Dalitso Kabambe, one of the presidential aspirant for the UTM party, has called on delegates to vote for visionary leaders at the upcoming elective conference.
Speaking to Bua Central Region delegates in Kasungu District, he expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the 2025 general elections.
“I’m very optimistic that if I am voted into the UTM presidential seat and win next year’s polls, my experience will help address the challenges Malawians face today,” Kabambe stated.
UTM Bua Central Region Governor Gerald Mbewe hailed Kabambe’s remarks, underscoring the need for intelligent leadership to ensure the party’s success.
The UTM party’s 2024 elective conference is scheduled for November 17.
Other news
- Mzuni students benefit from NBM plc Mo Excellence scholarship
By Suleman Chitera
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded scholarships to 57 needy students across various public universities in the country, including four from Mzuzu University (Mzuni), as it continues implementing its Mo Excellence Programme.NBM plc launches ‘Waku WAFCON’ promo
The Bank launched the initiative at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) before moving to Mzuni on Friday.
Each student is receiving K1.7 million under the scholarship programme, covering tuition fees, accommodation, a laptop, health support, mentorship and a stationery allowance, while the five best-performing students at Mzuzu University are each receiving an additional K1 million.
Speaking in an interview, NBM plc Director of the board at NBM plc, Bessie Nyirenda said the Bank recognises education as key to building the skills pipeline it depends on as an employer, adding that investing in students today helps prepare the professionals who will drive Malawi’s future workforce.NBM plc supports MDF Sports Festival with K5.5 million
“Previously, we were only supporting the best-performing students, but we realised that there are many students who are needy. The Bank therefore decided to expand the programme and increase the number of beneficiaries so that we can also support government efforts in producing graduates who will form part of the future workforce,” said Nyirenda.
She further encouraged the beneficiaries to treat the scholarship as a responsibility that demands academic consistency and commitment to excellence.
In his remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu University, Simeon Gwayi, commended NBM plc for promoting excellence in higher education.
“By rewarding high-performing students, it improves excellence and the quality of education, as we want our programmes to produce graduates with relevant skills and attitudes as they enter the job market,” said Gwayi.Bernard Masi- New NBM Head of Corporate Banking
For the past 40 years, the scholarship programme only recognised the top five performing students from selected public universities, including the University of Malawi, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.NBM plc donates K100 million items to KK flood victims
However, it has since expanded from 35 to 100 beneficiaries, now covering both full scholarship support for students’ basic needs and additional awards for top-performing students.
- Etihad Airways Expects Full Recovery After Iran War Travel Disruptions
By Suleman Chitera
ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways expects to return to pre-war passenger traffic levels and operational capacity this summer following travel disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, with the airline also planning to keep airfares stable despite rising fuel costs.
Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the Abu Dhabi-based carrier anticipates operating 10 percent more capacity by mid-June compared to the same period last year. He added that booking trends indicate demand will continue to strengthen, with a full recovery expected by August.Israel-Iran war: Big trouble for Israel days after airstrikes as Iran reaches closer
The conflict in the region temporarily affected air travel as airlines adjusted routes and schedules amid heightened security concerns. However, Etihad remains optimistic that passenger confidence and travel demand will rebound during the peak summer season.
Neves noted that the airline’s fuel hedging strategy has helped protect the company from the sharp rise in jet fuel prices, which account for approximately 30 percent of Etihad’s total operating costs.
Despite increasing fuel expenses, the airline has no immediate plans to raise ticket prices, a move that could help maintain strong passenger demand in a highly competitive market.Americans Turn Against Trump’s Iran War as Economic Pain Deepens
The broader aviation industry continues to face challenges from escalating fuel costs. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines worldwide are expected to absorb an additional $100 billion in fuel expenses this year, with average jet fuel prices projected to be about 70 percent higher than the previous year.
Industry analysts say airlines with effective fuel hedging programmes and strong financial positions are better placed to withstand market volatility and maintain competitive pricing.
