By Burnett Munthali
The voter registration exercise for the 2025 General Election has commenced smoothly in Karonga, with potential voters steadily arriving at Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) registration centres to ensure their names are included in the electoral register.
According to Elias Nyirenda, MEC’s District Elections Officer for Karonga, the registration process started promptly at 8:00 a.m. across all 157 centres in the district. “So far, the registration process has begun on a good note, and we have not received any reports of technical issues with devices used to capture voter details,” Nyirenda stated.
Nyirenda highlighted the coordinated effort of Constituency Civic Education Officers, Voter Registration Assistants, and Road Show Promoters, all working together to encourage people to register and participate in next year’s elections. He also urged stakeholders such as the National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICET) and accredited civil society organizations to assist in mobilizing more people for the registration process.
The registration exercise in Karonga, which is part of the first phase of the nationwide voter registration, will run from October 21 to November 3. This year, MEC has adopted a new voter registration system using Election Management Devices, aimed at improving the efficiency of the process.
Chikondi Mtunga, the Principal Registration Officer for the National Registration Bureau (NRB) in Karonga, mentioned that his office has deployed 157 Identity Verification Officers to support individuals facing challenges with their national IDs during registration. “These officers are stationed at all MEC registration centres, and Headteachers from 37 schools will also distribute uncollected National IDs to ensure a smooth registration process,” Mtunga added.
The registration efforts in Karonga are crucial for ensuring all eligible voters are able to participate in the 2025 General Election, and authorities remain optimistic that the exercise will be successful.
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.
