Nthanda Times

Peter Ngwenyama

  • First Lady Chakwera wants young women, girls equipped with tools, skills in digital space

    First Lady Monica Chakwera has stressed the need to equip girls and young women with skills and tools to protect themselves in the digital space.

    Madame Chakwera made the remarks when she presided over the official opening of a four-day Women and Girls in Cyber Conference held on Tuesday in Lilongwe under the theme: ‘Bridging the Gender Gap and Breaking the Glass Ceiling’.

    She said the conference which places a great emphasis on cybersecurity, will equip young girls and women with the tools necessary to protect themselves in the digital space and to protect communities from the digital threats that surround us.

    “Malawi and the rest of the world has seen a rise of cybercrime, data breaches, and online scams that have cast a shadow on the digital world,” adding that it is our duty, as policy makers, experts and professionals in the field, to rise to the occasion and protect our most vulnerable communities from the perils that lurk in cyberspace. 

    Madam Chakwera further said women are more likely to be victims of digital fraud and cyberbullying and harassment.

    Chakwera: Women are likely to be victims of cyberbullying and digital fraud

     It is our responsibility as cybersecurity professionals to leverage the potential of technological advancement for positive change through an inclusive and diverse cyber space, she observed. 

    She said there is need to empower women and young girls to navigate the digital world with wisdom and discernment. 

    Most importantly, she said, there is also need to encourage women and girls to take up careers in cybersecurity.

    The participation of women in cyberspace therefore fosters a diverse perspective in managing emerging trends and tackling these challenges brought about by our adoption of technological advancements, Madam Chakwera said.

    Therefore, she said, the conference is the beginning of a new chapter in our country’s history to ensure that more girls and women take up diverse roles and career paths that the cyberspace provides including cyber security.

    Madam Chakwera however bemoaned little progress in terms of women and young girls taking interest in the cybersecurity and digitalisation related careers.

    Earlier, Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu said the conference provides a platform where women are to deliberate in ensuring a safe cyber space for all. 

    “The platform will make space for women to take up leadership roles in cybersecurity, ICT and digital technology, encourage women to be the change they want to see and embrace the digital space and harness it to their advantage,” he said.

    The conference was attended by representatives from Botswana, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone among others.

  • Parley Committee gives nod to Kayilizi Refugee Camp

    The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security on Saturday toured the proposed site for a new refugee camp in the area of Group Village Headman (GVH) Kayilizi in Senior Chief Mwenewenya in Chitipa district.

    Speaking after the visit, Chairperson for the Committee, Ralph Jooma, said they were satisfied with the size of the land as it was bigger and close to the border.

    “This is unlike Dzaleka, which is in the interior of the country thereby raising security concerns,” he observed.

    Jooma added that his Committee was excited that traditional leaders and the people of Kayilizi had welcomed the development, saying the coming of the camp would facilitate the provision of social amenities such as education, health services, trade and road infrastructure.

    Jooma captured during the visit

    In his remarks, GVH Kayilizi dismissed rumours of resistance by his subjects.

    “My people have welcomed the project wholeheartedly. Actually this is a very rural area, it would have taken ages for us to reach urbanization. But with the coming of the camp, we stand to benefit in all sectors,” he said

    Government decided to close Dzaleka Refugee Camp and find a new site close to the northern borders of the country as one way of improving refugee management.

  • Malawi to host women in cyber conference

    Malawi will host the first-ever Women in Cyber Conference from 1st to 4th August 2023 under the theme “Bringing the gender gap and breaking the glass ceiling”. 

    The conference will be held in Lilongwe and will be graced by First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera.

    Vice Chairperson for the organizing committee Mary Botomani told reporters on Friday that there is a big gap between women and girls representation in advanced technology and cyber security fields. 

    Botomani addressing reporters

    “The conference is a deliberate action taken to ensure that women and girls take up spaces in conversation, careers and studies in cyber security,” she said.

    Botomani added that there is need to break stereotype thereby start encouraging women and girls to embrace technology.

     Renowned speakers form across the globe , including local cyber security experts will share will give talks and share experiences.

  • mHub unveils online trade arena for MSMEs

    mHub – a technology entrepreneurship innovation – has unveiled a trade arena an online platform designed to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to tap into an expansive market in Africa.

    The platform, with support from Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), aims to provide MSMEs with a unique opportunity to promote and trade their products while offering valuable insights into Africa’s trading policies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol on trade.

    Speaking during the official launch of the platform on Friday in Lilongwe, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, Paul Nkhoma, said the platform is a well-based portal where entrepreneurs can trade their products anywhere in Africa.

    Chair for Trade and Industry Committee of Parliament Paul Nkhoma

    “MSME’s will be selling their products online especially those who add value to their products,” he said.

    Nkhoma added that the platform is useful for increasing export markets within and beyond the region.

    mHub Communications and Engagement Manager, Karen Manda Nyasulu, said despite giving financial aid to entrepreneurs they needed market where they can market their products.

    mHub Communications and Engagement Manager Karen Manda Nyasulu

    “This arena offers MSMEs a unique opportunity to promote and trade their products effectively in Africa,” she said.

