Nthanda Times

Peter Ngwenyama

  • Women’s Cyber Platform impressed with women, girls participation at the meet

    Organizers of Women and Girls in Cyber have expressed satisfaction with the participation of women and girls at the Women’s Cyber Platform, which took place in Lilongwe last week.

    Chairperson of the organizing committee, Thokozani Chimbe, who is also a Legal Advisor at Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra), expressed her satisfaction on Friday during the closing ceremony of the first-ever Women and Girls in Cyber held under the theme: “Bridging the Gender Gap and Breaking the Gas Ceiling.”

    She said women and girls responded well to the conference.

    Chimbe: The conference was a success

    “This was a success because women from all sectors of the society attended and shared ideas as well as experiences on technology issues,” she said.

    Chimbe said they want the nation through the forum to recognize the importance of women and girls inclusion in digitalization.

    She further said women and girls have among others been sensitized on how to tackle challenges brought about by technological advancement including the gender gap and cyber threats.

    Meanwhile, she said, they agreed to set up a Women in Cyber Malawi Network that will get affiliated to the Global Women in Cyber networks.

    Priscilla Nyirenda, a participant, said she has benefited a lot because women and girls generally needed support in cyber security.

    “They are alot of crimes that are committed on the internet and affects women, and girls” she said.

    Therefore, she said, the conference was very important to women and girls and the skills gained will be shared to others.

  • First Lady Chakwera wants new health posts to have maternity wings

    First Lady Monica Chakwera has stressed the need for newly constructed health facilities to include maternal and neonatal wings to allow women and children access proper health care services.

    Chakwera was speaking on Monday during an official opening of Nguluwe Health Post constructed with funds from Constituency Development Fund (CDF) with support from European Union (EU) in Traditional Authority (TA) Malili in Lilongwe.

    Nguluwe Health Post has been built without a maternity wing.

    “This facility will not be able to handle all maternal services as women with complications will still be referred to the nearest facilities which are very far to reach them,” she lamented.

    She decried the 21 kilometers women and children walk to access maternal and neonatal services from Malingunde, Likuni and other nearest government hospitals such as Bwaila and Chitedze, which are 30 kilometers away.

    According to her, it is the plan of government led by President Lazurus Chakwera to provide essential health services within 5 kilometers radius as stipulated in the Health Sector Strategic Plan.

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    Madam Chakwera therefore pleaded with the District Commissioner’s office, Member of Parliament for the area and other stakeholders to consider constructing a fully fledged maternity wing so that women of the area access all maternal services.

    Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the facility will soon be a fully fledged health centre with a maternity wing.

    “It is still a health post because we need to do a number of things for it to qualify as a health center like having a proper maternity wing which can take care the needs of women,” she said.

    MP for Lilongwe South West Jean Sendeza said the opening of a facility is a dream come true for people of Malili as it has taken them almost 17 years without accessing the services.

    “We are all happy that people can now afford to access government health services near them,” she said.

    According to her, the construction of the post started in 2006 and was abandoned.

    “But now with the increase of CDF, it has been completed and now ready for use.”

    Mollen Chimphipi, a 19-year-old resident of Nguluwe area, expressed gratitude to government for bringing health services near them.

    “We used to take a bicycle taxi to access health services at nearest facilities and pay for them,” she said.

    Nguluwe Health Post has a catchment population of over 19, 000.

  • USF donates computer equipment to Biwi Triangle Light Industries Association

    The Universal Service Fund (USF) has donated computer equipment comprising of a computer, UPS and printer to Biwi Triangle Light Industries Association.

    USF is a system of subsidies and fees managed by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). 

    The Fund is the authority’s main regulatory tool for promoting universal access to ICT services in rural and underserved areas in the country. 

    The Fund was established in response to the National ICT Policy of 2013 which put a deliberate policy statement aimed at making ICTs available and accessible to all the people throughout the country particularly those in rural and underserved areas.

    USF Committee Member, Phyllis Manguluti, said on Friday during the handover of the materials in Lilongwe that to they want to promote and facilitate the development of an e-commerce platform to enable coordination in the community of interest. 

    “This follows a request by the Association for MACRA through the Universal Service fund to support them with office equipment and assist in the development of the e-commerce platform Application,” she said.

    Manguluti said considering the fact that the Application will help to automate their business process and that the community is ready to harness the power of ICT in fostering the growth of their businesses and services, MACRA thought it wise to come in and assist.

    Universal Service Fund and Biwi Triangle Light Industries Association members during the donation ceremony

    In this case, she said, USF will assist with the equipment and the development of the App that would avail all services the Association membership provides to the customers.

    Manguluti further said the desktop is part of the donation. Adding that they thought of presenting it now whilst we they still working on the development because we noticed that the Association does not have a single computer to use in their day-to-day work.

    As MACRA, she observed that it is the start of their journey to embark on the promotion of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector growth through the development of smart apps that would link suppliers and customers of their goods and services.

    The Association’s Chairperson Malani Gondwe urged members of the association to embrace technology quite much as the world is changing.

    “We are now teaching members that as we are trading here we have to follow technology because without it we will not make business as usual,” he said.

    Gondwe therefore commended Macra for the gesture they have shown to the association saying what is remaining is an application (App) to allow members showcase their products and services on the App.

