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
- EU Approves K271 Billion Development Package for Malawi
By Suleman Chitera
The European Union (EU) has approved a massive €143 million (approximately K271 billion) development support package for Malawi, in a significant boost to the country’s long-term economic and social development efforts.
The funding, confirmed by European Union Ambassador to Malawi Daniel Aristi, will be invested in three key sectors—agriculture, energy and education—which are considered critical to achieving Malawi’s national development ambitions under the MW2063 agenda.
Ambassador Aristi announced the development on Thursday during a media briefing in Lilongwe following a visit by a delegation from the European Council’s Working Party on Development Cooperation and International Partnerships.
He described the approval of the funding as another demonstration of the European Union’s continued confidence in Malawi and its commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development.EU Faces Pressure as 1 Million Citizens Demand Suspension of Israel Trade Deal Over Gaza
“The package has been approved a few days ago at our headquarters in Brussels and is going to be divided into three thematic areas of agriculture, energy and education,” Aristi said.
Major investment in Malawi’s future
The newly approved financial package is expected to support projects aimed at improving food security, increasing agricultural productivity, expanding access to reliable electricity and strengthening Malawi’s education sector.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi’s economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to export earnings. The investment is expected to support programmes that improve resilience to climate change, modern farming technologies and value addition.
In the energy sector, the funding is expected to complement ongoing efforts to increase electricity generation, improve transmission infrastructure and expand access to clean and affordable energy, particularly in rural communities where electricity access remains limited.
The education component is also expected to help improve learning conditions, strengthen skills development and expand opportunities for young people, supporting the country’s growing demand for quality education.
Supporting MW2063 vision
Ambassador Aristi said the development package aligns directly with Malawi’s long-term national development blueprint, MW2063, which seeks to transform the country into a self-reliant, industrialised and upper-middle-income Justice for the Powerful, Not the Poor: Study Exposes Deep Public Distrust in Malawi’s Courtseconomy.
The EU has consistently identified agriculture transformation, human capital development and energy access as essential pillars for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
The ambassador said the new financing demonstrates the EU’s confidence in Malawi’s development priorities and its willingness to remain a long-term partner in implementing transformative programmes.
Strong partnership between Malawi and the EU
The announcement comes as Malawi and the European Union continue to strengthen cooperation across several sectors, including governance, trade, climate resilience, health, infrastructure and private sector development.
The visit by the European Council delegation provided an opportunity for EU officials to engage with Malawian authorities and development partners on ongoing cooperation programmes and future priorities.
The delegation assessed progress on existing initiatives while exploring new opportunities to deepen collaboration under the shared objective of promoting inclusive economic growth and improving the lives of Malawians.
Economic significance
At approximately K271 billion, the package represents one of the largest recent development commitments from the European Union to Malawi.IOM, Government Launch Climate Displacement Response Programme
Development experts believe investments targeting agriculture, energy and education have the potential to stimulate economic growth by increasing productivity, creating employment opportunities and improving the country’s competitiveness.
Improved agricultural systems could help enhance food security and export performance, while expanded energy access would support industrialisation and business growth. Better education and skills development are also expected to prepare young Malawians for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Long-term impact
The funding is expected to be rolled out through programmes developed in partnership with the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders to ensure the resources deliver measurable and lasting benefits.
The European Union remains one of Malawi’s largest and most consistent development partners, supporting initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, strengthening institutions and building resilience against economic and climate-related challenges.
With the approval of the €143 million package, Malawi is set to receive fresh momentum in advancing its development priorities, bringing renewed hope for improved livelihoods, stronger public services and accelerated progress towards the goals of MW2063.
- Dzombe claims the country’s ground environment is not conducive to investors
By Vincent Gunde
Owner of the yet to be given full license for fertilizer manufacturing company in Dowa district Dr. Napoleon Dzombe, has claimed that the environment on the ground is not conducive to investors to start their businesses in Malawi.
Dzombe said he went to Mozambique where he was given free land for his fertilizer manufacturing plant and duty free for the equipment to be brought to this land while in Malawi, he has his own farm, lease papers misplaced only the Deed papers which were submitted.