    Nyasulu added that the arena will act as a bridge connecting MSMEs to the AfCFTA.

  • 100 immigration houses project takes shape in Lilongwe

    Government is making strides to construct 10, 000 houses for security officers across the country as the construction of other 100 houses for immigration officers in Lilongwe is at an advanced stage.

    This has come to light on Wednesday after Homeland Security Minister Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma inspected the progress of the 100 houses for immigration officers at area 45 in Lilongwe.

    Ng’oma expressed satisfaction with the works being done at the site.

    Ng’oma believes that the houses for security officers will help to improve service delivery among the security agencies as they will act as a motivating factor.

    The Minister further commended the contractor for expediting the construction of the houses while maintaining quality.

    Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma inspecting the progress of the house construction

    He said the contractor has demonstrated dedication, seriousness and patriotism after having to work even amidst funding delays.

    “No officer in their right senses would want to leave a comfortable house like this one. This will act as a motivating factor for officers to work hard and therefore ensure security in the country.

    “I have to salute the contractor for demonstrating seriousness and patriotism having to work amidst funding delays,” said Ng’oma.

    The contractors for the project are SADEBCO James construction as well as City Building Contractors Ltd and Built Environment Joint Venture.

  • Macra finalizes National Child Online Protection Strategy

    Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has disclosed that it has finalized drafting National Child Online Protection Strategy, which seeks to protect children from threats and harms on the internet.

    Speaking during the validation meeting of the strategy in Lilongwe on Wednesday, MACRA Director General, Daud Sulemani, said the authority’s aim is to provide a conducive and enabling environment for the growth of cyberspace and digital economy.

    “The strategy has been developed as a response to the changing communication landscape which has seen a migration of our livelihood to the cyber space, placing children and young adults as one of the most vulnerable in the society needing deliberate measures to ensure their online safety,” he said.

    Adding that: “We are living in the digital era with an increased uptake of digital communication services.” 

    Suleman said the positive impact imposed by these technological advancements cannot be over-emphasized as it has made communication, education and business easier.

    MACRA Director General Daud Suleman

    He said nations are edging towards a truly global digital economy driven by the fluidity, nature, and reach of the internet which has no boundaries.

    This entails that our children and young adults are the digital generations, born and raised with access to digital information and the ability to navigate new communication technologies, he said.

    Suleman further said the influence that digital technologies have on lives, especially children and young adults is unparalleled.

    According to him, International Communications Union (ITU) reports that 1 in every 3 children has access to the internet, and over 69% of young adults have and Malawi as a country has seen a surge in cybercrimes more notably mobile money fraud, cyberbullying, harassment, misinformation and the spread of fake news such that children and young adults are the most vulnerable.

    Suleman observed that children and the youth have become exposed to a wide range of explicit, hateful, sexual, and harmful content making them vulnerable to exploitation.

    The strategy is founded on the principles of safe digital space, best interest of a child, non-discrimination, child participation, parental and guardian responsibility, community responsibility, and service provider responsibility.  

    Boniface Mandele from Article 3 Consultancy firm said the Strategy will provide safe cyberspace and prevent all potential threats and harms that children encounter online and respond to those affected.

  • Malawi needs data protection laws against exploitation – Suleman

    Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General, Daud Suleman, has acknowledged the critical need to develop national data protection laws to align them with international regulatory frameworks, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

    The laws will safeguard the rights of citizens from exploitation.

    Suleman made the remarks during the 5th Digital Financial Inclusion Public-Private Dialogue organized by Comesa Business Council (CBC) held on Tuesday in Lilongwe under the theme: Digital Financial Inclusion for MSMEs in Comesa:Towards operationalization of Regional Digital Retail Payments Scheme.

    He said, there are basic laws and conventions that as Malawi need to have in place like the data protection act to protect people including the MSMEs.

    “This act is very important because it will ensure that citizens data, their identities become protected such that none can come into the country to exploit the data that belongs to Malawians for other uses,” he said.

    Through ongoing efforts, he said, they are enhancing the legislative framework to provide a robust foundation for data protection, enforcement, and accountability.

    Suleman said: “By aligning with global best practices, they foster trust in digital transactions, enable cross-border data flows, and ensure responsible data practices among businesses, thus promoting the commissioning of the digital retail payments platform within the COMESA region.”

    He added that another piece of legislation that as a country need to put in place is the cyber crime as it is now growing very fast.

    Suleman said the growth of digital space cannot be stopped such that countries like Malawi is a member of the global village where things have gone digital and therefore need laws that support digital transformation.

    As a country, he said, there is need to be part of new standards of doing things where it can be in line with other nations in the digital space.

    Commenting on the theme the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Teddy Soobramanien, said there is need for governments to adopt the digital retail payments scheme inorder to achieve digital financial inclusion in the region.

    The retail payment scheme is a powerful tool to empower individuals and businesses in the Comesa region, he said.

  • GBA, Mpatsa sign shareholding agreement on mega agriculture projects

    Greenbelt Authority (GBA) and Mpatsa Holdings Limited on Thursday signed a shareholding agreement to form a joint company through which the two parties will work together in implementing irrigation and livestock agriculture projects.