    The association has members from garages, Welding and Fabrication, Spare parts traders among others.

  • Minister Gwengwe attributes cement scarcity to forex shortage

    Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Sosten Gwengwe, has disclosed that the shortage of foreign currency is the major factor contributing to the scarcity of cement in Malawi.

    Gwengwe was responding to a question from Rumphi West Member Yona Adadawiza Mkandawire on Friday in Parliament who suggested that the government should encourage cement imports to deal with the situation. 

    The minister told Members of Parliament that forex shortage has affected both local cement and general product producers, which shall be rectified very soon. 

    Gwengwe, who stood for Minister of Trade and Industry Simplex Chithyola Banda, said the ministry has engaged the Reserve Bank to support local manufacturers.

    Gwengwe: The Cement prices have been affected by the shortage of Forex

    The finance minister explained that the central bank has engaged in order not to deal with only cement but also other equally local important products that needs forex it’s an import base.

    “It is these local producers who are generating forex, therefore they need to be supported to make sure stable supply markets and prices,” elaborated Gwengwe. 

    He added, “It is true that prices of cement escalated as other traders are selling as higher as K20, 000 per 50kg bag. During the meeting between concerned stakeholders was resolved that a bag of cement should not exceed K16, 000.” 

    He explained that the querry is made considering poor Malawians who earn less than K50, 000 per month and can’t afford to buy a bag of cement during this time. 

    Mkandawire pointed out the need to utilize the duty free week in this time of crisis as manufacturers in Malawi are failing to bring down cement prices. 

    “There is need to encourage cross-boarder import of cement where government can also be collecting revenues,” pleaded Mkandawire.

  • Parliament adopts motion on political party financing

    Malawi Parliament has adopted and passed a private members motion that proposes operationalization of Section 40 (2) of the Constitution on political party funding, which had no legal framework regulations. 

    Member of Parliament for Zomba Ntonya, Nedson Phoya, introduced the motion where the provision in the Constitution shall now be regulating the administration of political party funding, and other matters incidental thereto if the bill is enacted. 

    Currently, the Constitution targets political parties that amassed at least 10 percent of the votes during general elections.

     “We want every party represented in parliament to benefit from the funds,” he said. 

    Phoya said section 40 subsection 2 of the Constitution does not provide regulations on how to operationize the legislation hence to enact an amendment. 

    He gave an example that the funds will come from public coffers’ consolidated funds that should be accounted for by looking into how they have used it. 

    “Are they being audited? This is another major issue that is going to be included minus an element of getting 10% of national vote during general elections which shall be removed so that every party gets a proportion of the funds,” explained Phoya. 

    Phoya told the August House that this scheme will help to phase out corruption activities that policitians have been attempted with from business tycoons who have had interest doing business with government. 

    He added: “When a certain political party gets into power, these political donors or funders becomes investors. So, we need to deal with such things.”

    He however pointed that money for political parties already exists as stipulated by law, only it was diverted because of lack of legal framework regulations.

    The bill is expected to go through scrutiny together with section 21 of the political parties act. 

    Seconding the motion, MP for Nkhatabay South East Noah Chimpeni explains that this bill will fade out issues of corruption between business gurus who funds political parties in favours of business opportunities when they get into power. 

    DPP Spokesperson Ralph Jooma has expressed the need for political parties to fully take into account the funds that shall be disbursed through this scheme.

    Speaking on behalf of UDF, Lilian Patel from Mangochi South supported the bill, saying today things aren’t the same and it is important for the democracy they fought for.

    For MCP, Leader of the house Richard Chimwendo Banda expressed gratitude over the bill that it will really foster the country’s democratic principles.

  • MPs call for recapitalization of MCHS

    Members of Parliament on Wednesday called for the recapitalization of Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS), which is currently going through many administrative challenges. 

    Legislator for Salima Central West, Enock Phale, expressed concern over unfunded and projects that have stalled for years at the Lilongwe Campus. 

    Phale proposed that contracts that stalled should be terminated and restart in order to advance in finishing the projects with new contractors. 

    MP for Chiradzulu West Dr. Matthewa Ngwale concurred with Phale and told the August House that the College should be recapitalized as one way to improve the situations. 

    MPs were commenting after the Parliamentary Committee on Education presented a situation and status report which was adopted on Malawi College of Health Sciences. 

    Among others, the report recommends government through Ministry of Education and Health provide funds and contract renumeration in order to finish the stalled projects at the college. 

    In his presentation, Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri to stood for the Chairperson of Education Committee called for both the Ministry of Health, Education and Presidential Delivery Unit-PDU to collaborate to deal with stalled project as soon as possible. 

    Phiri added, “Ministry Education should liase with the Health Ministry to reverse and restructure the board that was taken out because of other reasons.” 

    “It is painful that the structures that were being constructed stalled as both staffs and students struggles to operate on everyday basis,” complained Phiri. 

    He therefore advised government to consider needy students at the College with tutions loans that the Loans Board provides. 

    Committee assured that will continue to monitor the situation at Malawi College of Health Sciences, to make it to a better one and accomplish the projects. 

    MCHS was established in 1996 under ministerial order of the then Minister of Education, but it reports to Ministry of Health.

  • 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.

Nthanda Times