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Shaping the Future of Journalism and Media Regulation in Africa

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  Panelists during one of the session at the summit, Photo: NIMCA Media regulators, practitioners, and policy experts from across Africa and beyond converged in Arusha for the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit , a three-day forum aimed at strengthening journalism through robust media and communication regulation. The Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), a continental body of independent press councils, hosted the summit under the theme ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa.’ The summit brought together media stakeholders and policy makers to rethink media regulatory frameworks that uphold ethics and to address challenges that are eroding media and journalism profession in the face of rapid digital transformation. Welcoming the gathering, Ernest Sungura , Executive Secretary for Tanzania Media Council and Chairperson of the independent media council’s body stressed the urgency of revisiting media regul...
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Empowering Youth to Drive Economic Transformation

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  AGRA VIce President Program Delivery, Professor Boga The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) hosted the 2025 National Youth Summit, under the theme “Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation towards Malawi 2063.” The summit brought together youth leaders, innovators, policymakers, and development partners to explore how young people can be better supported to contribute meaningfully to national development. Delivering the keynote address at the event, Professor Hamadi Boga , Vice President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution inAfrica (AGRA), called for a bold shift in mind-set to see young people not as leaders of tomorrow, but as key drivers of Malawi’s economic transformation today. “Young people are already at the forefront of change. From smallholder farmers using mobile payment systems, to youth-led cooperatives using digital platforms to access markets, the evidence is clear, innovation and youth entrepreneurship are not...
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Campaign Season Kicks Off in Malawi Ahead of Crucial 16 September Polls

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  The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) launched the official campaign period for the 2025 General Election on 14 July 2025 at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe under the theme Promoting Democratic Leadership Through Your Vote . This theme calls for everyone to take up responsibility to help advance the democracy of the nation through voting. The launch is a milestone in Malawi’s electoral calendar that has set the stage for a closely watched democratic process in the country’s political history following months of voter registration, primary elections, and collection of nomination papers. What we haven’t seen yet, are alliances to increase the winning opportunities following the 50+1 rule which seems a difficult feat for a single party to navigate. With the launch of the campaign period, parties are now expected to roll out manifestos, engage in debates, and outline their vision for Malawi’s future. A Call for Peaceful, Inclusive, and Transparent Campaignin...
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First Lady Monica Chakwera Unveiled as Malawi’s Child Online Protection Ambassador

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  First Lady Monica Chakwera was unveiled as Ambassador at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre In a significant move towards ensuring the safety of Malawi's youth in the digital realm, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has officially unveiled Her Excellency Madam Monica Chakwera as the nation's Child Online Protection (COP) Ambassador. The announcement was made during a fundraising dinner at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, dedicated to supporting the Shaping Our Future Foundation, a charity founded by Madam Chakwera that focuses on the holistic development and education of village girls and street children. Mrs. Bridget Chibwana, Chairperson of MACRA board, highlighted Madam Chakwera's unparalleled commitment to the well-being and future of Malawi's youth as the primary reason for her appointment. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chibwana said, "As the First Lady of Malawi, you embody compassion, dedication, and advocacy, qualities that are indispensable in ch...
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Unprecedented Challenge: Malawi Faces Critical Setback with Loss of Passport Data

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  In a shocking turn of events, Malawi has been hit by a significant setback as the country has lost passport data. The incident, which is reported to have occurred due to unforeseen technical glitches and system failures, has raised concerns about the potential impact on national security, immigration, and individual citizens. President Chakwera informed the nation that the passport system was hacked. The loss of passport data is a critical issue that could have widespread repercussions, affecting not only the daily lives of Malawian citizens but also the nation's ability to manage its borders effectively. Passport data is a fundamental component of modern governance, facilitating travel, immigration control, and national security measures. Its sudden disappearance poses challenges that the government will undoubtedly need to address urgently. One of the immediate concerns is the potential for an increase in fraudulent activities, as the absence of reliable passport data makes it ...
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International Day for Universal Access to Information: The importance of Online Space for Access to Information

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  The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is celebrated annually on 28 th   September. A day established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right and to promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. This year we spotlight on the theme: "the Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information." In an increasingly interconnected world, the internet has become a pivotal tool in ensuring that information is universally accessible, enabling individuals to exercise their right to know, learn, and participate in the digital age. The internet has revolutionized the way information is access and shared. As a digital rights campaigner, I am bound to raise awareness highlighting the importance of the online space for access to information. The online space has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing access to information to those who were previou...
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EARLY MATURING CROPS KEY TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY

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  80 years, but still strong carrying out farming activities to feed his family, Mr Kaipanzeru Kanthole vividly remembers that even though households that consider cassava as their staple food were encouraged by extension workers to intercrop with maize for diversity, they were reluctant to do so. As a result, most farming families in Chiboko village have struggled to be food secure for years due to late maturing Cassava varieties commonly grown. “I have relied on Cassava to feed my family for many years, our generation has been christened that Cassava is our main food,” he says. Kanthole is a chief of Chiboko Village, Traditional Authority Mphonde in Nkhotakota District. He is one of the many farmers in the district who have learned about the improved crop varieties by doing demonstrations. He received a small pack of 600grams of MH36 (Manthu) an improved maize variety that is being multiplied and distributed by Multi Seeds Company Limited (MUSECO) through a network of agro-de...
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