    According to the parties, the venture is one of its kind involving a local company with great capability of contributing to the drive to escalate agriculture commercialization and large scale irrigation productivity.

    GBA Board Chairperson, Wester Kosamu, said the agreement signifies the genesis of a long mile journey that will see Malawians reap the fruits of government’s investment.

    Kosamu signing the shareholding agreement on behalf of GBA

    “In the agreement government will pump 40 percent while Mpatsa 60 percent of investment. Adding that it is a huge project which will create many jobs for Malawians and also contributing to elimination of hunger in the country.

    From the agreement a new company named Mpatsa Greenbelt Mega Farm Limited will be born.

     Kosamu further said the fact that the venture is involving a Malawian company is another plus as it gives assurance that the company will serve the interests of Malawians more.

    The Mpatsa Greenbelt Mega Farm Limited is expected to champion production of high value crops at Khonjeni in Thyolo and cooking oil production which will be done at Namadzi in Zomba District.

    Kosamu and Mpatsa shaking hands

    Mpatsa Holdings Limited’s Chairman, Jimmy Korea Mpatsa, said the trust that the government has given his company is already a motivation for the company to deliver.

    “Operations under the new company will primarily center around producing to end hunger and earn forex for the country through exports of farm produce,”he said.

    Mpatsa further said on its own, his company could not get to the required production rates that the Mpatsa Greenbelt Mega Farm envisions to see, hence need for such a joint venture.

    He said: “We are a great combination, because while the Greenbelt Authority is bringing in a share into the capital of the company and their expertise in irrigation farming needed for this venture, we on the other hand, are experts in business and we expect to see this combination do the nest for the benefit of Malawians.”

    Meanwhile the partnership company is expected to start growing winter maize at the 700 hectares mega farm in Khonjeni by August prior to an official launch of its works.

  • Govt releases 8, 000 students to universities

    Ministry of Education has announced the release of a total number of 8,552 students selected into public universities in 2022-2023 selection results.

    In a statement signed by Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, available to Nthanda Times on Tuesday, the figure represents 14.4 per cent increase from a total number of 7, 473 selected last year.

    “The figure is the highest number of students selected to public universities this year in the history of harmonized public universities selection in Malawi,” she said.

    Chikondano Mussa, Secretary in the Ministry of Education

    Mussa further said the final figure for 2023 selection will be higher when special needs students are selected through other modes.

    She said universities will be recruiting additional students under Open Distance eLearning (ODeL), Economic Fee Paying and Mature Entry modes of selection.

    Mussa said special needs students are currently under consideration by the universities, a process that involves medical examination.Adding that they are automatically admitted as long as they meet minimum entry requirement of six credits including English.

    A total number of 19 760 applications were received by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) of whom 18 471 were eligible.

    .A total of 8 552 (5,106 male and 3,446 female) were selected representing 59.7% male and 40.3% female.

    Find below the selection list for all six public universities:

    University of Malawi

    UNIMA 022-23 SELECTION LISTDownload

    Kamuzu College of Health Sciences

    Kamuzu University of Health SciencesDownload

    Mzuzu University

    MZUNI Press Release for the 2022_23 Harmonised PUS by NCHE 17.07.23Download

    Malawi University of Science and Technology

    MUST 2023-SELECTION-LIST-PRDownload

    Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

    LUANAR 2022- 2023 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES SELECTION LISTDownload

    Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

    MUBAS 2023-2024 Undergraduate Generic Intake 18.07.23Download

  • Moroccan Head of Mission Nija challenges youths, media to manage mental health

    The Head of Mission for the Kingdom of Morocco in Malawi, Abdulkader Nija, has challenged youth in Malawi to come up with messages that can help in the management of mental health.

    Nija was speaking in Lilongwe on Saturday during a training on Mental Health and Gender Justice bringing together youths and the media organized by Youth Advocacy Platform (YAP) with funding from Tilitonse Fund, Comic Relief, and UKaid.

     He said the two parties (the media and youths) have the power to help reduce mental health incidences through positive messages in social media, radio, and newspapers.

    “Youths should speak out on issues of mental health to break the silence which is there through social media as most of them pay attention to social media,” he said

    Morocco Head of mission to Malawi Abdulkader Nija
    Morocco Head of Mission to Malawi Abdulkader Nija

    Observations indicate that from January to April, 2023, almost 116 individuals have committed suicide due to mental health.

    Nija believed that if youths and the media come together to shape up the messages that can break the silence on mental health, deaths due to mental health can be reduced.

    YAP Executive Director, Elias Mambo, said they have embarked on campaign to break the silence on mental health through the youths and the media.

    “We have targeted universities to train key supporters so that they can handle mental health issues at a lower level,” he said.

    Mambo added that suicide cases are arising each and every day therefore we need to curb such cases among the society by training so many peer supporters.

    YAP engages youths in the management of mental health
    YAP engages youths in the management of mental health

    He believed that the youths have a role to play in making sure that they can talk to other youths.

    Mambo therefore called upon victims of mental health to come and speak out, breaking the silence, so that they can preserve their lives while others can learn a lesson that mental health can cause depression, school drop out therefore leading to death.