Blessings Tambala

Corps Africa has assured President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his administration of their commitment to complementing his government efforts to transform the social and economic livelihoods of the youth in Malawi.

The organization made the sentiments on Monday when its founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Liz Fanning, paid a courtesy call to Chakwera at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

Corps Africa is a grouping of college-educated African volunteers in rural communities to identify and solve their most pressing local challenges.

In his remarks, the Malawi Corps Country Director, Arthur Nkosi, said the organization will continue collaborating with government to help it realize its Malawi 2063 development agenda.

“We want to groom the youth to become what they want and also become responsible citizens,” said Nkosi.

President Chakwera commended Corps Africa for investing its effort in grooming young people to bring about sustainable change within themselves and their communities.

He described youth empowerment as key to the transformation of the country into a self-reliant nation.

He thanked Fanning for choosing to positively impact the lives of young people in Malawi. 

He also praised the organization for coming up with solutions to the challenges that the youth face in their daily life.

He described Corps Africa as a partner to work with, to help in transforming Malawian communities.

“You could choose to do what you want, but you said no, let me empower the youth. Let us have more of these young people. I wish you all the best,” he said.

Ms Fanning explained that her organization decided to invest in Malawi youths to help them become effective leaders.

“Our main goal is to engage young people to bring out solutions that are sustainable,” she said.

Malawi stands to benefit from a partnership two multilateral firms – OCP Group and Fortescue Energy – signed in Morocco on Monday.

OCP Group is a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based fertilizers while Fortescue Energy is part of the global green energy, metals and technology company, Fortescue Ltd (Fortescue).

The two firms announced their landmark Joint Venture (JV) in Morocco on Monday, stating that the equal partnership aims to supply green hydrogen, ammonia, and fertilizers to Morocco, Europe, and international markets in Malawi.

The venture includes the potential development of manufacturing facilities and a research and development (R&D) hub to advance the rapidly growing renewable energy industry in Morocco.

“Fortescue and OCP Group, leaders in iron ore and phosphate respectively, are united in their goal to reach their emissions reductions targets. They share a common vision for the pivotal role of green hydrogen and ammonia in forging a sustainable future globally. The partners have laid out proposed plans for four cornerstone projects in Morocco, which include large-scale integrated green ammonia and green fertilizer production capacity, including renewables, energy generation, electrolysis, ammonification and fertilizer production; Manufacturing of green technology and equipment,” reads part of the clauses in the pact.

The pact further states that an R&D and Technology Hub, located alongside Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) near Marrakech, will bolster the JV, the ecosystem and other players, with research in renewable energy, green hydrogen and minerals processing; and collaboration of corporate venture capital funds to drive investment in key technology advancements.

The partners’ objective is to supply green hydrogen and ammonia for use both as sources of green energy and in the manufacture of carbon-neutral and customized fertilizers that are accessible and affordable for farmers around the world, it adds.

Speaking after signing the pact, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group Mostafa Terrab,said their strategic partnership with Fortescue is a testimony to their joint commitment to decarbonisation, driving the development of cutting-edge facilities and delivering competitive renewable energy, products and technology.

“This is a key step towards fulfilling our vision of simultaneously ensuring global food security and combating climate change,” he said.

On his part, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, Fortescue Executive Chair and Founder, said together with Fortescue and OCP, they expect to build a world-leading and globally competitive platform to accompany Morocco’s journey into a green energy production, manufacturing, and industrial powerhouse.

“Together, we will be a key originator and green corridor into Europe and to and from the Atlantic basin. Morocco will be a major player in the global energy transition given it is home to some of the world’s most prospective wind and solar resources, two large coastlines, and is in close proximity to Europe and the Americas.

“We are proud to partner with OCP, a global industrial leader, with a shared ambitious commitment to invest in renewable energy, products and technology to reduce global emissions,” he said.

Fortescue Energy CEO, Mark Hutchinson, disclosed that OCP and Fortescue are fully aligned on their ambitions.

