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Malawi has launched Food Systems Transformation Report, aimed at disseminating findings and recommendations on building resilience and enhancing nutrition in the country

The Report was prepared and produced by Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition (GLOPAN) in partnership with National Planning Commission (NPC) and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

Speaking during the launch Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo said government prioritises Food Systems Transformation Initiative as part of the broader development agenda which emphasises productivity optimization and the commercialization of agricultural sector.

He said the ministry will integrate the report’s recommendations and insights into programmes to enhance economic growth.

NPC Acting Director General, Dr. Joseph Nagoli said the report outlines practical steps that align with national vision that recognises food systems as a catalyst for economic growth

In her remarks, Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Kate Bradly said Ireland believes that food systems transformation reduces hunger and malnutrition, foster inclusive growth and accelerate progress to achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals

Libya has expelled aid groups that are accused of ‘African’ population plot

Libyan authorities accuse the aid groups of plotting to change the country’s ethnic make-up by encouraging African migrants to stay there and ordered them to close their offices.

Ten groups have been singled out – including Doctors Without Borders, UN refugee agency and Norwegian Refugee Council.

Internal Security Authority spokesman Salem Gheit said this plan to settle migrants of African origin in their country represents a hostile act.

Gheit says it aims to change demographic composition of the country and threatens the balance of Libyan society.

It echoes a similar announcement made by Tunisia two years ago, which was swiftly condemned as anti-black racism.

Malawi Police Service MPS has proposed review of 2020 safety guidelines for journalists to meet up with current changes and make them legally binding.

MPS deputy spokesperson Harry Namwaza has said this during media training on journalists’ safety organized by Media Council of Malawi with Funding from UNESCO currently underway in Blantyre.

According to Namwaza the guidelines are only focusing on coverage of elections and other political events as such there is need to include all critical issues with regards to safety of journalist with covering news.

He said the document needs also to be accessed by all stakeholders and admitted occasional cases of police actions against journalist

State-Owned Enterprises SOE’s have been challenged to generate profits that can contribute to national agenda.

The call was made during the signing of shareholder’s Letters of Expectations.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda took a swipe at some SOE’s for performing below expectation therefore assigned Secretary to Treasury to facilitate performance assessment to see how best to position them.

Comptroller of Statutory Corporations, Peter Simbani, said he is going to monitor SOEs to ensure they achieve results.

Chief Executive Officer for National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), named as one of the best performing SOE’s, Humphrey Mdyetseni said the letters of expectations are a pathway on how to travel in the next 12 months.

First Director of Radio Islam Sheikh Hubdein Yahaya has died

Until his death Sheikh Yahaya was working at Albarakah Charity Trust

Sheikh Yahaya contributed a lot to propagation of Islam and charity activities in Malawi through Radio Islam and other Islamic organisations

The body of Sheikh Yahya lays to rest at Kanjedza Cemetry in Limbe

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has urged the kabanza operators to take advantage of the special clearance which running at reduced customs rates.

MRA is currently running the initiative which kabanza operators are going to be issued Custom Clearance Certificate, no processing fee and custom charges among others.

But speaking to Radio Islam, MRA Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Wilma Chalulu, said during the period kabanza operators are expected to pay custom duty at a minimum of K56 000 from K200 000.

Chalulu said the special clearance which runs from 10^th March to 30^th June 2025 is the only opportunity which allows them to operate their business freely.

She added that to ensure that all kabanza operators have access to the initiative, MRA officers are going around the country for them to register within their localities.

Chalulu therefore encouraged to all kabanza operators to register their motorcycles and contribute to the national development.

Meanwhile, Kabanza Association of Malawi has commended MRA for the arrangement describing it as a beacon to national economy.

President of Kabanza Association of Malawi, Chimwemwe Mangani, said as an association, is working in corroboration with MRA to ensure that it is achieving its intended purposes.

He said the registration of motorcycles will in one way reduce the theft of motorcycles in the country.

The special clearance exercise is under way in the cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

Government has announced that Eid-ul-fitr holiday shall be observed either Monday 31^st March or Tuesday 1^st April depending on the citing of the moon marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.

This announcement follows the advice from Muslim Association of Malawi MAM provided to Ministry of local government, unity and culture that Eid Prayers will be observed either Monday or Tuesday

Secretary for the ministry Richard Hara says announcement of actual sighting of the moon will be made by MAM

Therefore the ministry wishes all Muslims and the public a happy Eid-ul-fitr holiday

Fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam

Meanwhile, Sheikhs in the country have been urged to assist government in development activities

This was said by former Member of Parliament for Salima South Uladi Mussa during the engagement with sheikhs from Traditional Authority Ndindi and Kambalame in Salima district

Mussa announced that the president is expected to observe Eid prayers at Mchoka Community Ground

He urged people in the area to attend in large numbers to share their concerns directly to the president

Mufti Abdullah Mtila expressed readiness to welcome the president because his visit would strengthen cooperation with government

Legal practitioners in the country have been urged to uphold integrity, ethics and courage in this year’s general elections.

President of Economic Association of Malawi [ECAMA] Dr Bertha Bangara Chikadza made the appeal when she opened this year’s annual general conference underway in Mangochi.

In her speech, Dr Chikadza observed that the country cannot develop when the justice system is collapsed hence advising the lawyers to uphold rule of law and professionalism

She therefore called on legal experts to rise and defend the law by challenging unconstitutional actions in court, training public officials on legal compliance and educating citizens on their rights.

Speaking earlier President of MLS, Patrick Mpaka it is very to advise the nation on matters of law and governance when you are involved in corruption allegations.

He said therefore Strong governance enables Malawi to use its resources wisely, attract foreign and local investment, and provide essential services effectively.

The AGM is being held under the theme; Maintaining Professionalism in Times of Socio-Political Divergence and Constant Public Criticism.