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IMM introduces research-based ‘Superbrand Awards’ as new  benchmark for brand excellence

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) says the newly introduced ‘Superbrand Awards’ are redefining how brand excellence is measured and recognised in the country, shifting the focus from popularity to verified market performance and consumer trust.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,IMM Director of Communications and Public Relations, Daniel Ngwira, said the awards are grounded in independent nationwide research aimed at identifying Malawi’s strongest and most credible brands across different sectors.



Said Ngwira:“The Superbrand Awards are a research-driven national initiative designed to recognise brands that demonstrate consistent performance, relevance and trust in the market.

“This process ensures that recognition is based on evidence rather than nominations or public voting.”

He said the inauguration of the awards held on the night of December 12,2025 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre marked a major milestone for Malawi’s private sector, bringing together senior corporate executives, policymakers and industry stakeholders to acknowledge excellence, innovation and leadership in branding.

“The event was historic and highly successful, and it signalled the establishment of a credible national benchmark for brand performance in Malawi.

“Through the research exercise, brands operating in the Malawian market were assessed, leading to the identification of the Top 200 Brands nationwide.From this group, category leaders and overall Superbrands were selected, including the Superbrand of the Year, all based on independently verified research outcomes,” said Ngwira.

He applauded government support for the initiative, particularly from the Ministry of Trade, Industrialisation, Business and Tourism, saying such backing is vital for strengthening brand competitiveness and private sector growth.

“We are calling for continued collaboration with government to create an enabling environment that supports strong brands, innovation, industrialisation and market credibility.

“These partnerships are essential for positioning Malawi as a competitive and trusted economy at regional and global levels,” said the IMM spokesperson.

Looking to the future, Ngwira said IMM plans to institutionalise the Superbrand Awards as a permanent national benchmark, while further strengthening the research framework and broadening stakeholder participation.

“Our goal is to inspire brands to continuously raise standards, build consumer confidence and compete effectively beyond Malawi’s borders,” he said.

He added that the Superbrand Awards should be viewed as a long-term investment in the country’s economic development.

“This initiative is more than an awards ceremony; it reflects the future direction of Malawi’s economy.

“We congratulate all brands that made it into the Top 200 and encourage others to keep improving. True excellence is earned in the marketplace and recognised through consistent value delivery to Malawians,” said Ngwira.

Malawi Government Secures $ 15 Million Grant from the Kuwait Fund.

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By Linda Kwanjana

In a broaden vote of donor Confidence Malawi government has secured a $15 million grant from the Kuwait Fund to support the country’s Infrastructure development and economic recovery. Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Decentralization, Hon.  Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, who is the Special Envoy to the State of Kuwait, met with Acting Deputy Director General of the Kuwait Fund, H.E. Mr. Rashid Al Bader, and top officials in the Kuwait Fund on December 14, 2025.



During the meeting, Hon. Mwanamvekha highlighted the key macroeconomic challenges facing the current adminstration among them fuel,fertilizer,food,foreign exchange and pharmaceuticals.

In his remarks,H.E .Mr.Rashid Al Bader assured the Malawi government that they will support through provisions of grants on annual basis starting with $15 million dollars.

These funds will go towards the health sectors as it alligns with their cooporate social responsibility.

Malawi government will use the funds on the contsruction of Blantyre district hospital in order to de_congest Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Hon. Mwanamvekha was accompanied by Malawi’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Yunus Karim.”

Dan Lu Gifts used items to fans to celebrate year-end



By Rahim Abdul

One of Malawi’s renowned musicians, Daniel Lufani, popularly known as Dan Lu, has delighted fans by giving away some of his personal items as a way to mark the end of the year.

In a post on his official Facebook page, the artist revealed that he had selected several people to benefit from his gifts through his social media platform.

Dan Lu explained that he has been doing this quietly for several years but occasionally likes to make it public to spread joy.

Dan Lu



“This is my way of sharing happiness with my fans and expressing gratitude for their support throughout the year,” he wrote on the post.

The giveaway included a variety of personal belongings ranging from clothes and shoes to furniture and household items.

Fans were reportedly excited about the initiative with many expressing their gratitude and admiration for the singer’s generosity.