Hutchinson said they intend to create in Morocco one of the world’s leading integrated renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology enterprises, supplying not only a large and growing domestic market for green products, but also with the potential to supply other countries and continents.

“This is a very significant moment for Fortescue, OCP Group and Morocco as we help revolutionize the way we power our planet and diversify the world’s future energy security, while creating thousands of jobs and industries in Morocco,” he said.

These proposed projects will also leverage the expertise of INNOVX, a multi-sectoral venture platform that is dedicated to building innovative and sustainable businesses, and contributing to creating emerging ecosystems with a strong local impact.

Today’s agreement underlines OCP Group’s and Fortescue’s shared vision to help make Morocco a green energy production, manufacturing and industrial powerhouse, with significant long-term benefits for Morocco.

The venture is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

OCP Group helps feed a growing global population by providing it with the essential elements for soil fertility and plant growth. With over a century of expertise and a turnover of more than USD 9 billion in 2023, OCP is the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers.

Headquartered in Morocco and present on five continents, OCP has approximately 20,000 employees and works closely with over 350 customers around the world. OCP recently launched a green investment strategy, dedicated to increasing fertilizer production and investing in renewable energy.

The strategy foresees an overall investment of approximately USD 13 billion over the period 2023-2027, which will enable the Group to use 100% renewable energy by 2027 and achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040 (Scope 1 and 2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2040).

The strategy also aims to reach a water desalination capacity of 560 million m³ in 2026 and to increase the production of green fertilizers. The Group is firmly convinced that leadership and profitability are synonymous with social responsibility and sustainable development.

Its strategic vision sits at the junction of these two dimensions.

On the other hand, Fortescue is focused on becoming the number 1 integrated green energy, metals and technology company, recognised for its culture, innovation and industry-leading development of infrastructure, mining assets and green energy initiatives. It operates with two divisions – Metals and Energy.

Fortescue is committed to producing green hydrogen, containing zero carbon, from renewable electricity. Green hydrogen is a zerocarbon fuel that, when used, produces primarily water. It is a practical and implementable solution that can help revolutionise the way we power our planet: helping to decarbonise heavy industry and create jobs globally.

Fortescue is leading the green industrial revolution, building a global portfolio of renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, while also leading the global effort to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.

This includes developing and acquiring the technology and energy supply to help decarbonise the Australian iron ore operations of one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore, Fortescue Metals, by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions).

Malawi’s celebrated photojournalist Ras Peter Kansengwa is set to undergo further care for his oncology problem after well-wishers offered to buy him return air-tickets.

Kansengwa was recently diagnosed with Recurrent Kaposi Sarcoma and was flown to India where he underwent surgery.

However, specialist oncologist, Dr. Richard Nyasosela, in a letter dated 12^th February 2024 addressed to the Chairperson of the External Referral Committee at Kamuzu Central Hospital, said the photojournalist finished paclitaxel chemotherapy with unsatisfactory response.

Nyasosela added that Kansengwa has massive lymphedema involving both of his legs; hence, the need to undergo further care in India.

“He is a patient that would benefit from PET-CT Scan disease evaluation and further oncological care,” reads the communication in part.

In a brief interview on Monday, Kansengwa expressed gratitude to KCH doctors for recommending him to undergo further care for his illness.

“I don’t know how to thank them. But the best word I can say to them is: THANK YOU!” he said.

Tournos La Page (TLP) – an international network of civil society, journalists and lawyers – on Thursday evening launched its Malawi chapter, with a commitment to build a grassroots movement to advance democracy and good governance.

TLP International president Mathieu Pourchier observed that the fight for democracy is never-ending battle to ensure open civic space and respect for human rights.

He said this is why it is imperative that organizations should strive to involve and empower the most vulnerable sections of the society by strengthening member organizations and coordinating the network.

