In a significant development, Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah has returned to Malawi.
Dr. Ansah’s arrival at Kamuzu International Airport yesterday afternoon marked her return from a private visit to the UK.
She was welcomed by a high-profile reception committee, including Minister of Justice Charles Mhango and Presidential Advisor David Kambalame.
Ansah being welcomed home
The Vice President’s return underscores her prominence in Malawi’s political landscape.
Her wealth of experience and expertise is expected to shape the nation’s future.
With a distinguished career spanning roles as Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice, and Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, Dr. Ansah brings a unique perspective to her new role.
Since taking office in October 2025, Dr. Ansah has made notable strides in disaster response, food security, digital development, and regional diplomacy.
Her leadership approach is built on faith, justice, and a commitment to national service.
“Dr. Ansah’s return is a boost to Malawi’s leadership, and her contributions are eagerly anticipated,” observers note.
As Malawi navigates its path forward, Dr. Ansah’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
Her vision for inclusive growth and development is expected to drive positive change.
On Monday morning, the Muslim Awards Organising Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, at his Capital Hill offices in Lilongwe to formally thank him for the honour he accorded the Muslim Awards by serving as Chief Guest at the recent event.
The delegation expressed deep appreciation for the Minister’s presence and support, describing his participation as a strong endorsement of the awards and their mission to recognise excellence, impact, and positive influence within the Muslim community and beyond.
During the engagement, the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on issues of national importance, including community development, youth empowerment, and the critical role that faith-based initiatives play in contributing to Malawi’s socio-economic growth.
The organisers also shared insights on the continued growth of the Muslim Awards, highlighting its evolution into a platform that not only celebrates achievement but also promotes unity, creativity and responsible citizenship.
Honourable Phiri commended the organisers for the initiative, noting that such community driven platforms complement government efforts by promoting positive values, nurturing talent, and strengthening national cohesion.
The Minister emphasised the need for closer partnerships between government institutions and community based initiatives, observing that inclusive development requires the active participation of all sectors of society.
He further underscored the importance of using Muslim artists and creatives as effective tools for communicating issues affecting both the Muslim community and Malawi at large, citing the power of arts and media in raising awareness, shaping public dialogue and inspiring positive social change.
According to Hon. Phiri, artists occupy a unique position in society, with the ability to reach diverse audiences and influence attitudes in ways that traditional communication channels often cannot.
The meeting also explored potential areas of future collaboration, particularly in strengthening local governance structures, promoting cultural development and enhancing youth participation in national development initiatives.
Both parties agreed that sustained engagement between government and faith based platforms is essential for fostering inclusive development and ensuring that no community is left behind.
The courtesy visit concluded with a shared commitment to continued cooperation, as the Muslim Awards Organising Committee reaffirmed its readiness to work with government in advancing development, social cohesion and positive transformation across the country.
Police in Mangochi have arrested 29 Kabaza operators and confiscated 36 bicycles during a night operation conducted on January 12, 2026.
The operation forms part of intensified efforts to prevent crime and night time road accidents following growing public concern that some Kabaza bicycle operators are contributing to both criminal activities and road accidents in the district.
The operation was carried out between 12:00 midnight and 2:00 a.m. in several hotspot areas, including Soko, Matapwata, Mpondasi, and the Main Market Square.
There has been sustained public outcry since early last week, with allegations that certain Kabaza operators connive with criminals by transporting them to and from crime scenes.
Police statistics support these concerns, indicating that Kabaza bicycles are sometimes used as a means of mobility for criminals before and after committing offences.
Members of the community have also complained that most Kabaza bicycles operating during odd hours are unroadworthy, lacking essential safety features such as lights, reflective signs and bells. Additionally, operators were found not wearing reflective jackets, thereby exposing themselves and their passengers to serious risk.
In response to the situation, Mangochi Police, led by the Station Officer, Senior Superintendent Clement Mulera, conducted a targeted night operation aimed at preventing crime and road accidents by enforcing regulations governing Kabaza operations.
The operation specifically targeted operators conducting business during odd hours, a period commonly associated with criminal activities.
During the operation, police apprehended 29 Kabaza operators and confiscated 36 unroadworthy bicycles after some operators fled upon sighting patrol teams, abandoning their bicycles.
Meanwhile, the arrested operators will be fined in accordance with the nature of their offences, as provided for under the Road Traffic Act.
Police in the district are urging Kabaza operators to comply with operating regulations and refrain from activities that endanger themselves and the public.
Police will continue conducting similar operations and working closely with the community to prevent crime and road accidents and to create a safer Mangochi for all.
