Thursday, April 23, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 5

Malawi Catholic Church to mark centenary of World Mission Sunday

247Malawi
-
0
Malawi Catholic Church to mark centenary of World Mission Sunday

By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has announced that the Catholic Church in Malawi will join the global Church in commemorating 100 years of World Mission Sunday.

This significant milestone will be celebrated on 3rd October 2026 at Mzuzu Stadium, bringing together Catholics from across the country.

The event will be held under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission”, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose in the Catholic Church’s mission.

According to MCCB Secretary General, Very Reverend Father Valeriano Mtseka, the celebration will be a moment of great joy and spiritual renewal for Catholics in Malawi.

Father Valeriano Mtseka



Father Mtseka says the celebration will strengthen faith and commitment among Catholics, providing an opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection.

He notes that the event will also serve as a reminder of the Church’s mission to spread the word of God and serve the community.

A representative from Rome is expected to attend the event, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Father Mtseka says the presence of the representative will highlight the unity of the Catholic Church worldwide and provide an opportunity for Malawian Catholics to connect with the global Church.

Father Mtseka has urged all Catholics to prepare for the event, encouraging them to reflect on their faith and commitment to the Church’s mission.

He says that the celebration will be a moment of great celebration and spiritual renewal, and that all Catholics should strive to participate.

The MCCB Secretary General’s message is one of hope and optimism, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose in the Church’s mission.

As the Catholic Church in Malawi prepares to mark this significant milestone, it is clear that the event will be a moment of great joy and spiritual renewal for Catholics across the country.

The World Mission Sunday celebrations are a significant event in the Catholic Church’s calendar, providing an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on their faith and commitment to the Church’s mission.

The event is celebrated annually on the penultimate Sunday of October, and is an occasion for Catholics to come together and celebrate their shared faith.

In Malawi, the Catholic Church is a significant presence, with a large following and a strong commitment to social justice and community service.

The Church’s mission is focused on serving the poor and vulnerable, and promoting education and healthcare.

As the Catholic Church in Malawi prepares to mark 100 years of World Mission Sunday, it is clear that the event will be a significant moment in the country’s religious calendar.

With its theme of “One in Christ, United in Mission”, the event is an opportunity for Catholics to come together and celebrate their shared faith, while also reflecting on their commitment to the Church’s mission.

The MCCB’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm and excitement among Catholics in Malawi, who are looking forward to the celebrations and the opportunity to connect with fellow Catholics from across the country.

As the event approaches, it is clear that it will be a moment of great joy and spiritual renewal for the Catholic Church in Malawi.



The Catholic Church in Malawi is gearing up to mark a significant milestone in its history, with the commemoration of 100 years of World Mission Sunday.

The event promises to be a moment of great joy and spiritual renewal, providing an opportunity for Catholics to come together and celebrate their shared faith.

As the country prepares for the celebrations, it is clear that the event will be a significant moment in Malawi’s religious calendar, highlighting the importance of unity and shared purpose in the Church’s mission.

Fuel Crisis Sparks Outcry as Rights Group Demands Government Transparency

247Malawi
-
0
Fuel Crisis Sparks Outcry as Rights Group Demands Government Transparency



By Rahim Abdul

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed deep frustration over the continued fuel shortages affecting Malawians, warning that the situation is placing an unbearable strain on daily life and economic activity.

HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the ongoing crisis is not only disruptive but also raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in how fuel resources are being managed.

His remarks follow an admission by government spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba, who confirmed in an interview with a certain media, the country currently has no fuel reserves in storage facilities managed by National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).

Kaiyatsa



According to Namalomba, the government is struggling to procure fuel due to a shortage of foreign currency, a challenge further worsened by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted global fuel supply chains.

But HRDC has questioned the consistency of this explanation, arguing that while global conflicts may have some impact, Malawi’s fuel shortages appear to be a recurring issue even in times of relative global stability.

Kaiyatsa emphasized the need for the government to openly explain how NOCMA operates and why the country repeatedly faces fuel supply challenges.

