Zambia, China forge new horizons as Premier Li Qiang visits Lusaka

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Airtel Malawi

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Zambia on Wednesday night, embarking on an official visit designed to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two nations.

He was warmly received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, senior Zambian officials, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.

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The visit represents a historic moment, being the first official trip by a Chinese head of government to Zambia in nearly three decades.

It is also Premier Li’s first engagement in a sub-Saharan African country since taking office.

Zambia and China have maintained diplomatic relations for more than sixty years, marked by landmark collaborations such as the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA).

Their partnership has grown to include extensive cooperation in sectors such as energy, healthcare, mining, and industrial development.

Prior to the visit, China’s Ambassador to Zambia highlighted the desire to advance the consensus reached between President Hakainde Hichilema and President Xi Jinping.

The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of implementing decisions from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

“This visit is meant to enhance political trust, promote mutually beneficial projects, and strengthen coordination on regional and international matters,” the Ambassador said.

He added that the visit further demonstrates the commitment to building an ‘All-Weather China–Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’

The ambassador reflected on the deep historical bond between the two nations, noting China’s support for Zambia during its liberation struggle.

China also played a pivotal role in constructing TAZARA, which helped break the economic isolation facing Zambia at the time.

He stressed that Chinese investments continue to contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic development and social progress.

In 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema visited China, where he and President Xi upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

This partnership ushered in a new era of engagement between the two countries.

Since that time, Zambia has witnessed the launch of several key projects, including the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, the Luanshya Shaft 28 dewatering project, and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant.

Recent debt restructuring agreements have also facilitated smoother cooperation between Zambia and China.

During the FOCAC Beijing Summit, a Memorandum of Understanding for revitalizing TAZARA was signed, followed by a concession agreement in October.

Premier Li’s current visit aims to consolidate previous achievements while setting the stage for new initiatives in bilateral cooperation.

He is scheduled to hold talks with President Hichilema at State House, where discussions will focus on enhancing trade, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting South–South solidarity.

Officials expect over a dozen agreements to be signed, covering areas such as trade, green energy, innovation, and education.

Premier Li is also expected to witness the groundbreaking of the TAZARA revitalization project.

China’s recently announced 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes innovation, green development, and social inclusion, closely aligns with Zambia’s national development priorities.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable growth, technological advancement, and strengthened diplomatic ties.

It signals a renewed chapter in China-Zambia relations, built on history, mutual respect, and future-oriented collaboration.

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MEC declares Alfred Gangata as winner for Lilongwe Mtandire-Mtsiriza Parliamentary Seat

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced that Alfred Gangata won the parliamentary election for the Lilongwe Mtandire–Mtsiriza constituency.

In a media briefing on Thursday, MEC Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja said Gangata, who represented governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), secured 12,369 votes while his closest competitor, George Zulu, received 12,360 votes.

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The announcement follows a court ruling ordering MEC to release the results after George Zulu filed a complaint alleging several irregularities in the election, which had initially prompted MEC to withhold the results.

Gangata is DPP Central Region Vice President and Minister of State in President PeterMutharika’s administration.

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When will Mutharika reinstitute Parastatal boards amid fears of corruption breeding?

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As of November 20, 2025, most of Malawi’s parastatal boards remain vacant, more than six weeks after the government dissolved all previous boards.

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) announced the dissolution of all boards of parastatal organisations and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on October 7, 2025, with immediate effect.

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When contacted on the appointments delay, President Peter Mutharika’s Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi referred The Maravi Post to Chief Secretary arguing that, “The State House is the last slot to comment as it starts from Chief Secretary”.

Chief Secretary to Malawi government Justin Saidi acknowledged the delay.

Saidi however cited complications in the appointment process as the reason for the delay in filling the vacancies.

He therefore assured that the reconstitution of boards is underway, though no comprehensive list of new appointees has been released to date.

The absence of functioning boards has created a governance vacuum, raising concerns among experts about potential risks and the concentration of power in the hands of SOE executives.

During this period, all matters requiring the attention of boards are being directed to the OPC through the Department of Statutory Corporations.

The Department has also suspended all ongoing and planned recruitments and major procurements across all parastatals to prevent irregularities during the transitional period.

Since the dissolution, the only notable appointment announced has been that of Felix Tambulasi as Commissioner General of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

However, Tambulasi’s appointment is an executive position and does not address the vacancies at board level.

Governance experts warn that prolonged vacancies could hinder decision-making, delay critical projects, and increase administrative bottlenecks within state-owned enterprises.

Some observers have urged the government to expedite the appointment process to restore proper oversight and accountability in parastatals.

The government maintains that once the process is complete, new boards will be equipped to provide effective governance and ensure transparency in operations.

As the appointment process continues, stakeholders remain keenly monitoring developments to gauge how soon Malawi’s parastatals will regain functional leadership.

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Zambia’s Hichilema UPND cadres abduct, harass former justice Minister Lubinda

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Airtel Malawi

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Zambian governing United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres on Wednesday reportedly abducted former Justice Minister Given Lubinda, subjecting him to harassment before police officers intervened to rescue him.

