Blessings Tambala

The Minister of Agriculture Sam Dalitso Kawale has pledged commitment by President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his administration to collaborate with farmer associations in addressing food insecurity by increasing and improving production and productivity.

Kawale was speaking last when he visited NASCOMEX Limited in Lilongwe to appreciate the strides the company is making in adding value to agricultural produce.

NASCOMEX Limited is the commercial arm of the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM), which is an organization of farmers associations in Malawi.

Kawale said President Chakwera values the agriculture sector as the engine for the social and economic development of this country.

He said it is against this background that the Head of State initiated the Mega Farms Project as a vehicle for transforming smallholders into commercial farmers.

“The President wants the agriculture sector to grow very quickly. That’s why in most of his speeches, he challenges us, in the ministry, to work extra harder to ensure his dream of transforming this sector is realized,” he said.

At this point, Kawale challenged NASFAM to train and equip its farmer members with skills that can enable them to become business farmers.

“Time is past when you had to train farmers to do farming as business. Now it’s time to train and equip them to do farming business,” he emphasized.

In her remarks, NASFAM Chief Executive Officer Dr Betty Chinyamunyamu highlighted lack of startup capital and machinery as a major hindrances to farming business.

Chinyamunyamu therefore asked the government to facilitate the introduction of loans targeting smallholder farmers in Malawi.

In response, Kawale assured that his ministry would collaborate with funding baskets such as the National Economic Empowerment Fund, Malawi Agriculture an Industry Investment Cooperative, FiNES Project and Agricultural Commercial (AGCOM) Project to extend the disbursement of their loans to farmers.

“We can sit down and discuss how farmers can access these loans. We can come up with an arrangement to enable your farmers to qualify for these loans. You’re helping the government to increase production, so we have to support you to increase production,” said Kawale.

Malawi is set to receive a substantial $65 million share of a $90 million donation allocated to the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) Program for the implementation of its second phase.

This international alliance, operating under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Malawi, collaborates with hospitals, governments, and development partners to address and diminish newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The announcement of the $65 million funding was made on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, by contributors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, and individual contributions. This funding approval marks the launch of NEST360’s ambitious mission to combat newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

The NEST360 Program has demonstrated success over the past five years by leveraging appropriate devices, trained clinical and technical staff, and data capture for every newborn in hospitals. NEST360 aims to save every newborn globally by deploying well-trained personnel and suitable equipment, gathering momentum to effectively address the challenge.

Dr. Queen Dube, Newborn Health Program Lead of the Department for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health & Aging at WHO, emphasized, “What makes NEST360 unique is that they co-design a package of care with African governments to implement and improve newborn survival in their front-line hospitals.”

Statistics underscore that African countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, exhibit significantly higher rates of newborn mortality, nearly ten times greater than babies born in Europe or the U.S. With adequate medical care, the survival rate of 75% of the estimated 1.1 million African newborns at risk of death annually could be ensured.

NEST360’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically targeting SDG 3.2, aiming to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030. The international alliance comprises clinical, biomedical, and public health experts from 22 institutions and organizations, emphasizing a systems-change approach to enhance small and sick newborn care.

The second phase of the initiative builds upon the progress achieved in Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria during the initial phase from 2019 to 2023. With a fundraising goal of $90 million, the next phase aims to impact five key countries contributing to nearly 50% of newborn deaths in Africa. The alliance’s reach will extend to 144 implementing hospitals, including the addition of Ethiopia to the network.

NEST360 concentrates on three pivotal pillars: delivering innovation through effective medical technologies, establishing an educational ecosystem to train healthcare providers, and implementing evidence-based care with data-driven approaches. The program has already achieved coverage across all districts in Malawi and plans to expand to Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia in Phase 2.

Malawi is set to receive a substantial $65 million share of a $90 million donation allocated to the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) Program for the implementation of its second phase.

NEST360 is an internatial alliance, operating under theKamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Malawi, collaborates with hospitals, governments, and development partners to address and diminish newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

The announcement of the $65 million funding was made on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, by contributors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, and individual contributions. 

This funding approval marks the launch of NEST360’s ambitious mission to combat newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

The NEST360 Program has demonstrated success over the past five years by leveraging appropriate devices, trained clinical and technical staff, and data capture for every newborn in hospitals. NEST360 aims to save every newborn globally by deploying well-trained personnel and suitable equipment, gathering momentum to effectively address the challenge.

Dr. Queen Dube, Newborn Health Program Lead of the Department for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Aging at WHO, emphasized, “What makes NEST360 unique is that they co-design a package of care with African governments to implement and improve newborn survival in their front-line hospitals.”

Statistics underscore that African countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, exhibit significantly higher rates of newborn mortality, nearly ten times greater than babies born in Europe or the U.S. With adequate medical care, the survival rate of 75% of the estimated 1.1 million African newborns at risk of death annually could be ensured.

NEST360’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically targeting SDG 3.2, aiming to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030. The international alliance comprises clinical, biomedical, and public health experts from 22 institutions and organizations, emphasizing a systems-change approach to enhance small and sick newborn care.

The second phase of the initiative builds upon the progress achieved in Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria during the initial phase from 2019 to 2023. With a fundraising goal of $90 million, the next phase aims to impact five key countries contributing to nearly 50% of newborn deaths in Africa. The alliance’s reach will extend to 144 implementing hospitals, including the addition of Ethiopia to the network.

NEST360 concentrates on three pivotal pillars: delivering innovation through effective medical technologies, establishing an educational ecosystem to train healthcare providers, and implementing evidence-based care with data-driven approaches. The program has already achieved coverage across all districts in Malawi and plans to expand to Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia in Phase 2.

Chibuku Products Limited (CPL) on Wednesday launched a new product – Chibuku Special – with a vow to continue maintaining the highest ethical standards in the production and distribution of the opaque beers in Malawi.

CPL is a market leader in production and sale of Chibuku beers, with hundreds of taverns and selling outlets spread across Malawi.

The company’s Managing Director, Gerald Bowler, disclosed that it took them 12 months’ of research, innovation and development to come up with the new product.

“The development and launch of Chibuku Special have been a labor of love for our entire team. We have dedicated countless hours to research, design, and testing to ensure that this product embodies the values and quality that Chibuku Product is renowned for. We have listened to our customers’ needs, anticipated industry trends, and pushed the boundaries of innovation to create a product that we are immensely proud of, in a grass bottle,” said Bowler, “Chibuku Special has shelf life of three months and its price is MK800. We expect our customers to return of the bottles so that we can sustain prices longer without increasing.”

He said Chibuku Special represents a leap forward in traditional opaque beer sector, as it not only offers unparalleled functionality and performance, but it also reflects the company’s commitment to traditional heritage, sustainability, durability, and customer satisfaction.

Bowler expressed confidence that the new product will not only meet the needs of the existing customers, but also attract new ones, expanding the company’s reach and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

He reiterated his company’s commitment to sustaining fair prices for its beer products despite the business going through economic turbulence as a result of the impact of the recent development and scarcity of the foreign exchange.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in this journey, from the dedicated team that brought Chibuku Special to life to our partners and supporters who have believed in us every step of the way. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this launch possible.

“As we unveil Chibuku Special to the world, I am filled with a sense of pride and confidence in what we have achieved. I am certain that this product will not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers, and I eagerly anticipate the success and impact it will have in the market,” said Bowler.

After the launch, the guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch before being given a sip of the new Chibuku Special.

One of the guests, Manda wa Manda – who owns a chain of Chibuku selling outlets in a number of districts – described the new product as a perfect companion for imbibers.

Manda said the beer gives a drinker true reflection of what traditional opaque beer is yet at an affordable price.

“With Chibuku Special, imbibers won’t need to spend thousands and thousands of their hard-earned money before they reach their climax,” he said.

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Tuesday engaged traditional leaders from the Southern Region in discussions on which areas the Executive and the chiefs can collaborate to enhance social and economic development of Malawi.

The engagement took place at the Sanjika Palace in Blantyre where President Chakwera emphasized the need for the chiefs to be advocates of self-reliance among their subjects.

Chakwera underscores the role of chiefs in fostering a diligent work ethic and unity, rejecting regional neglect based on political affiliations.

Among others, the discussions covered key topics including development projects, the Affordable Input Programme (AIP), and a proposal for a 100 percent increase on chiefs’ honorarium.

Earlier, the Minister of Local Governmant, National Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, emphasized the importance of grassroots structures, citing chiefs as crucial partners in development.

Chimwendo Banda said that the meeting underscores the value that the government places on the role that traditional leaders play in development activities and the sustainability of development projects in the country.

He emphasized that being custodians of the people, traditional leaders are well-placed to highlight the challenges that their communities are facing.

Chimwendo Banda also disclosed that the meeting is a continuation of in-person discussions President Chakwera has been having with chiefs on a wide range of developmental issues, which provide chiefs in the country a platform to share their communities’ experiences and challenges with the president.

Senior Chief Chikumbu expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given to traditional leaders through the meeting to share and discuss with President Chakwera the state of development in their communities as well as the challenges they are facing.

She pledged collaboration for the benefit of their subjects.

The National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) – the country’s largest smallholder owned membership organisation founded on the principles of collective action and is democratically governed by its members – has expressed willingness to support Mega Farms Project as an off-taker.

NASFAM Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu, assured the government that it has the capacity to buy produce from farmers under the Mega Farms Project.

Chinyamunyamu made the sentiments when the Minister of Agriculture, Sam Dalitso Kawale, visited the association’s NASCOMEX Company Limited in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera initiated and launched the Mega Farms Project to boost the country’s agricultural-based economy and help end persistent food shortages.

Apparently, Malawi has long faced food shortages at both national and domestic levels each year despite various efforts to boost agricultural production despite putting efforts into agricultural programs to boost production as the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) through which farmers buy seed and fertilizer at cheaper prices.

Chinyamunyamu challenged that with over 10, 000 farmer members spread across the country, NASFAM is not only capable of contributing to the enhancement of agricultural production and productivity, but also providing a structured market for the smallholder farmers.