He stressed that transparency is key to restoring public trust, especially at a time when citizens are enduring long queues, disrupted transport systems and rising costs of goods and services.

The coalition has since called on authorities to urgently outline a clear and sustainable strategy to address the fuel crisis, warning that failure to act decisively could further destabilize livelihoods across the country.

Across Malawi, the shortage has already begun to affect multiple sectors, from public transport to small-scale businesses, with many struggling to operate efficiently without reliable access to fuel.

HRDC maintains that beyond short term fixes, the country needs long term planning and better resource management to prevent recurring shortages.

As pressure mounts, Malawians now look to the government for concrete solutions that will not only resolve the current crisis but also safeguard against future disruptions.

Mabuku Online founder unveils digital  library app to boost access to Malawian books

247Malawi
-
0
Mabuku Online founder unveils digital  library app to boost access to Malawian books

By Chisomo Phiri

The founder of Mabuku Online, Clement Mambulasa has introduced the Mabuku Library App, a digital platform aimed at improving access to Malawian books while empowering local authors through technology.

Speaking in an interview with 247 Malawi News, Mambulasa said the app was developed to provide Malawians with easy and affordable access to a wide selection of local books in one place, while also promoting a stronger reading culture nationwide.

Clement Mambulasa



He said the Mabuku Library App targets a diverse audience, including students, educators, young professionals, and general readers seeking convenient access to local content.

Mambulasa explained that the platform offers a wide range of materials authored by Malawians, including novels, poetry, academic texts, motivational books, and personal development resources.

He said users can access the library by downloading the application, creating an account, and subscribing where necessary.

Said Mambulasa:”Once registered, readers can browse and read books directly within the app.

“An internet connection is required to access and load content.”

He said  the app stands out from other digital library platforms due to its exclusive focus on Malawian content and its commitment to supporting local authors.

Mambulasa added that the platform is designed to be affordable and user-friendly, ensuring it meets the needs of the local market without unnecessary complexity.

He said the initiative is also expected to play a role in advancing education and literacy in Malawi.

“By increasing access to books,particularly for individuals who have limited access to physical copies,the app encourages reading habits and promotes local authorship.

“It also complements other Mabuku Online initiatives, including book clubs, school visits, and literary events,”said Mambulasa.

He however, acknowledged potential challenges such as limited internet connectivity and unfamiliarity with digital platforms among some users.

The innovator said the company is addressing these issues by optimizing the app for low data consumption, maintaining a simple interface, and providing ongoing user education on digital reading tools.

He said'”The Mabuku Library App operates on a subscription-based model, designed to remain affordable for Malawian users.

“It primarily supports English content, while also offering materials in local languages such as Chichewa.Currently, the app is available on Android devices, with plans underway to expand to additional platforms in the future.”

Muluzi flags Severe challenges in 2026 tobacco marketing season

247Malawi
-
0
Muluzi flags Severe challenges in 2026 tobacco marketing season

By Chisomo Phiri

President of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi, has said that this year’s tobacco marketing season is one of the most difficult in the country’s history, citing oversupply pressures and exchange rate distortions that he says are threatening farmers’ livelihoods.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Muluzi said tobacco remains the main source of income for many Malawian farmers, stressing the importance of fairness, transparency, and strong support from all stakeholders during the challenging marketing period.

He noted that the region is facing what is likely the largest oversupply of tobacco in its history, with significant carryover stocks from the previous growing season.



Muluzi warned that market forces alone could drive prices to record lows, placing immense financial pressure on farmers.

“This situation demands urgent and practical solutions to support those who depend on tobacco for their livelihoods,” he said.

He further pointed to exchange rate distortions as a major contributing factor to the crisis.

Muluzi said farmers are being paid at the official exchange rate, which he noted is effectively discounted by up to 30 percent in some cases, while the prices of many essential goods are already aligned with parallel market rates.

He described the situation as deeply unfair and economically damaging, warning that it is worsening the financial strain on rural households.

“There is an urgent need to realign our exchange rate framework. The current situation is simply unsustainable.We need urgent reforms,” said Muluzi.

