National
Minister Wirima calls for researchers to come up with innovative solutions for humanitarian crises
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has called upon researchers to come up with innovative solutions to solve the humanitarian crisis through modelling climate change and its impacts.
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has called upon researchers to come up with innovative solutions to solve the humanitarian crisis through modelling climate change and its impacts.
Wirima was speaking on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the launch of National Research Agenda (NRA) developed by National Planning Commission (NPC) in collaboration with National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) with support from Unicef.
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She said through the NRA, environmental sustainability pillar will allow researchers to come up with solutions that will solve the negative impacts of cyclone Freddy which the country is currently facing.
“I therefore direct the NCST to immediately put up a research call through NRA that will solve negative effects of cyclone Freddy using available resources in the Science and Technology fund,” she said.
Wirima also encouraged youths and Early Career Researchers (ECR) to respond to the call that will evoke the application of predictive Artificial Intelligence (AI) to project occurrence of the natural disasters and help improve preparedness to such catastrophic phenomena.
She added that effective implementation of NRA will stimulate economic growth and realize Malawi 2063 aspirations.
Wirima assured that her ministry will advocate and lobby Parliament to prioritize Research, Science, Technology and Innovations (RSTI) if Malawi is to catch up the new pathways of attaining socio-economic development and transformation.
NCST Chairperson, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda said the scientific world has not done much to be able to state in advance on how to alert people.
“We want to bring out the young minds which the country has to be able to get into science and technology, artificial intelligence to be able to alert or prepare people if there is a disaster,” he said.
Kamanga said the research agenda is key and is providing a platform where all will going to be done in a coordinated manner.
NPC Director General, Thomas Munthali bemoaned less conduct of research and development of innovations and technologies which could have spurred growth on the country.
“Perhaps, our research and technological endvours were less informed by what we want and aspire as a country in improving our economic growth and living conditions as well as transformation we aspire,” he said.
Munthali said the NRA will provide a strategic focused research, innovation and technologies that should propel Malawi to a future it desires.
The NRA has been developed to operationalize the research and innovation needs of the country on the quest for the lower middle income economic status by 2030 and an upper middle income Inclusively wealthy and self-reliant by 2063.
National
RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has donated four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service to facilitate blood collection activities. RBM representatives praised MBTS’s vital role in public health, emphasizing their commitment to community initiatives. The tents aim to enhance donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection, addressing logistical challenges.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting life-saving initiatives by donating four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) to enhance its blood collection activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the MBTS Lilongwe Centre, RBM representative Boston Banda, speaking on behalf of the Governor, described MBTS as a “silent national hero” for its tireless role in saving lives through blood collection and transfusion services.
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Banda said the donation reflects RBM’s dedication to initiatives that positively impact communities in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Investment Policy
“At RBM, we believe in contributing to causes that make a real difference in people’s lives. MBTS plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, and we are proud to be part of that effort,” he said.
Receiving the donation, MBTS Board Chairperson Elizabeth Gondwe expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued partnership, noting that the tents will improve donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection exercises.
She added that the donation would help the institution overcome logistical challenges that often hinder smooth operations during field blood collection
“These tents will provide comfort and protection to our blood donors, especially during outreach exercises where weather conditions can be harsh,” Gondwe said.
The central bank’s latest donation follows a previous contribution of branded T-shirts to MBTS, underscoring its continued partnership in promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
National
UN Chief congratulates Mutharika on return to power, pledges continued cooperation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his return to power, pledging continued UN cooperation with Malawi on peace, human rights, climate action, and gender equality under his new administration.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has extended his warm congratulations to President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi, pledging continued collaboration between the UN and the Malawian Government on key areas of mutual interest.
In a congratulatory message, Guterres expressed confidence that the United Nations would continue to enjoy Malawi’s support on global issues including peace and security, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development.
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“I wish to convey my warm congratulations and best wishes to you on your inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi. I am confident that the United Nations will continue to enjoy your support on issues of common interest,” Guterres wrote.
The UN Chief has also commended the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC as Vice-President, describing it as a positive step toward advancing gender equality and the political participation of women in Malawi.
“I applaud the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah as Vice-President and encourage further efforts by your Government towards gender parity at all levels,” Guterres stated.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Malawi’s development, Guterres said the global body would continue supporting the government and people of Malawi in their pursuit of a prosperous future, through the work of the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator.
President Mutharika, who was sworn in on Saturday, returned to the presidency following the 2025 elections, marking a significant political comeback.
National
MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16% effective October 1
MERA has raised fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent effective October 1, with petrol now at K3,499 per litre and diesel at K3,500, citing higher importation costs and exchange rate pressures.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has hiked fuel prices by up to MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent, with new pump prices set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Petrol will now sell at K3,499 per litre from K2,530 (a 38.3% increase), while diesel will go up to K3,500 per litre from K2,734 (a 28% increase).
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According to MERA, the price adjustment follows a sharp rise in landed costs of petroleum products, driven by a higher average market exchange rate of K2,350.00 per US dollar compared to the official rate of K1,751.00.
Board Chairperson Charles Kambauwa explained that although Free-On-Board (FoB) prices for petrol and diesel had dropped by 10.64 percent and 18.14 percent respectively, importation costs escalated due to freight, railage, insurance, handling, and in-transit losses.
“These factors increased In-Bond Landed Costs by 52.42 percent for petrol and 49.67 percent for diesel, pushing the changes beyond the ±5 percent trigger limit under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism,” Kambauwa said.
He added that the hike was necessary to ensure sustainable fuel supply and cost-reflective pricing.
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and put additional pressure on the cost of living, with economists warning of a fresh round of inflationary shocks.
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RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