Etihad’s recovery outlook reflects growing confidence in global travel demand, particularly in the Middle East, where airlines are expanding networks and increasing capacity to meet rising passenger numbers.Iran war live: US strikes Iranian site; Kuwait targeted by missiles, drones
As the summer travel season gains momentum, Etihad’s performance will be closely watched as an indicator of the aviation sector’s resilience amid geopolitical and economic challenges.
- NBM plc drives digital financial inclusion, calls for review of transaction levies
By Suleman Chitera
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc says it is actively investing in innovative digital solutions to simplify transactions and expand access to financial services, positioning itself at the forefront of driving financial inclusion in the country.
The bank’s Head of Digital Banking, William Kaunda made the remarks in Lilongwe during this year’s International ICT Expo, held under the theme ‘Unlocking Malawi’s Digital Economy: ICT Exports, Trusted Payments and Fraud Resilience’.
Kaunda said as Malawi transitions from a cash-based to a digital economy, the Bank is scaling up efforts to ensure that every Malawian, regardless of location or economic status, can participate in the evolving financial ecosystem.NBM plc repositions ‘NBM Smart Cover’ to ease upfront insurance costs
“As a Bank, we have introduced several platforms that enable every Malawian to be onboarded onto our services. Recently, we launched an online onboarding platform, allowing customers to open accounts without visiting a service centre. We also have the Mo626 Wallet, which enables access to banking services on any type of phone,” said Kaunda.
He added that the Bank is set to roll out a new product tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aimed at further enhancing the banking experience and supporting business growth.NBM plc launches online account opening platform
Kaunda, however noted that recent levy policies on digital transactions risk slowing down progress towards a cash-lite economy.
“Our appeal to policymakers is to review the decision to introduce these levies. While we understand the rationale behind such charges, these charges can significantly affect the uptake of digital services. In the long run, people may revert to cash transactions, which are more costly compared to digital alternatives,” he said.
ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) President, Clarence Gama, also called on Malawians to embrace digital transactions as a critical step towards building a robust digital economy.
“What we are emphasising is that for Malawi to succeed in the digital economy, money must move digitally. While progress has been made, we need to scale up adoption across all sectors and channels,” said Gama.NBM plc gives 20 Scorchers’ jerseys in ‘Waku WAFCON’ promo
In his remarks at the opening of this year’s International ICT Expo, the Guest of Honour, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Shadric Namalomba, challenged ICTAM to develop innovative solutions that can drive ICT exports and contribute to the country’s digital economy
- World Cup 2026: DR Congo friendly to be played behind closed doors
Image caption,Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa (centre, front row) is one of five players in the DR Congo squad who play in England ByFlora Snelson
DR Congo’s final World Cup warm-up game against Chile will take place behind closed doors amid concerns about the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
The match is scheduled to take place in the French city of Orleans on Tuesday (16:00 BST).
It had been due to be played in La Linea de la Concepcion in Spain before a local mayor signed a decree preventing it from taking place there as a “precautionary measure”.
World Cup hosts the United States require squad and officials to spend 21 days outside DR Congo and symptom-free before they would be permitted to enter the country.
BBC Sport understands that none of DR Congo’s players – who all play for clubs outside of the country – have visited their homeland recently, but some support staff and fans have travelled from there.
The squad are finalising their preparations in Marbella in Spain after a 10-day training camp in Belgium which included a 0-0 draw with Denmark.MZUNI dominates NBM TESSAM Sports Festival
It is the first time DR Congo has qualified for the World Cup since 1974 when they competed as Zaire, finishing bottom of their group after defeats by Scotland, Brazil and Yugoslavia.
They plan to base themselves in Houston during the tournament and are scheduled to open their Group K campaign there against Portugal on 17 June.
They will then travel to the Mexican city of Guadalajara to face Colombia before returning to the United States to take on Uzbekistan in Atlanta.
The outbreak in eastern DR Congo has been caused by a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo.north abuzz with culture and sports fervour
There is currently no vaccine for this species and the World Health Organisation has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready
- Thousands of Graduates Still Jobless: The Growing Youth Unemployment Challenge in Malawi
By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s youth unemployment crisis continues to deepen as thousands of graduates leave colleges and universities each year only to face a harsh reality: there are simply not enough jobs available.
