Former Malawi President and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said that the challenges facing the party and its supporters during the 16 September elections were a test from God.
Chakwera urged party supporters to avoid conflict and divisive actions, emphasizing that he has no immediate plans to return the party to government in 2030.
The remarks came during his address in Lilongwe, where he spoke to Malawians for the first time following the recent elections.
Chakwera also highlighted Malawi as a strong example of peace, noting that the country’s recent national elections—including parliamentary, councillor, and Speaker of the National Assembly elections—were conducted in a calm and peaceful manner.
Chakwera
The event was attended by key party officials, including MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, opposition leader in the National Assembly Simplex Chithyola Banda, party stalwart Khumbize Kandodo, and Dr. Jessie Kabwira.
Chakwera’s message focused on unity, faith, and the need for supporters to remain committed to peaceful political engagement, even amid electoral disappointments.
He reminded party members that political challenges are part of a broader process and that patience and discipline are essential for the MCP’s long-term strength.
The leader’s address reinforced the importance of peaceful conduct and cohesion as Malawi navigates its democratic journey and prepares for future political contests.
Ben Phiri, the Minister responsible for local governments, has expressed disappointment over the failure of councils across the country to effectively serve rural communities.
Speaking on Friday in Salima during a development meeting involving councils nationwide, Phiri said the time has come to provide Malawians with support in addressing the challenges they face.
He stated, “I am deeply disappointed that local councils are failing to assist our people in the villages, and this must stop from today onward.”
Phiri emphasized the importance of councils fulfilling their mandate to ensure that rural populations receive the services and support they are entitled to.
Phiri
Kondwani Santhe, head of the National Local Government Finance Committee, also advised councils to execute their responsibilities with diligence and keep the welfare of their constituents in mind.
Santhe stressed that local councils must prioritize community needs and actively implement programs that improve livelihoods and local development.
In response, James Mwenda, the District Commissioner for Salima, stated that councils are aware of the current development framework and are capable of implementing programs in accordance with ministry directives.
Mwenda added that councils must act proactively and ensure that government initiatives reach intended beneficiaries without delays.
The meeting highlighted concerns that rural communities are often left underserved due to administrative inefficiencies and lack of accountability at the local government level.
Phiri and Santhe urged local authorities to adopt a results-driven approach, ensuring transparency and efficiency in development planning and execution.
Both leaders emphasized that failure to perform could lead to further oversight measures and interventions by national authorities to safeguard citizens’ welfare.
The session concluded with a call for local councils to immediately align their activities with government development strategies and respond effectively to the needs of their communities.
The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has raised alarm over the worsening collapse of mobile network and internet services across Malawi.
For nearly a year, Malawians have endured erratic connectivity, frequent call drops, unreliable internet access, and data bundles that expire prematurely, often without full usage.
Despite this sustained decline in service quality, tariffs have remained unchanged, forcing consumers to pay high prices for grossly substandard services.
Benedicto Kondowe
NAP described this situation as “daylight robbery” and a blatant affront to consumer rights.
Repeated calls from citizens, civil society, businesses, and the media for improved service delivery have reportedly been met with silence and inaction from both the regulator and mobile operators.
The ongoing poor performance of mobile services is affecting multiple sectors, choking businesses and undermining productivity.
Access to essential financial, health, and social services has been disrupted, and progress toward Malawi’s digital transformation agenda is being stalled.
Banking services, particularly ATM access and electronic transfers, are increasingly unreliable, interrupting crucial financial transactions for citizens.
Small enterprises, students, professionals, and ordinary users who depend on digital platforms for commerce, communication, and learning are being pushed to the brink.
Digital financial transactions are also becoming chaotic.
Bank-to-Airtel Money transfers are frequently reversed within seconds, while other transfers fail with messages such as “the receiving subscriber has exceeded the transfer limit,” even when the recipient’s account has a zero balance.
There is no accountability for funds deducted but not remitted, and consumers often do not receive refunds for failed transactions.
NAP has called on the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) to urgently audit mobile-linked financial transactions and compel service providers to refund and compensate customers for all failed or reversed transfers.
The Communications Act of 2017 (Act No. 34 of 2016, Chapter 68:01 of the Laws of Malawi) explicitly places legal obligations on both MACRA and mobile operators.
Section 6(d) of the Act directs that one of the objectives is “to facilitate the provision of affordable communication services.”
Section 6(h) mandates “consumer protection” as one of MACRA’s primary responsibilities.
Sections 40(1)(b) and (d) allow licence conditions to require operators to comply with technical and performance standards.
Sections 43(1)(a)–(g) give MACRA the authority to suspend or revoke licences in cases of noncompliance.