UPND is a major political party in Zambia, currently in power, with Hakainde Hichilema as the current President of Zambia and the party leader.

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The incident escalated quickly as the group confronted Lubinda in what appeared to be a politically motivated attack.

Eyewitnesses say the cadres surrounded him, shouting threats and insults while attempting to force him into a vehicle against his will.

The situation grew tense as the harassment intensified, drawing the attention of bystanders who feared the confrontation might turn deadly.

According to witnesses, the cadres accused Lubinda of undermining the ruling party and vowed to “teach him a lesson,” signalling a troubling rise in political intolerance.

Police officers who were alerted to the incident arrived promptly at the scene and managed to disperse the attackers before safely extracting Lubinda from their hold.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed the rescue, noting that the cadres had acted unlawfully and would be pursued for criminal conduct.

In their statement, police condemned the attack and warned that political violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The rescue operation brought temporary relief, but it also sparked wider national concern about the growing pattern of political thuggery.

Several political commentators have criticized the incident, describing it as a dangerous reminder of how partisan violence threatens democratic stability.

Opposition figures have also condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices through intimidation.

Citizens across social media expressed outrage, urging authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.

Many observers have emphasized that political competition must never justify lawlessness, stressing the need for stronger protection of public figures.

Lubinda, though visibly shaken, was safely escorted to an undisclosed location where he is receiving support from colleagues and family members.

The incident has revived debate about Zambia’s political environment, with many calling for urgent reforms to curb cadre violence.

Analysts warn that the normalization of such attacks risks eroding public trust in law enforcement and institutional governance.

Others argue that unless perpetrators face real consequences, political violence will continue to grow and spread unchecked.

As investigations proceed, the public is demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful action from both the police and the political leadership.

The attack on Lubinda serves as a stark reminder that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where fear replaces dialogue.

It also underscores the urgent need for political leaders to denounce cadre behaviour and promote a culture of peaceful engagement.

Zambia now watches closely as authorities take the next steps, hoping this incident marks a turning point in the fight against politically motivated violence.

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Tigers beat Kamuzu Barracks in TNM Super League

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Mighty Tigers on Wednesday afternoon braved a heavily waterlogged Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe to claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kamuzu Barracks in a TNM Super League match marked by persistent rains.

Earlier in the day, the state of the pitch had raised concerns as officials were seen pushing away water from the drenched surface while match organisers installed commercial boards under rainfall.

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Players from both teams were forced to delay warm-ups and remained in the dressing rooms as the situation gradually stabilised.

Despite the soggy conditions, the match kicked off as scheduled, with Tigers showing early intent.

By the 2nd minute, they had already won their first corner, and moments later Bakali Osman fired a powerful free-kick over the bar from just outside the penalty area but Kamuzu Barracks survived those early scares.

The visitors responded with their own corner in the 12th minute as rains continued pouring, though they struggled to capitalise.

Tigers eventually found the breakthrough in the 16th minute when Greyson Msowoya connected beautifully to a delivery from Masambiro Kalua, sliding the ball past goalkeeper Hastings Banda to make it 1–0.

From then, the match became a battle of determination.

Zeliet Nkhoma was a constant threat for KB, pushing relentlessly for an equaliser but the Tigers’ defence remained composed.

A dramatic moment came in the 43rd minute when KB’s goalkeeper handled the ball outside the box, giving Tigers a free-kick, while bench player Peter Mughogho received a yellow card for confronting the assistant referee.

In the second half, Tigers nearly doubled the lead in the 48th minute when Msowoya set up substitute Precious Kwalenga but KB keeper Hastings Banda reacted brilliantly to deny the effort.

KB made several substitutions to bolster their attacking power, but Tigers continued to look dangerous on the break while defending with discipline.

Both teams endured more stoppages as the soaked pitch made play difficult.

Tigers earned multiple corners but failed to convert, while KB’s hopes remained pinned on lone marksman Zeliet Nkhoma, whose efforts were repeatedly kept at bay by goalkeeper Lucky Tizoola and a resolute Tigers backline.

As the clock ticked towards full-time, both sides continued making tactical changes.

Tigers’ coach Trevor Kajawo introduced fresh legs to preserve the narrow lead, while KB sought one last push for an equaliser. After three added minutes, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Tigers’ 1–0 triumph.

Speaking after the match, Tigers’ coach Trevor Kajawo expressed satisfaction, saying his players understood the importance of the fixture as they continue fighting to move away from the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Kamuzu Barracks’ coach Nicholas Mhango accepted defeat, saying one critical mistake cost them the match.

However, Mhango remained optimistic about their ambition to finish in the top eight.

Kamuzu Barracks remain 7th on the log with 35 points from 25 matches, while Mighty Tigers move to 26 points from the same number of games on position 12.

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Fashion Designer Jerry Lorenzo Finds Buyer for $10M Los Feliz Home

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Airtel Malawi

Fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo just locked it in … he’s officially found a buyer for his Los Feliz pad. The “Fear of God” streetwear designer picked up the place with his wife back in 2018 for a cool $8.5 million. The house was listed for…

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