“The global geopolitical scene is witnessing a worrying resurgence of inter-power conflicts and state violence, with the law of the strongest taking precedence over the rule of law. These events underline the urgency of continuing our fight for legitimate, transparent and accountable democratic systems,” he said.

At this point, Pourchier commended the Malawi coalition for joining TLP, saying this will enable the latter to fully participate in the movement’s international activities and benefit from its support and capacity-building.

In his remarks, TLP Malawi Coalition National Coordinator, Malango Maganga, expressed the local coalition’s readiness to participate in the provision of voter and civic education ahead of the 2025 General Elections.

The Ministry of Health has appealed to media practitioners to be in the forefront in the fight against myths and misinformation surrounding public health emergencies in Malawi.

Speaking when he opened a one-day media briefing at Mponela in Dowa on Saturday, the ministry’s Health Promotion Officer, Tobias Kunkumbira, observed that public health emergencies attract negative coverage, which, in turn, discourage people from seeking medical assistance.

Kunkumbira said it is therefore critical that media should play a key role in fighting myths and misinformation around diseases that emerge from time to time.

“The ministry recognizes the critical role that the media plays in ensuring that the public is fully aware of the prevailing health events. It is against this background that the media engagement meeting has been organized to update them on the current important health events,” he said.

Kunkumbira stated that it is their desire that journalists and the ministry should always work in collaboration in disseminating correct and accurate information on public health emergencies to motivate people to seek medical attention,” he said.

The ministry organized the briefing through its Health Promotion Division together with Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) as it continues to implement preventive and control interventions for the disease outbreaks according to the National Response plans.

Nation Publications Limited (NPL) reporter Steven Pembamoyo commended the ministry for the briefing, saying it has helped journalists to understand and appreciate the importance of accurate reporting on sensitive issues such as health.

Global Compassion Coalition has announced the opening of its offices in Malawi with an aim of developing ‘hubs of compassion’ through the country.

The coalition is an international movement of compassion researchers, teachers, and activists working to spread and embed compassionate thinking, feeling, and action.

Currently, it has over 125, 000 members and a network of more than 90 Connector groups across the world.

In Malawi, the coalition is being spearheaded by Zomba-based nurse, Suzy Dzimbiri.

At their launch meeting this week, Compassion Connectors Malawi announced their commitment to creating a “compassionate Malawi” through a combination of community organizing and national-level campaigning.

The focus of their activities will be on connecting communities together, challenging prejudice, and getting support to individuals in need.

Dzimbiri has already been active in her community of Zomba, establishing a program of support for isolated older individuals. She now supports upwards of 20 people with weekly visits and by organizing for supplies of food and medicine to be brought to them.

“I was brought up with a fundamental belief – that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. And yet in society we see that too many people are denied that right. People who are excluded and isolated. People who simply lack the resources to lead a decent life. I want Malawi to be a country where everyone can feel welcomed. We are a beautiful nation made up of beautiful people. Let us celebrate that and work together – pooling talents, skills, and resources for the better of all. We face many challenges. But we cannot deal with them divided nor wait for someone else to fix them for us. I invite everyone to join me and my fellow Connectors in building a wave of compassionate action that will spread across our country,” said Dzimbiri.

Dr Mamphela Ramphele, the sitting Chairperson of the Global Compassion Coalition, said he knows his work from his association with the Black Consciousness Movement and with Reimagine (SA) that community empowerment is the route to transformative social change.

“Very often the status quo is maintained because whole populations have not yet realised or utilised their own power. Suzy and her team’s work in Malawi is going to be instrumental in supporting his people to come together, see their common humanity, recognize their own strengths and resources, and use those to create new cultures and institutions – ones that support, care, and empower,” said Ramphele.

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) songstress, Mai Chimbalanga, says Malawians have no reason to change the president during the 2025 General Elections, arguing that President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has proven himself to be the selfless and development-conscious leader the country had been lacking for decades.