“The minister’s visit was very important because we’ve had a lot of discussions about the different areas where we could collaborate. He was also able to give us information on some of the initiatives that the government has that we were not aware of.

“So it was really something that we found value upon, and we will be following up with Defense Departments within the ministry but also outside. So there are a lot of initiatives particularly regarding the lack of funds, or value addition,” said Chinyamunyamu.

“And both of those are areas where, as NASCOMEX we are actively involved. So we’re also looking at scaling up. So, the opportunities and the initiatives that government has are going to give us an opportunity to scale up and see as a business entity,” she added.

But Chinyamunyamu emphasized the need for the government to review some of the agriculture policies to ensure that they align with the interest and well-being of the farmers.

In his remarks, Kawale assured NASFAM of the government’s commitment to partnering with the association to ensure increased production and productivity.

“NASFAM is key stakeholders in the agriculture sector with over 100,000 smallholder farmers as an off taker, but also provides the necessary extension services, access to financing to the farmers. Those are the things that we need. And this is what can help this country to develop because investment in the smallholder farmer is very important both for food security as well as economic development,” said the minister.

Kawale said his visit to the NASCOMEX Limited Factory has helped him to understand what goes on behind the ‘scenes as Minister of Agriculture as we look at the farmers’.

He said NASFAM has demonstrated an ‘amazing work they’re doing in value addition and packaging’.

“We’ve seen what they’re doing with groundnuts with beans, we’ve also seen the rice as well as the NASPHALA. All these products that are already on the market. Everything that we have seen is giving us the energy and enthusiasm to continue working with these institutions,” he said.

Kawale assured that he would link NASFAM to financing institutions such as the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) Project, FiNES Project, National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) and Malawi Agriculture Investment and industry Cooperation (MAIIC), among others, for possible financing towards smallholder farmers under the association.

In a monumental move for the insurance industry, Reunion Insurance Company Limited has partnered with Globe Internet Limited to introduce an innovative state-of-the-art digital platform, which redefines how individuals and businesses can access insurance services.

The platform, which has been christened Reunion Online Platform, brings with it unparalleled convenience to users, as it further simplifies and streamlines the insurance purchasing process.

 It also offers a user-friendly interface for a hassle-free customer experience from the comfort of their preferred devices – be it a mobile handset, tablet, or computer – where customers can effortlessly explore a comprehensive range of motor insurance products tailored to meet their specific needs.

Developed and owned by Globe Internet Limited, the platform extends its functionality to institutions through Yankho Online where organizations, including Reunion Insurance, can register with this Globe Internet Ltd-powered platform, enabling seamless management of workflow processes in the delivery of services.

On Tuesday, Reunion Insurance Company and Globe Internet Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a Service Level Agreement solidify the collaboration between Reunion Insurance and Globe Internet Ltd.

Under this agreement, Globe Internet Ltd will provide technical support, assisting Reunion Insurance in reaching its potential and current customers on a global scale.

Officials from the two companies told journalists that for paid services, Reunion Online integrates with various payment gateways, including Mobile Money, Credit Cards, and Visa Debit Card.

They said presently, the system collaborates with Airtel Money, TNM Mpamba, and Standard Bank to facilitate transactions.

Reunion Insurance Company Limited Technical Manager, Hastings Kapesa, said the partnership is important because it allows its customers to buy, renew, upgrade, or inquire about our services online through  http://ri.online.mw.

“They will receive a policy certificate online as a PDF copy, marking a transformative shift in our business operations,” said Kapesa.

In her remarks, Elizabeth Misomali, Business Analyst for Globe Internet Ltd, highlighted that Yankho Online platform streamlines workflow processes, enhances efficiency, and ultimately saves costs across various industries.

To access Reunion Online’s customer portal, visit [Reunion Online Customer Portal http://ri.online.mw or scan the QR code the two companies are providing.

The portal or the code offers a straightforward process for general inquiries, applying for new insurance, and renewing policies.

The National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) – the country’s largest smallholder owned membership organisation founded on the principles of collective action and is democratically governed by its members – has lobbied for greater involvement in formulating farm-gate prices.

NASFAM Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu, lamented that in the previous scenarios, farmers have been the ‘biggest losers’ when off-takers are discouraged by the minimum prices the government sets before the beginning of the marketing season.

Chinyamunyamu made the lamentations when the Minister of Agriculture, Sam Dalitso Kawale, paid a visit to NASCOMEX Limited Factory in Area 28 (Roberts) in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

NASCOMEX is a subsidiary of the NASFAM, which draws its membership from dozens of farmer associations in Malawi.

“We would like to be more involved in the setting up of minimum prices so that prices that are set work to the advantage of farmers in general because when prices are not set at the right level, we have challenges. They may discourage buyers, so we end up with the farmers losing instead of benefiting,” said Chinyamunyamu.

She said what the national association for the farmers is advocating for is continued collaboration between the national farmers’ association and the government so that both parties are addressing the needs of the farmers.

Minister Kawale agreed with Chinyamunyamu, stressing that the government acknowledges and appreciates the contribution the smallholder farmers face in the development of his nation.

He assured that the incumbent administration is eager to collaborate with farmer associations such as NASFAM in uplifting the economic livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the country.