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Ministry of natural resources and climate change says over 50 million trees have been planted across the country alongside management of 9640.6 hectares of natural regeneration

The ministry has said this in a press release announcing the closure of the 2024 to 2025 national forestry season on 15^th April.

Secretary for natural resources and climate change Dr Yusuf Mkungula says these efforts mark a significant step forward in Malawi’s ongoing commitment to landscape restoration and climate resilience

Mkungula says survival rate of trees planted during the 2023 to 2024 forestry season has been recorded at an average of 60 percent due to drought and animal grazing

The 2024 to 2025 season was launched by vice president on 17^th December in Chitipa district under the theme: restore forests and land to secure food production.

Malawians are expected to brace for longer power outages as Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) has planned to carry maintenance works at Nkula A and B Power Stations from Thursday to Monday next week.

According to the media release, the maintenance works will involve the removal of remnant coffer dam and other related machines on the plant.

The statement says during the outage, head pond at Mkula Power Station will be drawn down to access the scant piles of the remnant coffer dam.

It further says consequently there will be no power generation at Mkula Power Station during the period.

Reserve Bank of Malawi RBM has created Pension Department to rectify challenges facing pensioners

Addressing a news conference RBM Governor Dr McDonald Mafuta Mwale the department will ensure employers comply with Pension Act of 2023 and handle complaints

Mafuta Mwale urged employers to enroll their employees in pension schemes and make sure contributions are properly remitted to pension administrators for effective investment on behalf of pensioners

He warned that employers who fail to comply with the pension act could face penalties of up to 100 million kwacha and closure of businesses in Malawi

President Lazarus Chakwera has said a report which Reserve Bank released few days ago indicates that Malawi has a lot of money that is being misused

Addressing the nation at the launch of Coca-Cola Company in Lilongwe Chakwera said the report shows that last year alone 19.5 trillion kwacha was transacted through Airtel Money and Mpamba.

According to the president the report further states that the number of people transferring their money through mobile phones increased from 12.7 million to 16.4 million.

He urged Malawians to use the money they possess wisely by investing rather than using in unproductive consumption.

Chakwera has criticized politicians who tarnish his image by saying that Malawians are suffering because of his poor governance.

He has welcomed the investment which Coca-Cola Company has installed in the country.

Managing director of Coca-Cola Malawi Limited Nill French says the launch of that branch will help to create jobs and get rid of forex challenges

French said they will not import bottles from Zambia but exporting their products to the neighbouring country

Minister of trade Vitumbiko Mumba said have listed 25 businesses they want to restrict foreigners from engaging in the country

Mumba disclosed that he rejected a summon by some vendors in Karonga who are against the ban on imports which the ministry introduced

Chairperson of Muslim Association of Malawi sheikh Idrissa Muhammad has held discussions with newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Malawi and Zambia Huseyin Barbaros

The meeting which focused on development projects aimed at benefiting Muslim community in Malawi took place in Lusaka, Zambia

Speaking during the meeting sheikh Muhammad described Turkey as a true ally to Malawi considering its continued support to the country

Citing sectors of education, health and infrastructural projects among others, Sheikh Muhammad said the support has transformed lives of many Muslims in the country

He said Turkey has instilled hope in many communities through implementation of many projects such as giving opportunity to Muslims to study in Turkey under the country’s scholarship initiatives

The MAM chair said is eager to strengthen the relationship between the association and Turkey

He took the opportunity to highlight impactful work MAM has been undertaking across Malawi to improve welfare of Muslims

Ambassador Barbaros expressed satisfaction with MAM’s efforts in uplifting lives hence reaffirming his country’s commitment to exploring new areas for cooperation that would continue to benefit the broader Malawian population

Peoples Progressive Movement PPM has taken lead in unveiling its manifesto ahead of 16^th September General Elections

Presenting the manifesto titled “The Voice of Reason for a Better Malawi” PPM President Mark Katsonga Phiri expressed concern over the state of the nation stating that while Malawi has never been at war it lacks true peace due to issues such as hunger and jealousy

Katsonga highlighted that the country continues to lose its way, facing a multitude of challenges that have only worsened under Chakwera’s leadership

He criticized frequent renaming of ministries to suit political interests of the ruling party calling it a waste of time and resources

Katsonga acknowledged that political alliances have often been more focused on removing the current government rather than promoting genuine developmental progress

Ministry of Trade and Industry has stressed the need for Malawian farmers to harness root and tubers farming to boost the country’s economy.

Ministry’s spokesperson, Patrick Botha says investment in roots and tubers has long been neglected.

He says this is why the ministry organized the dissemination workshop on roots and Tuber crops to equip potential farmers with knowledge of revamping the economy through value chain development and market opportunities.

According to Botha when there is value addition in root crops which are resistant to climate shocks the country would realize more forex realized from their exports.

Transporters Association of Malawi TAM has written the ministry of Transport to follow up on a request made earlier this year about the road conditions which is compromising transport operations in the country.

On 18th March 2025, TAM wrote the ministry on the urgent need for road maintenance and rehabilitation across several key sections of the national road network.

According to a letter signed by TAM operations and Communications director, Frank Banda to date, they have not received any formal acknowledgement or response, despite the growing urgency and severity of the matter.

Banda says transporters and drivers operating along the affected routes are increasingly alarmed by the worsening conditions, especially on the stretches of Bwengu to Karonga Chiweta to Karonga Dedza to Ntcheu Balaka to Zomba.

The communications director says the ministry should coordinate with Ministry of Homeland Security and Malawi Police Service to enhance security patrols and monitoring along high-risk corridors.

In solidarity with people of Palestine, Parliament in Maldives has approved legislation ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu to ban entrance of Israelis into the country.

President Muizzu announced on Tuesday that the country banned the entry of the Israelis into the archipelago, calling the move a firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against Palestinian people

President Muizzu described the amendment as a clear reflection the nation’s unwavering solidarity with Palestinian people

He said Maldives continues to advocate for accountability for violations of international law and remains vocal across various international platforms in its condemnation of Israel’s actions.

Institute of Policy Interaction IPI has called upon political leaders and social media influencers to avoid actions that will lead to low voter turnout in September General Election.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Islam, IPI Projects Coordinator Praise Mwenegamba, said miss information and disinformation continue to affect people’s participation in election preparation activities.

Mwenegamba cited the low number of registered voters of over 7 million against a projection of 10 million saying is as a result of miss-and disinformation.

He said there are some leaders who have been telling their followers that the election has already been rigged.

On funding Mwenegamba called upon donor community to intervene saying most of the accreted Civil Society Organisations are on the ground due to lack of funding.