjected to in the country. He made the remarks at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Saturday during an inaugural launch of Women in Law Association (WILA). “I know women lawyers are subjected to a lot of discriminations which put themselves at risks for standing for the rights of others, and you have always stood on your feet to defend the voiceless, this is very commendable. “Tonse Alliance government promises you that whatever has been highlighted will be turned into a blue print which will change things and the coming of this association wills is a dawn of a new era for a new direction and a new course where you will take matters that concern fellow women as a block,” Chilima said. He urged women lawyers to start drafting laws which should indicate clearly on how these perpetrators of rape and other forms of abuses should be punished severely. “We cannot be smiling when our women are still being harassed, we need to take more drastic action than massaging these rapists, the current situation is regressive,” the Vice President added that it must not business as usual. He condemned some herbalists are fueling the rape incidences for advising men to have sex with young girls or relatives as rituals to become rich, while the herbalists themselves remain poor. Chilima thanked WILA for standing by the Citizenry on various hard times like, the Msundwe rape saga case, the landmark elections case among others. Attorney General, Dr Chikosa Silungwe asked the association to document the long living stories of women suffering like the one that happened in 1992. “Women have the right to economic development and have the rights just like any other citizens as well stipulated in the constitution of the land. I therefore urge everyone to abide by our laws, “he alluded. Silungwe commended WILA on trying to defend against the high levels of sexual abuses growing in the country. Executive Director of Action Aid, Assan Golowa said the organization was thrilled to see WILA rising up against the injustices women and girls are encountering on daily basis saying the organization will continue funding initiatives that favour women rights. UN-Women Country Representative on Women Human Rights Defenders, Maria Jose Torres, said the status quo was worrisome that there was huge increase of women and girl’s rights violations across the world despite many efforts made to deter the vice. “You would all agree that 2020 has been unprecedented year even before Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s shocking and very sad to report that women abuse is at the increase, rape and defilement is among the worst and sad to say that Malawi is not an exception. Let us not relent in defending rights and seeking justice for our women,” she appealed meanwhile thanking government for the steps being taken to address the challenges. The event which started with a buffet and informal interaction was held under the theme ‘Women in Law the Evolving Legal Landscape’ Outgoing President and incoming Presidents for WILA, Tadala Chimkwezule and Immaculate Maluza respectively assured women and girls in the country that WILA would not surrender on protecting human rights to the best of its ability. “We are determined to fight human rights violations, rape, verbal attack, physical attacks, discrimination and other forms of infringements that have no space to live at our midst,” they said. Women from various experiences and diverse academic backgrounds were in attendance in solidarity of the stand taken by WILA to win the battle against women rights abuse. After the event WILA proceeded to conduct a humanitarian activity by donating to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with assorted health items.
Malawi for Peace, Safety and Security for Africa
By Tione Andsen Lilongwe, Mana: Malawi has said peace, safety and security are a prerequisite for the attainment of socio- economic development. President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera made the remarks Sunday during Virtual 14th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Silencing Guns. He noted that pockets of violence and armed conflict that persist in some parts of the African continent are a threat to collective prosperity. Chakwera viewed it was imperative for African Union (AU) member States to work together to heal the open sores as well as prevent new one from braking out in places where there are clear signs of resentment, discontentment and radicalization. “It is upon us to earnestly implement the AU Master Roadmap of Practical step for Silencing Guns in Africa which details these situations and suggestion remedies for the same,” the Malawi leader pointed out. He said Malawi’s experience historically and recently was that collaborative ways of settling disputes and more productive than combative one. Chakwera added that Malawi champions values such as contact and dialogue in Peace and Security Council of the AU. “We share the reasoning of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical step for Silencing Guns in Africa which identifies among other things socio-economic factors as contributors to armed conflicts on the continent,” he explained. The President echoed that member states are responsible for implementing economic development plans by uplifting the living standards of their citizens to reduce chances of them taking up arms. Chairperson for AU, President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said AU member states should strive to resolve conflicts within themselves by engaging each other peacefully. He said the conflicts that have happened have had negative impacts for the economic growth of the continent.