He said he was surprised to receive an invoice of K10 million to be paid to government questioning the authorities in Malawi was that K10 million for supporting the project or to take part of his capital money to government?Business tycoon Dzombe hails local organisation, calls for hard work
Speaking before the joint committee of Parliament established to investigate the delay the fertilizer manufacturing company is not getting an approval from government, Dzombe said he had more questions over K10 million invoice to government.
Dzombe said four years ago and this was during the reign of Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his MCP government, he wanted to build a modern bus terminal at Lilongwe bus depot claiming that K5 million was blown from him for the work which did not come to light.
He said with the fertilizer manufacturing plant, fertilizer will be reaching the farmers in time, create jobs, money will be reduced for transportation costs, and the people working there will be paying tax for government to be implementing equally important projects.
“If government wants it now, it will take time to assemble materials for manufacturing fertilizer,” said Dzombe.Analysis: Why Delays at Napoleon Dzombe’s Fertilizer Plant Could Have Major Implications for Malawi’s Food Security
Appearing before the same committee, Malawi Environment Protection Authority ( MEPA) Executive Director Wilfred Kadewa, said the approval process for the fertilizer manufacturing company, are now completed and what remains is the issuance of an environmental certificate saying this is a clearance from his office that he can start manufacturing fertilizer in Malawi.
Kadewa said the granting of an approval to Dzombe’s fertilizer manufacturing plant was delayed because the developers wanted all the concerns raised such as waste management and safety requirements, are all addressed before the actual fertilizer manufacturing starts.
It was established that Dr. Napoleon Dzombe was granted an approval papers for his fertilizer manufacturing company two days before he was invited to appear before the Commission of investigation a development which has raised many questions than answers.
Showers of abundant blessings are being directed to Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman for rising above party politics by instituting a 15 member joint committee of Parliament to investigate the delay.Mepa Explains Why Dowa Fertiliser Plant Approval Has Been Delayed
Dzombe had plans to start manufacturing fertilizer in Malawi in April, 2026 and by this day, fertilizer could have reached out to all markets and depots across the country.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural resources Misheck Munthali, has assured Malawians that on 22nd July, 2026 the full license will be issued to Dr. Napoleon Dzombe that the Mulalo Holdings is free to start manufacturing fertilizer in Dowa district.
- Batatawala Wanted as Police Probe Multi-Million Property Transfer Scam Allegations
By Lyton Chimalizeni
Malawi’s Fiscal Police have launched a manhunt for controversial businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala after he allegedly failed to appear for questioning in an investigation involving suspected property fraud, forged documents and money laundering.
Authorities have also named Maaz Karim, Hassan Hussein Jussab, Hassan Jussab, Steven Kajombo, Marion Kajombo, Kuzingwa Chilinjala and Kuleza Phokoso as persons wanted in connection with the same investigation.
Investigators say Batatawala was summoned to the Fiscal Police headquarters in Blantyre on 9 July to assist with investigations but did not report as requested. His absence prompted police to obtain an arrest warrant.
The criminal investigation centres on the alleged attempted transfer of Title Number Blantyre Central 242, a commercial property currently at the centre of a High Court Commercial Division case.Embattled Abdul Karim Batatawala Loses Corruptly Acquired Museum Of Malawi Land Court Case
The court has already granted an interim injunction preventing any sale, transfer, occupation or interference with the property until the dispute is fully heard.
According to court filings, the dispute originated from a K2.45 billion Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) contract awarded to Kumakoka Trading Company in 2022. The company is said to have sought financial and technical support to fulfil the contract, leading to a business arrangement involving Batatawala and his son, Maaz Karim, through Dubai-based company TNA Knight FZ LLC.
As part of the agreement, the owner of the disputed property allegedly offered the building as security for the contract.
However, the partnership reportedly collapsed after disagreements over the supply of electrical cables. Court documents allege that more than US$590,000 was paid towards procurement, but deliveries allegedly fell short of expectations, with claims of delayed shipments, increased charges and products that allegedly failed to meet required specifications.