NAP argues that the ongoing failure of operators to provide reliable, high-quality services constitutes a clear breach of these licence obligations.
The platform insists that immediate regulatory intervention is essential to protect consumer rights.
NAP is calling on the Government and MACRA to urgently exercise their statutory mandate to safeguard citizens and ensure accountability.
This includes reconstituting the MACRA Board to guarantee strong, independent, and technically competent oversight.
NAP also urges the regulator to conduct an independent quality-of-service audit of all mobile operators.
Publishing performance and compliance reports is another demand, aimed at promoting transparency and consumer accountability.
The organization insists that corrective and punitive measures must be enforced against operators failing to meet minimum standards.
NAP further calls for operators to refund or compensate consumers for data bundles that expire without full utilisation.
In today’s digital era, it is unacceptable that Malawians continue to endure poor network quality while paying some of the highest data costs in the region.
Reliable communication is both a constitutional and economic necessity, anchored in Section 37, which guarantees every person’s right to access information.
Persistent service failures undermine this right and restrict meaningful participation in the economy.
NAP urges the Government and MACRA to act decisively to protect consumers and restore confidence in the communications sector.
Continued inaction, the platform warns, weakens regulatory safeguards designed to shield citizens from unfair business practices.
The organization has called for swift measures to improve service quality, review tariff structures, and ensure fair treatment for all consumers.
NAP also urges MACRA to firmly defend Malawians who have long suffered exploitative and bullying practices from network providers.
“Malawians deserve a regulator that defends their rights and holds service providers fully accountable,” the statement concluded.
The press release was signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, has reaffirmed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government’s commitment to implementing the Malawi 2063 national vision, calling on the National Planning Commission (NPC) to continue supporting efforts toward the country’s long-term development goals.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during a meeting with NPC Director General (DG) Fredrick Changaya and his team, Namalomba said the DPP government fully embraces the aspirations of Malawi 2063 (MW2063) and views it as a continuation of its earlier policy foundations.
Changaya and Namalomba
“The genesis of Malawi 2063 is the DPP, so it is our responsibility to ensure its realisation.
“The good thing is that our party manifesto is already aligned with the national vision, so implementing it will not be difficult,” he said.
The minister emphasized the crucial role of digital technology and access to information in achieving the vision, pledging that his ministry will leverage information and communication technologies to drive national transformation.
“We recognise that a modern economy depends on digital connectivity and informed citizens. Our strategies will focus on ensuring that ICT becomes a cornerstone of Malawi’s growth and competitiveness,” said Namalomba.
In his remarks, Changaya commended the ministry for its proactive approach and highlighted key initiatives under the MW2063 First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1) that fall within the ministry’s mandate.
He cited the Malawi Digital Economy Strategy, the Integrated Mindset Change Programme, and the Access to Information Act as critical tools for advancing the national vision.
“We are living in a digital and knowledge-driven age. Transformation cannot happen without citizens having access to technology and information,” said Changaya.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government ministries and the NPC in ensuring that Malawi 2063 moves from vision to tangible action.
The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) has announced that the upcoming Malawi Film Awards and Gala, set for December 19 in Lilongwe, will attract prominent filmmakers and actors from across Africa, marking one of the country’s biggest entertainment events this year.
According to FAMA President Dorothy Kingston, confirmations have already come in from Ghana and Nigeria with several celebrated names on the guest list.
Among the stars expected to light up the red carpet are Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim, Nigerian comedy star Ada Kilikili and veteran actor Osuagu Victor, all of whom will be joined by Emeka Rollas, the President of the Nigerian Actors Guild.
South African screen icon Zolisa Xaluva, widely known for his roles in hit shows such as Generations and Gomora, will also be in attendance.
Kingston said the inclusion of these regional stars reflects Malawi’s growing footprint in the African film landscape.
“This event is not just about glamour; it’s about strengthening partnerships, building networks, and showcasing Malawian creativity to the continent,” she said.
The gala will feature an exciting mix of film screenings, panel discussions, and masterclasses led by international experts, aimed at equipping local filmmakers with practical skills and global insights.
According to organizers, one of the highlights will be an exclusive roundtable on film financing and distribution an area many Malawian filmmakers have struggled with.
FAMA says the event also aims to celebrate outstanding achievements in the local film industry with awards being presented in categories such as Best Director, Best Short Film, Best Cinematography and Lifetime Achievement.
Kingston emphasized that the recognition is not only for established figures but also for emerging talents who have made notable strides in storytelling and production quality.
In recent years, Malawi’s film industry has seen gradual growth with more productions reaching regional and international platforms.
Events such as this gala are viewed as catalysts that can open more doors for collaboration and exposure beyond the country’s borders.
