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CIRA sets tougher compliance rules for construction projects in 2026

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CIRA sets tougher compliance rules for construction projects in 2026

By Chisomo Phiri

The Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) has unveiled new measures set to take effect in 2026, aimed at strengthening oversight of construction projects nationwide.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Lilongwe on Wednesday, CIRA Chief Executive Officer(CEO ) Engineer Gerald Khonje said all clients and procuring entities will be required to incorporate Infrastructure Technical Audits into their project governance frameworks.

Khonje cautioned that the authority will enforce compliance through directives, penalties, and, where necessary, the suspension of projects that fail to meet the requirements of the Construction Industry Act of 2025.

Khonje



He described 2026 as an ‘execution year’ emphasizing the need for the construction industry to demonstrate improved performance, professionalism, and integrity.

Khonje said the authority will make its processes user-friendly to ensure that obtaining a licence is easy for compliant companies.

He added that, as a regulator, CIRA has automated its processes, making it easier for companies to obtain certificates as long as they comply with the set regulations.

“We have developed a Construction Industry Capacity Development Programme, which is going to be integrated into all projects. We are therefore calling upon all stakeholders to ensure that, when designing a project, they incorporate a capacity-building element so that by the end of the project, the country retains the necessary skills and capacity,” said Khonje.

He also noted that CIRA will be conducting technical audits on infrastructure projects aimed at assessing compliance with standards and regulations.

CIRA was established under the Construction Industry Act of 2025 and is mandated to regulate, promote, and develop Malawi’s construction sector at the national level.

AG moves to block Chimwendo Banda’s judicial review over detention

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AG moves to block Chimwendo Banda’s judicial review over detention

By Chisomo Phiri

The Attorney General (AG)  Frank Mbeta on Wednesday filed a preliminary application in the High Court’s Civil Division in Lilongwe, seeking to discharge the leave granted to Malawi Congress Party (MCP ) Secretary General (SG ) Richard Chimwendo Banda to commence judicial review proceedings and to set aside all interim reliefs issued in his favour.

The move follows the appointment of the AG by the Inspector General (IG) of the Malawi Police Service (MPS ) Richard Luhanga and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Fostino Maere to contest a High Court Civil Division order that allowed Chimwendo Banda to challenge his detention through judicial review.

An inter partes hearing on the matter is scheduled for today January 23, 2026.

Frank Mbeta


In a sworn statement, the AG argues that Chimwendo Banda failed to exhaust alternative remedies available to him before approaching the Civil Division.

He contends that the claimant could have invoked habeas corpus, a legal remedy specifically intended to summarily challenge unlawful detention.

“This remedy is designed for liberty grievances and is more appropriate than judicial review,” says the AG .

He further notes that Chimwendo Banda had already applied for bail in the High Court’s Criminal Division, which was expected to deliver its ruling on January 20, 2026.

The AG argues that an unfavourable ruling could have been appealed to the Supreme Court.

The AG also accuses Chimwendo Banda of suppressing material facts from the Civil Division.

He points out that the claimant did not disclose a Notice of Delivery of Ruling issued by the Criminal Division on January 13, 2026, confirming that the bail ruling would be delivered on January 20.

Mbeta says instead, Chimwendo Banda approached the Civil Division on January 14 to seek judicial review without revealing this information.

In urging the court to discharge the judicial review order, the AG further reminds the court that Chimwendo Banda had also approached the Supreme Court, where he was returned.

He argues that moving between the High Court’s Criminal and Civil Divisions, as well as the Supreme Court, amounts to an abuse of court processes, especially as the claimant was properly before the Criminal Division.

Chimwendo Banda is currently facing a charge of attempted murder.

Namalomba urges Airtel Malawi to improve service delivery

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Namalomba urges Airtel Malawi to improve service delivery



By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Information and Communications Technology,Shadric Namalomba, has called on Airtel Malawi to enhance the quality of its services in order to meet customer expectations.

He made the remarks during a surprise visit to Airtel Malawi’s head office in Lilongwe on Thursday, where he engaged management on ongoing service delivery concerns.

The minister stressed that the mobile service provider must take decisive steps to address customer complaints and improve overall service reliability.

Namalomba and Airtel’s Abdul Shaik



In response, Airtel Malawi Acting Managing Director (AMD) Abdul Shaik assured the minister that the company is actively working to resolve network challenges.

He explained that progress has been affected by foreign exchange constraints, which have limited the importation of critical network equipment required to expand and upgrade infrastructure.

“We can assure you that over the past few months we have been installing new sites and increasing network capacity to meet the demands of our growing customer base. Rest assured, we are addressing the matter,” said Shaik.