The 2026 tobacco marketing season opened on Monday at Lilongwe Floors with buyers rejecting a record 90 percent of the leaf, raising concerns over compliance, pricing and the early direction of Malawi’s most vital export market.

Tobacco Commission (TC) officials said the high rejection rate was largely due to farmers not presenting a minimum price card, a key requirement in determining floor prices.

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Roza Fatch Mbilizi, speaking during the opening of the market, said adherence to market rules is important to ensure fair value for farmers and stability in the sector.

“The performance of this market determines Malawi’s economic trajectory,” she said, describing farmers as heroes whose output remains key to the country’s foreign exchange position.

Mbilizi appealed to buyers to buy all tobacco produced while cautioning against exploiting current supply conditions.

“There is overproduction, but no single leaf should be bought at lower than the market price,” she said.

The 2026 Second Round Tobacco Production Estimates Survey indicated that Malawi is expected to produce 197 million kilogramme (kg) of tobacco, which is 14 percent higher than buyers’ demand of 170 million kg.

Early market signals on Monday pointed to weaker pricing compared to last year.

Data from the floors show that the highest price on contract farming was $3 (about K5 252) per kg with lowest at $1.20 (about K2 101) per kg compared to last year’s opening price of $3.20 (about K5 603) per kg.

On the contrary, the highest price on the auction market was recorded at $2.50 (about K4 377) per kg with the lowest price recorded at $2 (about K3 502) per kg compared to last year’s opening price of $1.80 (about K3 151) per kg.

Last season, tobacco raked in $539.4 million (about K944.66 billion),  record earnings in over 10 years.

Tobacco remains Malawi’s main foreign exchange earner and contributes about 60 percent to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and 13 percent to the economy.

Muluzi sounds alarm on Malawi economy

247Malawi
-
0
Muluzi sounds alarm on Malawi economy



By Chisomo Phiri

President of the United Democratic Front (UDF ) Atupele Muluzi has described the current Malawi’s economic crisis as the most severe and prolonged one since the country’s transition to multiparty democracy in 1994, and has called for swift and coordinated action to address it.

Speaking in an interview with 247 Malawi News, Muluzi said households, businesses, and public institutions are under severe strain, warning that any delays in implementing reforms would deepen the crisis and further increase the burden on ordinary Malawians.

Atupele Muluzi



He welcomed the joint initiative by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations (UN), and the World Bank Group (WBG), in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, which recently developed a set of 22 priority policy recommendations titled ‘No Time to Waste: Policy Priorities for Malawi’s Recovery.’

Muluzi described the report as a timely and practical contribution to national economic discussions, saying it offers evidence-based solutions aimed at stabilising the economy and laying a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He also noted that the strong mandate given to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in last year’s general election presents an opportunity for what he termed a ‘national reset,’ which could help restore confidence in public institutions and accelerate long-overdue structural reforms.

“As President of the United Democratic Front, I wish to state that we support the direction and substance of these policy recommendations.

“They are consistent with our own Business First Strategy and reflect many of the reforms we have long advocated for,” said Muluzi.

The former presidential candidate and son of Malawi’s second president, Bakili Muluzi, stressed that restoring macroeconomic stability must remain the country’s immediate priority.

He called for fiscal consolidation, reforms in tax administration and public financial management, debt restructuring, and the establishment of a credible framework for exchange rate unification.

He further emphasised the need for prudent monetary policy, alongside targeted interventions to improve foreign exchange inflows.

Muluzi cautioned against politicising the country’s economic difficulties, arguing that the situation requires collective responsibility and cooperation among political parties, government institutions, the private sector, and development partners.

“This is not a time for assigning blame. It is a time for responsible, collaborative leadership.The challenges we face are national in nature and require a unified response,” he said.

He further urged swift implementation of the recommended reforms, warning that continued delays would worsen economic hardship.

“UDF stands ready to work constructively with all stakeholders in the national interest. There is no time to waste,” concluded Muluzi.

1...456...2,309Page 5 of 2,309

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

True and well researched news covering key issues in Malawi and abroad

Contact us: info@247malawi.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv