The political vibe that people in the commercial city of Blantyre were enjoying during election season has come to an abrupt end. This means that the presentation of papers by candidates at COMESA Hall or College of Medicine Sports Complex and all its attendant highly charged press conferences and results announcement occasions which the people of Blantyre enjoyed has been assigned to Lilongwe citizens now following the re-location of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) headquarters to Lilongwe.
The move was announced by the Deputy Minister of Lands Deus Gumba who facilitated the transfer by allocating the building which housed MERA to MEC at the City Centre.
“Today My Ministry achieved another significant milestone by facilitating the relocation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Headquarters from Blantyre to the Capital City. This is a historical moment for our Country. Experts have indicated that this move alone will result in cost savings of up to 30% in operational costs. MEC will now be safely housed in Development House in City Centre, which was formerly occupied by Malawi Regulatory Authority (MERA),” wrote Gumba on her Facebook Page.
He added: “To grace the occasion, in person, was MEC Chairperson Hon Dr. Chifundo Kachale and other distinguished Commissioners.
According to Gumba, since assuming office, His Excellence Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, having understood the operational, administrative, and cost efficiencies to be held from moving state and quasi-state offices to Lilongwe has determined to continue the consolidation of Government to the Capital City. MEC is just one of the other Government Departments and Parastatals that are earmarked for similar transfers.
Gumba gave a historical account:
“The relocation of Malawi’s Capital City from Zomba to Lilongwe in 1975 was a crucial decision for the Country. The immediate impact of this change at the time was the establishment of Capital Hill in Lilongwe as all key Government Ministries and Departments were required to be centrally located in order to equitably serve the new nation. Understandably, this was a gigantic project that could not be undertaken in one go. And so, it continues to this day.”
He concluded:
“Join me in congratulating MEC and its secretariat for this massive leap. On a special note, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellence the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chekwera without whose able leadership none of this would have come into fruition.”
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