He added that improving network performance is an ongoing process and appealed for government support in securing additional foreign exchange allocations to accelerate infrastructure development.

Airtel Malawi Limited is one of Malawi’s leading telecommunications companies, providing mobile voice, data and mobile money services.

The company is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa Plc, a pan-African telecommunications group operating in multiple African countries.

Airtel Malawi commenced operations in 1999 and has since expanded its network coverage across the country, serving millions of subscribers.

In addition to telecommunications services, the company operates Airtel Money, one of Malawi’s largest mobile financial platforms, supporting digital payments, money transfers and financial inclusion.

Mwanamveka refutes reports that Malawi has highest fuel price in Africa

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Mwanamveka refutes reports that Malawi has highest fuel price in Africa

By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamveka on Thursday dismissed recent media reports  that Malawi has the highest fuel prices in Africa, describing them as false and misleading.

Speaking during a press briefing on the fuel hike in the capital Lilongwe,Mwanamveka  said the country imported about 504 million litres of fuel in 2019, but imports have since risen to approximately 744 million litres due to increased demand.

Mwanamveka



He said Malawi, as a small economy, had been subsidising fuel prices in a way that benefited neighbouring countries, a situation he described as unsustainable.

The finance minister disclosed that the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) currently owes fuel suppliers over K1 trillion as a result of prolonged fuel underpricing.

According to Mwanamveka, MERA has also failed to remit about K593 billion to the Roads Fund Administration(RFA), the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP), and the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), a development that has negatively affected national development efforts.

He said the recent upward adjustment of fuel prices will enable the government to implement development projects more effectively.

Mwanamveka added that the government is working tirelessly to stabilise the kwacha, while the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC ) will be on the ground to ensure that commodity prices are not increased unrealistically.

He further said that people will soon be able to access loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which is currently recovering loans from previous beneficiaries.

The minister also addressed social media rumours alleging that the government intends to introduce a tax on death gratuity and implement a global tax.

He said these claims are baseless and appear aimed at undermining the country’s ongoing economic recovery efforts.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Arab countries, the minister described the trip as productive, highlighting that Malawi has secured funding for key projects, including the construction of Blantyre District Hospital and the upgrading of Chileka International Airport.

On her part,
Minister of Energy and Mining, Jean Mathanga concurred with Mwanamveka saying Malawi’s fuel prices had remained lower than those of neighbouring countries because the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) was abandoned for the past three years, a move that negatively affected the collection of road levies.

Mathanga explained that during the previous administration, fuel became scarce, forcing motorists to spend long hours queuing for the commodity.

She said the recent upward adjustment of fuel prices is expected to eliminate such challenges, as the current government has reinstated the APM to ensure consistent fuel supply.

According to the minister, fixed fuel prices which the previous administration used also encouraged fuel smuggling, as price differences with neighbouring countries made the malpractice to be rampant.

She  added that adopting realistic fuel pricing will help curb smuggling.

Invisible Dance Crew Eyes National Glory as Malawi Has Talent Finale Nears

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Invisible Dance Crew Eyes National Glory as Malawi Has Talent Finale Nears



By Rahim Abdul

Invisible Dance Crew has declared itself ready to step into the spotlight as the Malawi Has Talent season reaches its decisive final this coming Saturday, with the group confident of claiming the ultimate crown.

The popular dance outfit has emerged as one of the standout acts of the season, earning a place among the top contenders set to battle it out in the grand finale at the Apollo Auditorium in Blantyre.

Speaking ahead of the much anticipated showdown, group spokesperson Blaqmed said reaching the final stage is already proof of the crew’s quality, discipline and ability to deliver high level performances under pressure.



Blaqmed expressed confidence that Invisible Dance Crew has what it takes to impress both judges and viewers, noting that the final performance will clearly demonstrate why the group deserves to be named the best of the season.

He appealed to fans and supporters to rally behind the crew by voting and turning up in large numbers at the venue, stressing that audience support will play a crucial role in determining the winner.

“Our journey to the final is not by chance. It reflects the hard work and creativity we have consistently displayed, and we believe the final performance will speak for itself,” said Blaqmed.

In a move aimed at strengthening fan support, the group has organized transport for supporters traveling from Thyolo, making it easier for loyal followers to attend the live show in Blantyre.

The crew has also prepared special branded outfits for fans, which will be sold at affordable prices to create a strong and visible presence during the finale.

Malawi Has Talent is a national competition that brings together performers from different artistic backgrounds, including music, dance and other creative acts, offering a platform for emerging talent.

This season’s finale will feature ten finalists competing for top honors, with Invisible Dance Crew determined to turn their final appearance into a historic victory.

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