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….The President says his administration is committed to food security and prosperity, pledging to deliver only what can be achieved.
MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-President Arthur Peter Mutharika Government on Wednesday officially launched of the 2025/2026 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) in Mchinji District, fulfilling a key promise he made during the opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament on October 31, 2025.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, President Mutharika expressed satisfaction that his administration had successfully implemented one of its major policy commitments aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security.
The President reminded Malawians that during his parliamentary address, he had pledged that the FISP would return this farming season, targeting 1.1 million households across the country.
Each beneficiary household, he said, would receive two 50kg bags of fertilizer at a subsidized price of K10,000 per bag, along with a 5kg pack of seed of their choice.
The President emphasized that the reintroduction of FISP was part of his broader vision to revitalize Malawi’s agriculture sector, enhance national food security, and stimulate rural economic growth.
“I am excited that today, my Government has fulfilled that promise by officially launching the 2025/2026 Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme in Mchinji District,” he wrote.
He said the program was designed to boost production, empower smallholder farmers, and ensure prosperity for all Malawians.
President Mutharika reaffirmed his commitment to honesty and accountability in leadership, stating that he will only make promises that his administration is capable of delivering.
“As your President, I will deliver on my promises, and I will only promise that which I can deliver,” he declared.
The FISP launch event, held at Kankhande Primary School grounds in Traditional Authority Mavwere, drew farmers, traditional leaders, and government officials who welcomed the program as a timely intervention ahead of the rainy season.
The President’s message underscores his government’s focus on agriculture as the backbone of Malawi’s economy, with policies aimed at transforming the sector into a driver of sustainable development.
The FISP, which has previously benefited millions of rural households, remains one of the country’s most impactful social and economic interventions, though it has faced challenges in implementation and targeting in past years.
President Mutharika’s decision to reintroduce the program signals his administration’s intent to restore public confidence in government-driven agricultural initiatives and address persistent food insecurity affecting many rural communities.
Observers note that the reintroduction of FISP could also stabilize maize production and prices, ensuring that the country avoids recurring hunger crises.
The program is expected to have a ripple effect across the economy by supporting agribusinesses, reducing poverty, and improving livelihoods for millions of Malawians.
With the official launch now complete, distribution of the inputs is set to begin immediately across all regions, ensuring that farmers access fertilizer and seed in time for the planting season.
As the nation prepares for another agricultural cycle, President Mutharika’s commitment to “Sustaining a People-Centered Government” reflects his administration’s resolve to keep citizens at the heart of national development.
The successful rollout of FISP, according to analysts, will serve as a major test of the Mutharika government’s ability to deliver tangible results and strengthen Malawi’s long-term path toward food self-sufficiency.
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By Zakeyu Mamba
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Salima–Lilongwe Water Supply Project, once hailed as Malawi’s flagship infrastructure development, is now facing serious setbacks due to corruption, political interference, and weak management systems.
The multi-billion-kwacha project, designed to channel water from Lake Malawi in Salima to Lilongwe City, was intended to end decades of persistent water shortages in the capital.
However, recent report which we have seen reveal growing internal wrangles, misuse of funds, and delays have crippled progress.
Sources close to the project allege that some officials have turned the initiative into a tool for personal and political gain rather than focusing on its core mission of providing clean and reliable water to residents of Lilongwe.
The project involves a 120-kilometre pipeline, several pumping stations, and modern water treatment facilities.
By October 2025, construction had reportedly reached around 35 percent, but insiders now say work has almost come to a halt.
Delayed payments, procurement disputes, and a lack of transparency have been identified as major obstacles.
Experts warn that if the current trend of corruption and mismanagement continues, the project could collapse entirely wasting billions of taxpayers’ money and leaving the capital city’s residents still struggling with water scarcity.
Some civil society groups suspect deliberate sabotage by individuals with vested political or business interests in maintaining the status quo.
The situation has sparked public concern about accountability and leadership within government institutions overseeing the project.
