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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Arthur Peter Mutharika has joined global leaders in commemorating World Children’s Day, marking the occasion with a message of hope, commitment, and responsibility toward the nation’s youngest citizens.
He said that as Malawi celebrates the profound gift of its children, it proudly aligns itself with this year’s global theme, “My Day, My Rights.”
The President emphasised that every child in the country deserves recognition, protection, and opportunities, stating that their voices are heard, their dreams cherished, and their rights remain non-negotiable.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to building an environment where every child is safe, educated, healthy, and empowered to reach their full potential.
President Mutharika stressed that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of its young people, and therefore it is the collective duty of parents, leaders, and communities to shape a society that respects and upholds the inherent rights of children.
He further urged Malawians to work together to ensure that every day becomes a day that affirms the dignity, rights, and aspirations of children across the country.
The President concluded his message by wishing all children a joyful World Children’s Day, reminding them that they remain at the heart of national progress and development.
His statement was posted on his official Facebook page as part of the global celebration.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-On November 7, 2025, Old Mutual Pension Services Company hosted its inaugural Pension Trustees Conference at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.
The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from across Malawi’s pension industry.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Pensions: Resilience, Sustainability, and Innovation,” the conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue on the evolving pension landscape.
The conference attracted key industry figures, including Emily Makuta, a respected legal practitioner and governance professional, Kaluso Chihana, Director of Pension and Insurance Supervision at the Reserve Bank of Malawi; Dr. Wisely Phiri, Founder and CEO of Sparc Systems Limited; Pempho Likongwe, Managing Partner at Likongwe and Company; Mphatso Kasalika, Managing Director of Old Mutual Investment Group; Busani Ngwenya, a seasoned insurance executive and John C. Maxwell Certified Coach.
Setting the tone was Emily Makuta who zeroed in on the importance of pension being the backbone of financial security.
According to Makuta Pension must withstand shocks and remain reliable.
She said, “There is a need for Pension administrators to diversify investments, strengthening governance and risk management strategies”.
In his presentation, “Landscaping for Future Reforms,” Kaluso Chihana emphasised the need for proactive regulatory alignment to strengthen fund performance and sustainability.
He traced the sector’s journey from the 2010 reforms focused on operationalisation and supervision to the current stage of enhancing functionality, voluntary schemes, and economic impact.
Chihana highlighted five reform pillars: efficiency, sustainability, coverage, security, and adequacy.
Drawing on National Statistical Office data, he noted that of Malawi’s 950,000 elderly citizens, only 60,000 are pensioners, and of 960,000 salaried employees, just 645,000 belong to pension schemes against an active population of 6.6 million.
“These figures,” he said, “reveal the gap and the amount of work that still needs to be done.”
He added that the new Pensions Law was designed to be more inclusive, acknowledging that Malawi lacks a broad-based social security system.
“Currently, only about 4% of Malawians are covered by the National Pension Scheme,” he said.
Offering a technological perspective, Dr. Wisely Phiri discussed trends and innovations in pension fund governance, stressing the role of technology and data-driven systems in improving administration and oversight.
He identified five global trends shaping modern governance: going beyond compliance, integrating ESG principles, member-centric models, professionalism, and digital innovation.
“True innovation,” he noted, “is not about systems or code; it’s about people and ensuring that every kwacha contributed in faith is managed with integrity and returned with fairness.”
From an investment standpoint, Mphatso Kasalika’s presentation on “Sustainable and Impactful Investing” underlined the need to align financial returns with positive environmental and social outcomes.
He showcased Old Mutual’s responsible investment strategy, integrating ESG factors into financial analysis to achieve sustainable long-term returns through investments in housing, roads, communication infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture.
Addressing risk and resilience, Busani Ngwenya shared lessons from Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation era, urging trustees to prepare funds for shocks and volatility through risk monitoring, diversified portfolios, liquidity reserves, sound governance, and effective member communication.
Echoing the same, Counsel Pempho Likongwe underscored the importance of succession planning and governance frameworks within pension structures.
The conference therefore highlighted that strong governance, innovation, sustainable investing, and collaboration are central to securing the future of pensions in Malawi.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Stock Exchange listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has challenged youth innovators to take the lead in driving digital transformation in the country.
The call was made by NBM plc Head of Corporate Banking Division, William Chatsala at the launch of the 2025 ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) Annual Conference in Mangochi on Tuesday evening.
Ahead of the launch, NBM plc invested K75.5 million to support the 2025 Innovation Jam and ICTAM Annual General Meeting (AGM), celebrating the innovation and resilience driving Malawi’s digital future.
Chatsala said the Bank’s contribution reflects its belief in ICTAM’s mission to advance digital innovation and promote emerging technologies.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the NBM plc’s strategy to deepen financial inclusion, expand digital payment solutions, and strengthen innovations that meet global standards.
“Malawi is part of that global movement, and our greatest opportunity lies in empowering local innovators to create local solutions for local challenges. ICTAM continues to nurture this ecosystem, and that is why National Bank stands firmly behind this organisation,” said Chatsala.
Chatsala added that the Bank joined the initiative to ensure promising ideas grow beyond concept stage.
“Our goal was clear: ensure promising ideas do not stop at concept stage, but move toward prototypes, commercialisation, and real impact. Today, we see that vision taking shape. Alumni are developing fintech tools, enterprise systems, e-commerce platforms, and community solutions that are already changing how Malawians live and work,” said Chatsala.
He further emphasised NBM plc’s commitment to strengthening support for the digital sector and urged Malawians to invest in empowering young innovators and building an inclusive nation.
In her speech, guest of honour at the event, the country’s Vice President Jane Ansah encouraged ICT professionals to uphold high standards of professionalism and ethics in shaping the country’s digital future.
ICTAM President Clarence Gama reiterated the association’s dedication to fostering innovation and ensuring that both rural and urban communities benefit from technological advancement.
Gama further commended companies like NBM plc for supporting innovation drives in the country.
This year’s ICTAM conference is being held under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: Advancing Malawi’s Digital Future’.
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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.
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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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.
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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