By Chisomo Phiri
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Baldwin Samuel Chiyamwaka as the new Secretary for Information and Digitalisation.
This is according to a statement by the Malawi Government.
The statement says Chiyamwaka is a recipient of the US Department of State International Visitors Programme (IVLP) Investigative Journalism Award,a highly experienced, reputable and skilled Communications Specialist, International Development Executive, Human Rights Practitioner; Educationist and Researcher.
He has extensive experience in the communications industry having worked as Communications Specialist with World Vision International; as a journalist and editor with the Malawi News Agency (MANA) in the Ministry of Information and as Executive Director for Media Council of Malawi.
He has worked in the Development industry (Non-Governmental Organisations – NGO) Sector for over 20 years as Deputy Country Director for VSO International, and Hivos Foundation as Head of Malawi Country Office, Regional Programme Manager for Southern Africa Hub (Open Society Programme), and Global Programme Manager responsible for Myanmar, Kenya and Malawi (PROTECT Programme); Social Accountability and Civic Engagement Technical Advisor for RMNCAH Programme at UNICEF Malawi and Senior Researcher at the prestigious think tank, Institute for Security Studies.
He has also provided high – level coordination and leadership as Commissioner for the Malawi Human Rights Commission chairing the Civil and Political Rights Committee and the Access to Information Committee; served on several boards such as chairperson of Farm Radio Trust (FRT), Foundation For Community and Capacity Development (FOCCAD); Chairperson of Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) Board of Trustees; Board Member of Baobab Health Trust, Trustee of the Association of Business Journalists in Malawi, Chairman of LC Pharmacies board of Directors and Chairman of Lilongwe Pentecostal Church Private Schools Board of Directors.
He is currently, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM).