NBS Awards Farmers Club MK1 Million
By Gracian Jeke Mzuzu, Mana: NBS Bank Friday presented K1 million to Tafikamo Club from Mzimba after scooping first position in NBS National Tobacco Farmers Competition, during a ceremony that took place at the Banks’ premises in Mzuzu City. The Club won the award after depositing and maintaining K800 000 in its fixed deposit account between the months of April and September, 2020 out of the required K50 000 for a club and individual to join the competition. NBS Regional Manager for the Centre and North, Tryson Kalanda said the competition has been running for 16 years and aims to create and promote saving culture among farmers. “Time and again, we have seen farmers working season in and season out. However most of them find it hard to begin the next season especially when it’s time to buy farm inputs,” he said. Kalanda explained that the saved money play an important role of enabling the farmers access a loan as it serves as collateral. “We want to help them have an avenue where they can save their money and in the process they will learn the importance of saving,” the Manager said. Tafikamo Club Chairperson, Hilda Nyangulu Sato from Kabwafu, Traditional Authoirty (TA) Mpherembe in Mzimba said the club opened a fixed deposit account with NBS bank in 2014. She said club members would use the money to supplement farming activities in the 2020/2021 farming season. Mzuzu City Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gomegzani Nyasalu commended NBS for the gesture noting that cities are built by farmers through the food they provide to people who dwell in them. “That’s why, we spared our time to join this function so that we continue supporting the initiative to promote social economic development though promotion of local farmers,” he said. Nkava Chiwoyi Burley Club got solar panel for being on position two and Madalo Flue Club, Kwajakapu Club, Jakata Club and Mr. Jospeh Samuel Mwenda went away with a bicycle each for scooping third position.
Japanese Government Commits To Construct Classrooms
By Chikondi Basikolo Lilongwe, Mana: Japanese government has committed to constructing classroom blocks at Nyama Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mazengera in Lilongwe district. Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Satoshi Lwakiri made remarks on Saturday during the ground breaking ceremony at the school premises. He said the ceremony was a milestone in the cycle of the project and the intention of the Japanese fund was to alleviate the plight of learners by providing a better learning environment. Lwakiri said that “We signed the grant contract for this project under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, and today marks the beginning of the construction of five classrooms for primary and early childhood development.” The project will involve construction of 11 toilets and renovation of six existing classrooms as well purchasing of 267 desks for the learners. Lwakiri added that with the challenges that the country has been facing in the construction industry like mis-procurement, mismanagement of resources and construction of substandard buildings among others, the embassy would be monitoring prudently on each and every step so that no corruption is involved. “I would like to assure you of our support to this project and we should work hand in hand to ensure that the project is on track,” he hinted. The Ambassador appealed to all stakeholders, including government both at Central and local levels to take part in this project by making sure that there was no corruption and that the infrastructure is constructed with durable materials. He commended the school management committee for the tireless effort so that the project is a success. Lwakiri appealed to the community members to guard the construction project and report of any suspicious behaviors. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eisenhower Mkaka commended the government of Japan for the timely assistance. He said the project would go a long way in improving the education standards in the country as well as the development of education sector. Mkaka observed that children would no longer learn under trees as they would have classrooms and desks giving them a better learning environment. “We will be monitoring each and every phase and I will not allow anyone to put a dirty jar in this and I will make sure everything is transparent because this is an investment from the Japanese government to this area as well as Malawi,” he pointed out. Head Teacher for the school, Thomson Banda said they are happy that the school would soon wear a new face. He said the school was established in 1995 but there was no proper infrastructure and this was leading to low enrollment of learners in the area because usually some learn under the tree. “This project is going to improve the education standards of this school because now learners will have a conducive learning environment and we believe that they will focus more on their studies as they will be in a nice place,” Banda added. He said with the Covid-19 pandemic, the classrooms would help them follow the preventive measures because they would have more space for the learners. One classroom is occupying a lot of learners because they do not have more classes to occupy the 1,080 learners and with the rainy season, they cannot leave students learn under the tree. The Project is being funded to the tune of US$ 94, 976 US (K 70 million) and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Israel Medical Team To Offer Support To Malawi Cancer Centre
By Tione Andsen Lilongwe November 30, Mana: Ministry of Health has expressed gratitude to Government State of Israel for fulfilling its intention to help the Cancer Centre in project in the country. Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda made the remarks Monday during the unveiling of a five member medical team from the State of Israel in Lilongwe, She said the technical support the team would provide to the centre would be crucial in handling cancer patients in the country. The Minister said the Cancer Centre would be serving a population on 18 million which she said there was need to have another centre in order to provide easy access to people. Chiponda asked for a specialized Cancer centre for children saying most of them are having different conditions which required specialized treatment outside the country. “We are mostly referring them for treatment to South Africa and we are hoping that our cancer centre will be able to handle them once completed,” she added Deputy Ambassador to the State of Israel, Eyal David said the medical team would appreciate on how the centre would be managed in treatment of offering treatment to cancer patients. He said the visit would help to cement the health cooperation the two countries have been enjoying since 1964, “ Our medical team is ready to work closely with their Malawians counterparts in making sure the Cancer centre provides the necessary support in caring and treating patients in the country,” David pointed out. The Medical team will be in the country until Thursday.