National
NCST says research is key to building resilient Malawi, strengthening socio-economic systems
Dr. Cecilia Maliwichi-Nyirenda has emphasized the critical role of research in strengthening Malawi’s infrastructure and socio-economic systems. Speaking at the 2025 National Research Dissemination Conference, she urged researchers to translate their findings into tangible innovations that support the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
Vice Board Chairperson for National Commission for Science and Technology, Dr. Cecilia Maliwichi-Nyirenda, says research is a prerequisite for building a resilient Malawi and strengthening infrastructure and socio-economic systems.
Maliwichi-Nyirenda has therefore challenged participants to the just-ended 2025 National Research Dissemination Conference (NRDC) to utilize findings of their various studies to provide the evidence base, informing decision-making, and developing innovative solutions to challenges like climate change and emerging economic problems.
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Over 100 research outputs were presented at the conference, covering fields such as agriculture, health, climate change, energy, education, digital technology, industry, and social sciences.
The NCST Vice Board Chairperson said research can identify effective strategies to integrate different perspectives from institutions and communities, fostering collaboration and overcoming structural barriers to resilience.
Maliwichi-Nyirenda assured the participants of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that their research outcomes translate into transformed livelihoods of ordinary Malawians.
“We’ll continue to strengthen the link between research and decision-making, foster collaborations across sectors, and support the commercialisation of innovations so that they contribute directly to our economy and society. [Therefore], let us leave here committed to turning every idea into impact, and every innovation into a building block for Malawi’s productive and resilient future,” she implored.
Speaking earlier, NCST Director General Gift Kadzamira thanked participants for attending and making presentations at the conference.
Kadzamira said, “Your insights, expertise, and enthusiasm have made this event a success. I appreciate the time and effort everyone has invested in sharing knowledge and ideas.”
During the conference, participants witnessed the very best of Malawi’s research, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. They also listened to thought-provoking keynote addresses, including insights on how research and innovation can be catalysts for resilience and productivity, and the critical role of public-private partnerships in commercialisation.
Furthermore, they engaged in high-level panel discussions that challenged us to rethink how Malawi can harness science, technology, and innovation to drive industrialisation in line with Malawi 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.
Stronger coordination key in Malawi’s fight against breast cancer
RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
