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
- I Am Here to Rescue Our Country — Mutharika
By Suleman Chitera, Malawi Freedom Network
Lilongwe, Malawi — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president and former Malawi leader, Peter Mutharika, has assured Malawians that he is ready to “rescue the country” as the September 16 elections draw closer.
Mutharika, who has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail in recent weeks, said he has been working behind the scenes to put together a strong team and strategic measures that his party will implement once voted back into power.
The DPP leader was responding to criticism over his absence, as his running mate Jane Ansah has been leading the party’s rallies across the country. Writing on his official Facebook page, Mutharika said his silence was not idleness but part of preparations for a well-organized comeback.
“As we embark on this historic mission, do join us. Come, as the people of Lilongwe and Ntcheu have done today, to our stopovers and rallies. Tell others about the message of hope of the Democratic Progressive Party,” Mutharika posted.
He urged Malawians to vote for the DPP on September 16, 2025, saying his leadership has already proven capable of lowering inflation, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the availability of essentials such as fuel, foreign exchange, and passports.
Mutharika is expected to intensify his campaign in the Northern Region this Friday, with scheduled rallies at Jenda Trading Centre in Mzimba and the Mzuzu Roundabout.
The DPP campaign now enters a critical phase as the party seeks to convince Malawians that it can restore economic stability and address the challenges of rising prices, forex shortages, and governance concerns.
- Malawi 2025 Elections: APM shakes Nathenje Trading Centre APM shakes Nathenje Trading Centre
By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent
There was palpable excitement at Nathenje Trading Centre in Traditional Authority Chadza, Lilongwe, as former State President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, passed through in his motorcade.
A large crowd lined the roads to catch a glimpse of their former leader, waving and cheering in jubilation.
Many shouted, “Boma ilo taimani bwana mutilankhule tikufa ndi njala ana anufe,” expressing their frustrations with current hardships, although Mutharika did not stop, merely waving and smiling to acknowledge the crowd.
One community member said, “Chipulumutso chafika. We want him to come back and rescue us from these acute problems we are facing in our villages.”
Businesses ground to a halt as people flocked to the roads to witness the former president’s visit.
Another resident expressed joy at seeing Mutharika in the Central Region, saying, “We want Peter to rule us. During Peter’s tenure, commodities were affordable; we could even eat meat. Today, prices are high, and life is much harder.”
A villager from Ngala, who is not affiliated with any political party, remarked, “APM is indeed a true and caring leader. We are facing hunger because of the MCP government. They promised cheaper fertilizer, but nothing happened. Now, we buy at high prices. I registered but didn’t vote before because of the MCP’s lies under President Chakwera, but this time I am confident I will vote for APM to help us.”
He continued, “What I saw today is like a verse in the Bible when people shouted for salvation as Jesus passed by. Indeed, we were here to ask APM to rescue our villages.”
The reporter also spoke to Jane Banda, Shadow DPP Councillor for Sanjiko Ward, who said she was thrilled by Mutharika’s presence, calling him “the leader we want to guide this country.”
One vendor from Kabaza, who escorted the motorcade to Biwi, said, “I just want to see him speak.”
Unlike the past two days, when the State President passed through Nathenje with little impact, Mutharika’s visit shook the town. Women, especially elders, sang and waved their zitenje while dancing alongside the motorcade.
This display highlighted Mutharika’s campaign strategy: direct engagement with communities to demonstrate proven leadership and connect personally with citizens.
Indeed, the day confirmed his enduring popularity and the trust that many Malawians continue to place in him as a leader.
- Malawi 2025 Elections: DPP Manifesto Review Part 6: Debt Management, Resource Mobilization, and Growth Priorities
By Burnett Munthali | Malawi Freedom Network
The DPP manifesto highlights a recognition of Malawi’s current fiscal challenges, noting a historical over-reliance on short-term domestic debt instruments such as Treasury bills and Ways and Means advances from the Reserve Bank to finance government deficits and manage cash flow.
The party asserts that it will adopt a different approach to debt management, seeking to ensure sustainability and fiscal prudence.
Specifically, the DPP promises to adhere strictly to the annual borrowing plan in alignment with the Medium-Term Debt Strategy.
It will negotiate and restructure existing debts to ensure sustainable settlement and fiscal stability.
The manifesto commits to prioritizing concessional loans over commercial borrowing, highlighting a preference for lower-cost financing mechanisms.
Furthermore, the DPP pledges not to enter into any contractual obligations for new external public and publicly guaranteed non-concessional debt for at least two years until a comprehensive review is conducted.
Borrowing, the party asserts, will be strictly for productive purposes and not for consumption, emphasizing investments that generate economic returns rather than short-term spending.
A new Medium-Term Debt Strategy covering 2025 to 2030 is also planned to strengthen fiscal planning and oversight.
The DPP sets an ambitious goal to attain a positive primary balance of the central government of at least MK 270 billion, equivalent to 1 percent of GDP, by the end of the first year in 2026.
In terms of the resource envelope, the manifesto emphasizes living within means and avoiding excessive borrowing that could impose burdens on future generations.