Dan Lu’s decision to give away used items has sparked conversations online, with supporters praising his humility and creative way of connecting with his followers.

According to him, this is part of an annual tradition that he enjoys keeping private, only revealing it publicly when he feels it is appropriate.

He encouraged his followers to engage with his social media pages to be among the beneficiaries of the next round of giveaways.

“This is not about material things; it is about sharing love and creating memories with those who have supported me throughout my journey,” Dan Lu added.

As the year comes to a close, Dan Lu’s initiative has reminded fans of the importance of generosity and community spirit, leaving many inspired to also give back in their own ways.

Heavy Rains Wash Away Key Stretch of Lakeshore Road in Nkhotakota, Disrupting Traffic

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By Rahim Abdul

A section of the Lakeshore Road near Kampunga, a few kilometres from Pa MaChinese, has been severely damaged following heavy rains that started on Wednesday. The affected area lies between Bua and Mpondagaga, one of the key routes linking communities in the district.

Authorities say the road erosion has rendered parts of the stretch unsafe for vehicles, forcing motorists to slow down or take alternative routes. The damage has caused significant disruption to both commercial and private transport services.

Local drivers reported encountering deep water and mud on the road, making passage extremely difficult. Some motorists described scenes of near-traffic standstill as vehicles struggled to navigate the washed-out sections.


The heavy rainfall has been part of a series of downpours affecting the region over the past week. Meteorologists warn that the area could continue to experience sporadic heavy showers, which may further compromise road conditions.

Nkhotakota District officials have visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. Preliminary reports indicate that immediate repair works are required to prevent further deterioration of the road and potential accidents.

Residents in nearby communities are also expressing concern over the impact of the washed-away road on access to essential services such as health facilities and markets. Farmers, in particular, are worried about delays in transporting their produce to town centers.

Traffic police have issued warnings urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while navigating the area. They have also suggested alternative routes to avoid the affected section, although options are limited in some parts of the district.

Engineering teams from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works are expected to conduct detailed surveys and plan emergency interventions. Temporary measures, such as warning signs and diversion routes, are being considered to safeguard road users.

Local business operators say the disruption is affecting deliveries and day-to-day operations. Small-scale traders relying on timely transport fear losses if the road remains impassable for an extended period.

Authorities are appealing to motorists to remain patient and prioritize safety while repair works are being planned. They emphasize that restoring this critical stretch of the Lakeshore Road is a priority to ensure smooth connectivity within Nkhotakota District.

FAM Charges Bullets Over Supporter’s Pitch Invasion Incident

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By Rahim Abdul

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets under scrutiny after formally charging the club over an incident involving one of their supporters earlier this month. The development follows a dramatic scene that took place on November 2, 2025, during a high-profile league encounter.

According to FAM, the incident occurred when a Bullets supporter jumped from the stands and unlawfully entered the pitch. The supporter then assaulted Mighty Wanderers goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa, leaving spectators and officials stunned.

What has raised further concern is that the assault happened in full view of both police officers and match stewards. Despite their presence, the supporter managed to reach Khungwa, prompting serious questions about the effectiveness of match-day security.



In a charge sheet dated November 20, FAM described the act as a serious breach of football regulations. The association further indicated that the supporter involved in the incident has been positively identified.

While the individual supporter is expected to face separate consequences, FAM has placed responsibility on Bullets as the club associated with the fan. As a result, the team has been charged with pitch invasion, an offence recognised within football disciplinary frameworks.

FAM stressed that clubs bear full responsibility for the behaviour of their supporters at all matches. The association insisted that ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans remains one of the top priorities in the administration of the game.

As the disciplinary process moves forward, Bullets is expected to present a defence or response to FAM regarding the matter. However, as of now, the club has not yet responded or issued any official communication on the charges.

Failure to respond could affect the pace of the disciplinary proceedings, and if Bullets is eventually found guilty, the club may face fines or other sanctions depending on FAM’s evaluation of the incident.

For now, the football community is watching closely as the matter unfolds. The incident has already intensified conversations around stadium security, enforcement, and supporter behaviour, with calls growing louder for stronger preventive measures going forward.