The property dispute later intensified after the guarantor accused some of the parties of attempting to transfer ownership of the building without his consent.Corrupt Asian businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala captures Chakwera’s State House
Adding weight to the investigation, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) reportedly informed the property owner’s lawyers that it had found no record of an application for the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) allegedly used during the transfer process.
The tax authority further indicated that the certificate presented contained several irregularities, including inconsistencies in its numbering, official stamp, logo and document layout, raising concerns over its authenticity.MWENYE KIDNAPPING SAGA: Mustak Chotia implicates Mr Dipak Jevant of Sealand Investments
The alleged forged tax certificate has now become a key piece of evidence in both the civil case and the ongoing criminal investigation.
Police investigations are continuing, while the High Court injunction remains in force until the commercial dispute is determined. No court has yet made a final ruling on the allegations, and those named in the investigation are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
- FDH Bank Plc, Ekhaya Group sponsor Gwamba’s ‘Landlord Pakwao’ concert
By Suleman Chitera
FDH Bank Plc, in partnership with Ekhaya Group have sponsored musician Gwamba’s upcoming ‘Landlord Pakwao’ concert to support creativity and entertainment in the music industry.
The concert, which will feature Nigerian artist Ruger as a co-headliner, is scheduled for August 1 at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
The concert aims to celebrate Gwamba’s musical journey, his impact on local music industry, and to connect him with his fans.FDH Bank Plc deepens regional footprint with Mozambique expansion strategy
Speaking during the sponsorship agreement on Tuesday, FDH Financial Holdings Limited Marketing Manager, Sheila Kanjo said the partnership also provides an opportunity to bring the Bank’s digital banking services closer to customers.
“We believe Malawians deserve premium banking as well as seamless banking. Our payment avenues such as our PoS machines, agency banking platforms and mobile banking will be available to attendees at the event,” said Kanjo.FDH Money Bureau launches ‘Double Double’ Promotion
Kanjo said Ekhaya Group will complement the partnership by providing food and beverages during the concert.
Gwamba, whose real name is Duncan Zgambo welcomed the sponsorship saying it will help make the concert a success.
“I would like to thank FDH Bank for being our official financial partner and Ekhaya Group for being our official catering partner,” said Zgambo.
He encouraged Malawians to purchase tickets and experience Ruger’s live performance.FDH Bank plc hikes Netball sponsorship to K350 million
“Tickets were initially sold online only, but physical tickets are now available at various outlets,” said Zgambo
- Minister hails NBM Plc’s K100 billion Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road loan financing
By Suleman Chitera
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango has commended National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc for providing a K100 billion loan facility to finance the reconstruction of the Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road, saying the project will improve transport and boost economic activity between Dedza and Mangochi districts.Corporates raise K55 million for St. Pius X church project through golf tourney
Mhango made the remarks on Wednesday during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Golomoti, Dedza, where he emphasized government’s commitment to improving the country’s road infrastructure and ease transport challenges to stimulate economic growth,
The minister said NBM plc’s support will help accelerate the implementation of the project.
“It is a substantial investment, and as a ministry we are delighted because road construction is very expensive. This support will help us improve the country’s road network, which has faced numerous challenges due to poor road conditions,” said Mhango. NBM puts digital banking at the centre of growth strategy
NBM plc Board Chairperson Grant Kabango said the Bank’s decision to finance the project demonstrates its commitment to supporting the government’s infrastructure development agenda.
“As a Bank, we believe that supporting the government’s infrastructure agenda is an investment in Malawi’s economic growth. Roads are critical to development, and this particular road is vital to the country’s economy. By financing its reconstruction, we believe we are contributing to national development,” said Kabango.
Roads Authority Technical Advisory Committee Board Chairperson Engineer Newton Kambala urged communities along the route to take advantage of the economic opportunities that will come with the upgraded road.National Bank Brings Lifeline of Clean Water to Kalimwini Village
“Time is money, and travelling on damaged roads leads to costly delays. Poor roads can also result in patients failing to reach health facilities in time and fresh produce perishing before it reaches the market. Rehabilitating this road will address these challenges and create economic opportunities for communities in Dedza and Mangochi,” said Kambala.
The 28.4-kilometre road project has been awarded to Mota-Engil and is expected to be completed within 12 to 24 months