Despite years of investment in education and skills development, many young Malawians are struggling to secure meaningful employment, raising concerns about the country’s economic future and the wellbeing of an increasingly frustrated generation.
A Growing Crisis
Every year, public and private universities, technical colleges, and vocational institutions produce thousands of graduates in fields ranging from business administration and education to engineering, agriculture, and information technology.Minister of labour cracks down on expatriate employment
However, job creation has failed to keep pace with the growing number of young people entering the labour market. As a result, many graduates spend months—or even years—searching for employment opportunities.
For some, the only option is to engage in informal business activities or low-paying jobs unrelated to their qualifications.
The situation has left many young people questioning whether their years of education and financial sacrifices will ever translate into stable careers.
Economic Challenges Limiting Job Creation
Economists say Malawi’s economy has struggled to generate sufficient employment opportunities due to several factors, including slow industrial growth, limited private sector investment, foreign exchange shortages, and recurring climate-related shocks that affect agricultural productivity.Fuel Transporters Accused NOCMA Of Rendering Them Jobless
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often considered engines of job creation, also face numerous challenges such as limited access to finance, high operating costs, and inadequate infrastructure.
These constraints have reduced the ability of businesses to expand and absorb large numbers of job seekers.
Graduates Face Tough Competition
The competition for available jobs has become increasingly intense.
Vacancies advertised by government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and private companies often attract hundreds or even thousands of applicants.
Human resource experts note that many employers are now demanding previous work experience, creating a difficult cycle in which recent graduates cannot gain experience because they cannot secure employment in the first place.
As a result, internship opportunities, volunteer programmes, and short-term contracts have become critical pathways for many young people hoping to build their professional profiles.
The Rise of the Informal Economy
Unable to find formal employment, many graduates are turning to entrepreneurship and informal business activities.
Across the country, young people are establishing small businesses in areas such as digital services, agriculture, retail trading, transportation, and food processing.
While entrepreneurship offers opportunities for self-reliance, experts caution that many young entrepreneurs lack access to capital, training, and markets needed to scale their businesses and create additional jobs.
Without adequate support, many small enterprises struggle to survive beyond their first few years of operation.
Social Consequences
Youth unemployment extends beyond economic hardship.
Development experts warn that prolonged unemployment can contribute to poverty, mental stress, social exclusion, and increased vulnerability to crime and substance abuse.
For families that invest heavily in education, the inability of graduates to secure employment can create financial strain and disappointment.
The situation also risks undermining public confidence in the education system if qualifications are perceived as offering limited opportunities for economic advancement.
Government and Stakeholder Responses
Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment, including vocational skills programmes, youth entrepreneurship schemes, and policies designed to attract investment and promote industrialisation.
The Malawi 2063 development agenda identifies job creation, industrial growth, and economic transformation as key priorities for the country’s long-term development.
Development partners, financial institutions, and private sector organisations have also launched programmes intended to equip young people with practical skills and support business startups.
However, analysts argue that stronger collaboration between government, educational institutions, and industry is needed to ensure graduates acquire skills that match labour market demands.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Employers have increasingly emphasised the importance of practical skills, innovation, digital literacy, and problem-solving abilities.
Education experts suggest that universities and colleges should strengthen partnerships with industries to provide students with internship opportunities and hands-on training before graduation.
There are also growing calls for institutions to incorporate entrepreneurship education into academic programmes to prepare graduates for self-employment opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Addressing youth unemployment remains one of Malawi’s most pressing development challenges.
While education continues to play a critical role in empowering young people, sustainable economic growth and large-scale job creation will be essential if the country is to harness the potential of its youthful population.
Without urgent action, thousands of graduates may continue to face uncertain futures despite their academic achievements.
For Malawi, the challenge is clear: transforming educational success into economic opportunity and ensuring that the country’s young people can contribute meaningfully to national development.
As more graduates enter the labour market each year, the need for effective solutions has never been greater.