Advocacy groups are now calling for an independent audit and tighter oversight mechanisms to protect public resources.
If effectively managed, the Salima–Lilongwe Water Project could revolutionize water access and drive economic growth in Lilongwe.
But for now, its future remains uncertain-clouded by politics, corruption, and a lack of transparency.
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By Christian Mwase, Contributor
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, has described her recognition as Public Relations Practitioner of the Year (Corporate Sector) by the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) as a profound honour and a defining reflection of the Bank’s marketing evolution.
Hiwa said in an interview that the accolade symbolizes three critical milestones—the demonstration of an excellent brand and communications strategy at the highest levels of NBM plc’s Marketing Function, collaborative and remarkable execution by the marketing and creative teams she leads, and most importantly, the strategic positioning of marketing as a leadership function within the Bank—empowered with the creative room to drive measurable brand impact.
“This recognition is not just about individual effort; it is about a team that consistently shows up with excellence and passion. It represents a well-thought-out brand and communications strategy, brilliantly executed by an exceptional team, and the deliberate elevation of Marketing as a strategic voice in shaping the Bank’s growth story,” said Hiwa.
Hiwa—who received the award at the PRSM Annual Awards Gala held in Mzuzu last week—was also recently named PR Personality of the Year at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Excellence Awards in Salima, making this her second national accolade within a fortnight.
She attributed the win to NBM plc’s culture of trust and empowerment, noting that the executive management’s confidence in the Marketing and Corporate Affairs function enables innovation and bold execution.
“We are privileged to work in an environment that trusts and challenges us to think creatively, stay accountable, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with the Bank’s values and strategic intent,” said Hiwa.
Acknowledging the stiff competition this year, Hiwa extended her congratulations to all the winners and applauded all nominees across categories for raising the bar in Malawi’s PR and communications industry.
“The competition was incredibly strong—so many institutions have delivered remarkable campaigns in 2025. I sincerely congratulate all the winners and salute everyone who was nominated. Each of you has contributed to elevating the standard of professional communications in Malawi,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Hiwa expressed deep gratitude, describing the moment as one of humility, renewal, and purpose.
“Every recognition is a reminder that our story is still unfolding, guided by grace, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication to build trust and inspire action,” she said.
Chief Judge of the PRSM Awards Committee, George Mindano, said Hiwa’s selection was based on her demonstration of exceptional commercial PR strategy, creativity, and measurable impact.
“The winner of this year’s PR Practitioner of the Year – Corporate Sector is someone who has led multiple innovative, high-impact PR campaigns with a clear link to business outcomes. Her ability to integrate strategy, influencer storytelling, and media synergy made her institution a household name—especially through the groundbreaking K1.5 billion sports sponsorship campaign,” said Mindano before announcing Hiwa as the winner.
Hiwa faced stiff competition from Levie Nkunika and Lorraine Chikhula, both of FDH Bank.
Her win not only cements her place among Malawi’s leading communications professionals but also reinforces the growing influence of marketing leadership in driving corporate transformation and national brand excellence.
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Active Citizens, Artificial Intelligence, Civil Society, Climate Action, Climate Change Justice, Conferences, COP30, Editors’ Choice, Featured, Headlines, Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals, TerraViva United Nations
The fossil fuel industry has polluted our art, and now it’s polluting our information. So, we clearly say: stop the lies. —Brazilian political scientist Rayana Burgos
Climate misinformation experts Rayana Burgos (right) and Pierre Cannet (left) at COP30. Credit: Tanka Dhakal/IPS
– Concerned scientists at the UN climate conference in Belém are appealing for collective action to combat climate change-related misinformation and disinformation.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) sounded the alarm over the widespread dissemination of climate disinformation across multiple fronts, including social media and traditional media platforms, warning that it impacts public health, undermines democracy, and weakens the effectiveness of climate policies.