Mai Chimbalanga, who defected to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) a few days ago, made the sentiments during a rally MCP lawmakers and Cabinet ministers conducted at Mvama CCAP School Ground in Lilongwe.

Among the ministers where Simplex Chithyola Banda, Deus Gumba and Nancy Tembo. Others were MCP Regional Chairman for the Centre, Zebron Chilondola and member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya.

Chimbalanga told the gathering that President Chakwera has proven that he is indeed determined to develop the country without regard to political and regional affilitation.

In his remarks, Chithyola Banda said the MCP government is fixing the economy and stressed the need for Malawians to maintain Lazarus Chakwera as President of Malawi.

His remarks were echoed by MCP’s new catch, Ken Msonda who boasted that Chakwera is no longer promising, but is delivering.

Zebron Chilondola, Nancy Tembo, and Gumba told the scores of people that MCP led government has achieved a lot of development projects in Malawi.

The gurus further saluted the commitment by Alfred Jiya to developing the City Center Constituency and appealed to other MPs to borrow a leaf.

In his remarks, Jiya hinted that MCP under Chakwera is evenly distributing development projects to ensure that all the regions are transformed.

Some of the MCP Members of Parliament who showed up for the event include Mike Bango, George Zulu, Ulemu Msungama and Steve Baba Malondela.

During the event, ‘Mayi Chimbalanga sang: “Chakwera Senderaaaa! Sendera!’

Save the Children Malawi has handed over motor vehicles and office furniture and equipment to government agencies and non-governmental organizations, which participated in the implementation of SCREP Programme.

With financial support from the Norwegian Agency for International Development Cooperation (NORAD) through Save the Children Norway (SCN), Save the Children Malawi and its partners implemented a five-year Securing Children’s Rights through Education and Protection (SCREP) programme.

The programme ran from 2019 to 2023 and was conducted in partnership with various stakeholders in Mzimba South, Lilongwe Urban, Mwanza, and Neno districts, aimed to ensure children’s safety, protection from violence and abuse, and promotion of their rights.

SCREP Programme Team Leader, Kenneth Wala, said having successfully concluded the programme, Save the Children thought it was imperative to hand over assets, including vehicles and office equipment, to implementing partners and government ministries to facilitate the continuity and sustainability of their activities and initiatives.

Wala stated that the transfer of the assets to implementing partners was aimed to facilitate the continuity and sustainability of their activities and initiatives following the phase-out of the SCREP Programme.

A government representative at the handover ceremony, Dr. Zizwa Msukuma, commended the gesture by Save the Children Malawi, saying it will go a long way in complementing government efforts in promoting and protecting children’s rights to education.

Speaking on behalf of the partners, Deputy General Secretary for the Blantyre Synod, Reverend Baxton Maulidi, expressed gratitude for the donation.

Maulidi assured Save the Children Malawi that the partners will take good care of the vehicles and office equipment to ensure they last long.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in Lilongwe has deported three Rwandese for forging Emergency Travel Documents.

The department’s national publicist, Wellington Chiponde, identified the three as Manirunva Elly Ismael, Sandrine Mazero and Ishimwe Elyse Faustin.

Chiponde said the trio was arrested on 25 March at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe during check-in when they were trying to leave the country using forged traveling documents.

“They were later referred to the Regional Immigration Office where the Compliance and Investigation unit took up the matter. During interrogation, the three confessed possessing the forged Emergency Travel Documents and pointed the one Deborah Jacklin as a masterminder behind the forged documents who is currently at large,” he said.

Chiponde added that in deporting the trio, the department, through the Minister of Homeland Security, has invoked section 39(2) b of Immigration Act, which gives mandate to deport culprits who contravene the immigration laws and regulations.

“The department is warning the general public and all foreign nationals that forging of travel documents is a serious offence and anyone found will be brought to book. The three has since left through Kamuzu International Airport on Wednesday, 03 April 2024 to their country of origin,” he said.