The Minister of Finance , Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamveka has assured Malawians that the country’s economy is now gradually stabilising, with signs of improvement already emerging, despite the continued implementation of tough fiscal measures under the proposed national budget.
Mwanamveka said this on Wednesday at the closing of the 2026-2027 pre-budget consultations in Blantyre.
The minister described the consultations also held in Lilongwe and Mzuzu as constructive and instrumental in shaping government policy.
Mwanamveka
“I want to thank all stakeholders who participated in the consultations. They made very useful suggestions, particularly on taxation. Some of the proposals will be considered immediately, while others will be addressed as part of an ongoing policy process,” said Mwanamveka.
He acknowledged that Malawi is undergoing a difficult economic period marked by high public debt, elevated interest payments and a widening fiscal deficit.
However,the minister emphasised that the government’s policy direction is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and safeguarding long-term economic growth.
“We are in a very challenging situation as a country, but these measures are necessary to correct structural imbalances in the economy,” he said.
Mwanamveka explained that reduced donor support has compelled government to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, resulting in some unpopular tax measures.
He however, stressed that several of the measures are temporary and will be reviewed once economic conditions improve.
“I have previously reduced taxes when macroeconomic fundamentals were strong. The same will happen again when the economy stabilises,” he said.
According to the minister, early indicators suggest that government efforts are beginning to yield results, particularly in the area of foreign exchange availability.
“Our foreign exchange reserves have started improving, which is why we are seeing better availability of fuel and food on the market.
“As reserves strengthen further, pressure on parallel markets will reduce and more foreign exchange will be accessible through banks,” said Mwanamveka.
He declined to give a fixed timeline for full economic recovery, noting that economic performance depends on both domestic and global factors.
“It could take one, two or three years. In economics, many outcomes depend on variables beyond our control,” he said.
On governance reforms, Mwanamveka revealed that government is considering the introduction of electronic payment systems for traffic fines to curb corruption among traffic police officers.
“We have engaged the Inspector General of Police and his deputy, and there is agreement that digital payment systems can help reduce malpractice,” he said.
The minister also urged motorists to refrain from offering bribes, stressing that corruption thrives through the actions of both givers and receivers.
Commenting on inflation and interest rates, Mwanamveka expressed optimism that inflation will continue to ease, driven largely by improved food production.
“Food prices dominate the inflation index. If we manage food inflation, interest rates will eventually decline as well,” he said.
The minister added that government is hopeful of a good agricultural season, which would further support price stability and economic recovery.
“With good rains and strong harvests, the economy will continue on a recovery path,” he said.
On her part ,Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO ) Daisy Kambalame,proposed the digitisation of revenue collection to reduce spillage, corruption, manual errors and evasion.
She said the initiative would also enhance efficiency in revenue generation and revenue growth.
Kambalame also proposed the introduction of taxes on motorcycles ( Kabaza) operators to help address financial pressures in health budgets and support improved services delivery.
The High Court’s Civil Division in Lilongwe on Wednesday ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General (SG ) Richard Chimwendo Banda, citing unlawful detention beyond the legally prescribed remand period.
High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda issued the order after Chimwendo Banda, through his lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike, sought leave to commence judicial review proceedings against what he described as the State’s acts and omissions in detaining him beyond the mandatory statutory remand period.
Chimwendo
In his ruling, Justice Nyirenda granted permission for judicial review and ordered that the decision should operate as interim relief, including a stay of the remand warrant that was issued by the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court on December 15, 2025.
He further ordered Chimwendo Banda’s immediate release, stating that his continued detention was unlawful, unconstitutional, and in violation of his fundamental rights, including the right to personal liberty and due process of law.
Justice Nyirenda also directed that, pending the inter partes hearing of the interim relief application, any criminal proceedings against Chimwendo Banda whether arising from the same or a different factual matrix must be commenced by way of summons rather than arrest.
The inter partes hearing has been scheduled for January 23, 2026.
Kadzipatike later confirmed that Chimwendo Banda was released from Maula Prison on the same day.
“We filed a judicial review application before the Civil Division of the High Court on several grounds, including that the 30-day detention period allowed under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code had expired without the State committing him to the High Court for trial,” said
Chimwendo Banda was arrested on the same day as former President Lazarus Chakwera’s running mate in the September 16,2025 general elections running mate Vitumbiko Mumba was arrested,a move the MCP described as political persecution by the current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration.
The former Leader of the House is accused of attempting to murder Frank Chawanda in February 2021 and had been on remand at Maula Prison in Lilongwe since December 29 2025, after being discharged from the hospital.