The DPP outlines that its manifesto will be based on revenues that are realistically within the control of Malawians, emphasizing domestic resource mobilization.
Cumulative revenue for the five-year period is projected at MK 28.5 trillion, as assumed under the existing Revenue Mobilization Strategy.
Domestic revenue is expected to grow by 1.5 percent of GDP annually, starting with the 2025 revenue estimates.
Grants, however, are projected to slow due to donor fatigue and broader international political economy dynamics.
By 2030, the manifesto anticipates that the domestic primary balance will be firmly positive, reflecting prudent fiscal management.
The DPP intends to anchor investments in key growth-enabling projects after stabilizing the economy, using MK 6.35 trillion of its own funds saved through fiscal consolidation and stabilization measures.
These funds are planned to be allocated into an optimal capital structure alongside support from development partners and concessional loans.
Borrowing levels will be carefully managed to avoid debt distress and ensure that the government can service its obligations without resorting to additional borrowing.
The manifesto commits to keeping the Domestic Primary Balance above 1 percent from 2028 to 2030, signaling a long-term focus on fiscal discipline.
Priority investments will target power generation, mining, and economic infrastructure including railways, roads, industrial parks, export processing zones, airports, inland water transport, and improved access to the sea.
Agricultural productivity will also be emphasized, with commercialization of crops such as cotton, soybeans, wheat, and maize for national food security and value addition.
The manifesto also highlights structured import substitution, production of exportable goods and services where Malawi has a regional comparative advantage, and tourism development.
In addition, the DPP plans to leverage financial markets, including pension and insurance funds, to negotiate joint financing structures that support growth-enabling projects.
This approach reflects a desire to mobilize domestic capital for sustainable investment while creating partnerships that benefit both the government and the private sector.
Concluding Analysis
The DPP manifesto presents a comprehensive fiscal and economic strategy, combining disciplined debt management with targeted investment in growth sectors.
Its emphasis on concessional borrowing, domestic resource mobilization, and productive use of debt underscores a commitment to fiscal sustainability and long-term economic stability.
By prioritizing strategic sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, power, and tourism, the manifesto reflects an ambition to transform Malawi’s economy through value addition, regional competitiveness, and job creation.
Leveraging domestic financial markets and ensuring that borrowing remains productive signals a pragmatic approach to financing development without compromising fiscal health.
Overall, the DPP manifesto positions the party as focused on responsible governance, sustainable development, and the creation of a resilient economic foundation that benefits both current and future generations.
- Gaza War Latest News: Civilians Face Mass Deaths as Israel Pushes Into Gaza City
By Suleman Chitera
The latest Gaza war updates reveal a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, families are fleeing under fire, and aid agencies warn of catastrophic consequences for civilians.
Civilian Deaths Mounting
Newly uncovered Israeli military data shows that 83 percent of the more than 53,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began are civilians. The figure underscores the staggering civilian toll in what is now one of the deadliest wars in recent memory.
Children on the Brink of Famine
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that child malnutrition in Gaza has risen six-fold since March. Aid groups describe the situation as a “manufactured famine,” with thousands of children facing death as food, water, and medicine run out.
Israel’s Dual Strategy: Negotiations and War
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the resumption of negotiations to secure the release of Israeli hostages while simultaneously approving a military plan to seize Gaza City. Critics say this highlights the contradictions in Israel’s strategy—pushing for diplomacy while escalating an assault that could displace up to one million people.
International Condemnation
The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the offensive, warning of mass civilian displacement.
Twenty-seven countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, have demanded immediate media access to Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of peace activists rallied, accusing the government of using starvation as a weapon of war.
Humanitarian Emergency
Hospitals in Gaza City are overwhelmed and running out of supplies. Families trapped in destroyed neighborhoods face impossible choices: flee under heavy bombardment or stay behind with little hope of survival.
One UN official issued a stark warning: “The world cannot say it didn’t know.”
- Presidential Aspirants Showcase Economic Prowess in Lively Debate
By Draxon Maloya
The recent presidential debate saw three aspirants, Joyce Banda, Dalitso Kabambe, and Atupele Muluzi, demonstrate a deep understanding of economics, offering in-depth analyses of Malawi’s ailing economy.
The three leaders shared diverse approaches to economic recovery with People’s Party President, Joyce Banda pledging to revamp the mining and tourism sectors and implement strong fiscal measures to tackle public debt.
Former Reserve Bank goveror and UTM party president Dalitso Kabambe, emphasized the importance of prudent financial resource mobilization and adherence to IMF recommendations.
Atupele Muluzi, UDF president, expressed optimism about the economy’s prospects and stressed the need to regain donor and private sector confidence.
Despite their differing approaches, all three candidates emphasized the importance of working with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to drive economic recovery.
A lively debate, which centered on economic recovery, leadership, and governance, was marked by the notable absence of Malawi Congress Party candidate, Lazarus Chakwera, and DPP leader, Arthur Peter Mutharika.
One of the renowned observers, Mabvuto Bamusi expressed disappointment with Chakwera and Mutharika’s absence, but praised the participating candidates for showcasing their humility and readiness to govern.