“Disinformation is everywhere. It’s sophisticated. It’s evolving rapidly,” said J. Timmons Roberts, Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at Brown University. “Structural power deploys disinformation to preserve the status quo. The fossil fuel industry spends about 10 times as much as the environmental and renewable energy sectors combined.”
Experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) climate information integrity press conference at COP30. Credit: Tanka Dhakal/IPS
Roberts, the Executive Director of the Climate Social Science Network, emphasized the need to understand the tactics, key actors, and the flow of power, money, and information to tackle climate disinformation.
“There’s a series of tactics that offer effective solutions to this disinformation—for example, appealing to conservative identities, to the identities of the people you’re speaking to, and using debunking and pre-bunking strategies,” he said. “You have to have the right messengers.”
In an open letter, a global coalition of scientists, civil society groups, Indigenous Peoples, and faith leaders called on policymakers to take immediate action to combat climate misinformation and uphold information integrity. They emphasized that both the UN and the World Economic Forum have identified climate change and disinformation as among the greatest threats to humanity.
“Governments need to see this [climate disinformation] as a kind of public safety issue,” said Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council. “This is not freedom of speech. This is the control of libraries and communications by very confident people.”
He stressed the importance of democratizing media and increasing independent journalism to counter a media ecosystem dominated by a wealthy few.
At a press conference on Tuesday—designated as the official thematic day on information integrity—experts warned that climate misinformation causes real-time harm and that major platforms, including Meta, X, and TikTok, are actively spreading misinformation, disinformation, or false information.
“Disinformation and misinformation are their business model,” said Pierre Cannet, Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy at ClientEarth. “This is why we are calling on countries to join this effort for information integrity—not just at the conference, but also back home—and to enforce laws that address misinformation and disinformation.”
Experts emphasized that collaboration across all levels of society is essential to overcoming coordinated misinformation campaigns, which are often driven by profit motives, particularly from the fossil fuel industry.
Rayana Burgos, a Brazilian political scientist at the Network of Terreiro Communities for the Environment, stated that without truth, there can be no climate justice or final action.
“The fossil fuel industry has polluted our art, and now it’s polluting our information. So, we clearly say: stop the lies, stop the delay,” she added. “We need to act together. Access to information is a human right.”
This feature is published with the support of Open Society Foundations.
IPS UN Bureau Report
By Precious Mtuwa
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Japanese Government has handed over a Pesticide Residue Testing Equipment Machine to the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), aiming to enhance the country’s sesame testing capabilities and meet international quality standards.
Malawi has been facing a significant challenge in the sesame industry, with a 70% rejection rate of its exports due to non-compliance with international quality and safety standards.
With this Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LCMS) Machine, Malawi is expected to address the non-compliance and unlock its potential in the global sesame markets and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The equipment, will enable MBS to conduct advanced analytical tests on sesame products, including aflatoxin and pesticide residue testing which will boost Malawi’s sesame exports, particularly to Japan, where demand is high.
The Deputy Director General of MBS, Thomas Senganimalunje, stated that the equipment is of great significance in the efforts to achieve quality in agricultural products for trade.
MBS will be able to provide accurate and reliable testing services, ensuring that sesame meets international standards.
96 staff members of MBS were trained in advanced on analytical techniques by experts from the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA).
The training equipped them with the skills and knowledge to conduct complex tests and provide accurate results.
Concurring with the Deputy Director General of MBS, the Director of Industry, Clement Phangaphanga, said that this is a huge opportunity for Malawi.
The machine will benefit traders, as they will be fully certified, leading to fewer rejections of sesame.
WFP Country Director, Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim, stated that WFP is working to build resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agricultural systems that align with Malawi Vision 2063.
“LMCS is capable of detecting ultra-trace pesticide residues with speed and precision.
“This will unlock structured markets and elevate Malawi’s position in regional and global trade, especially for high-value crops like sesame, cowpea, and sorghum,” Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim said.
On his part, the Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, said that sesame is an indispensable food in Japan, and Malawi holds tremendous potential to increase sesame production as Malawi has quality of Sesame.
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