Category Archives: Business

The Maravi Post is a leading source for reliable Business news and analysis on Business. Top African Business like  Dangote  Group in Nigeria, Mulli Brothers in Malawi

The 10 Greatest Living Business Leaders In Africa Today
  • Sheikh Mohammed Al-Amoudi, Ethiopian.
  • Raymond Ackerman, South African.
  • Aliko Dangote, Nigerian.
  • Manu Chandaria, Kenyan.
  • Onsi Sawiris, Egyptian.
  • Brian Joffe, South African.
  • Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwean.
  • Wale Tinubu, Nigerian.

Parley vows to safeguard mining sector

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change has committed to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector with the aim of boosting mining activities in the country.

This follows the committee’s engagement with Perekezi ASM Consultants on issues of transparency, accountability, and corruption risk assessment in the mining sector.

In an interview with Maravipost on Thursday, Chairperson for the committee, Welani Chilenga, , said that the amended Mines and Minerals Act of 2020 is yet to be fully implemented due to ongoing development of regulations, which has also impacted mining processes.

Chilenga urged consultants to continue engaging with parliament as the committee is committed to provide oversight on licensing and contracts in the mining sector to prevent corruption.

In his remarks, Chikomeni Manda, Managing Partner of Perekezi ASM Consultants, commented that the corruption risk assessment in the mining sector has identified potential corruption risks related to licensing and contracts.

Manda said the process aims at combat transnational corruption enhance transparency, accountability and empower citizens within the mining sector

He however expressed optimism that proper coordination and engagement among stakeholders, including parliamentarians and civil society, can help address corruption cases affecting licensing and contracts in the mining sector.

“The assessment is inline with global observations that recognize corruption in mining approval processesas a wide spread issue regardless of a county’s economic status or political content,”, said perekezi

Bühler opens application center for local grains in Nigeria together with Flour Mills of Nigeria 

Addressing food security in Nigeria and beyond

KANO, Nigeria, July 11, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Bühler, in collaboration with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, has opened a grains application center in Nigeria dedicated to processing local and ancient grains. This sustainable and transformative commitment was made based on the need to address food insecurity, not just in Nigeria, but progressively across the African continent. Today around 2.3 billion people in the world live in food insecure conditions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. With their specific advantages, local grains such as sorghum and millet can play a vital role in improving food security, particularly in Africa. Use of these raw materials is at a low level today, and processing is not developed. To address this challenge, Bühler is opening a dedicated Application & Training Center with research and development capabilities in Kano, Nigeria, together with its founding partner, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), and its collaborating partners, such as Olam Agri.

The main goal is to bring industrial processing of these grains to the next level and thereby contribute to affordable nutrition. “Sustainable food value chains utilizing local grains are the number one priority to develop Africa,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food segment.

“In addition to improving the food value chain, we see great business opportunities with a new category of processed food,” says John Coumantaros, Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria. Commenting on the foreseeable impact of the Application & Training Center, Coumantaros stated: “FMN has always been at the forefront of driving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria and progressively across the continent. The application center is well positioned to sustainably develop local grains, create business opportunities, and provide viable alternatives to some imported raw materials used in production. Therefore, this partnership further demonstrates our consistency in developing local content and in our commitment to feeding and enriching lives, every day.”

Local grains and crops offer many benefits and are therefore a key tool in improving food security. They have high nutrient density with valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, are climate tolerant and able to withstand high temperatures and arid conditions, and require less fertilizer and pesticide than other grains. “With these characteristics local grains are ideal plants to be cultivated in Africa, specifically under the conditions of accelerating climate change,” says Ali Hmayed, Head of Bühler’s new Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC) in Kano. The main reasons these local grains and crops have not yet been integrated into industrial solutions are complex, ranging from low farming volumes and short shelf life to a lack of process knowledge and equipment. Together with its partners, Bühler is now taking a major step to break through this blockage and is open to further collaborations.

The GPIC is a three-floor building spanning an area of 480 square meters, housing pilot-scale production facilities, research and development labs, and classrooms. The production facility includes all steps of processing, from cleaning and sorting to dehulling, tempering, and milling. The heart of the plant is Bühler`s high-compression AlPesa grinding system. The GPIC will empower customers, researchers, and partners to collaboratively explore cost efficient food processing solutions for local grains such as sorghum, millet, maize, soybeans, and other local crops such as cassava, different types of beans, nuts, and seeds.

In close collaboration with the Bühler African Milling School in Nairobi, Kenya, the GPIC also offers training and education courses on local grains and their advantages and requirements in cultivation and processing. Additionally, this new Application & Training Center will enable Bühler to optimize its processing portfolio for local grains in terms of both performance and cost efficiency. The GPIC is embedded in Bühler’s global network of 25 Application & Training Centers. The first series of trials with customers has already been agreed upon.

Strengthening food security and economy

One key reason for the challenging food situations in Africa is that many regions of the continent are strong importers of grains, mainly wheat and rice. This makes them vulnerable to trade disruptions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. “Local grains offer many opportunities, not only to increase food security but also to generate new jobs in agriculture and adjacent markets, as well as enabling countries to become more independent from imports,” states Ali Hmayed.

The transformation of the food supply chain in Africa will not happen overnight. “This requires concerted efforts across numerous sectors, including agriculture, processing, recipe development, end-product innovation, and consumer engagement,” says John Coumantaros from FMN.

“Together with our partners, we at Bühler are happy to now contribute to this system change with the aim of ensuring that more people in Africa have access to affordable and healthy food, thereby reducing hunger and malnutrition,” says Bühler’s Johannes Wick.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Bühler.

Images to download

To address food security challenges, Bühler is opening a dedicated Application & Training Center with research and development capabilities in Kano, Nigeria.

The main goal of the Grain Processing Innovation Center is to bring industrial processing of local grains and crops to the next level and thereby contribute to affordable nutrition.

The GPIC will empower customers, researchers, and partners to collaboratively explore cost efficient food processing solutions for local grains such as sorghum, millet, maize, soybeans, and other local crops such as cassava, different types of beans, nuts, and seeds.

The production facility includes all steps of processing, from cleaning and sorting to dehulling, tempering, and milling.

The GPIC is a three-floor building spanning an area of 480 square meters, housing pilot-scale production facilities, research and development labs, and classrooms.

Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food segment.

Ali Hmayed, Head of Bühler’s new Grain Processing Innovation Center

John Coumantaros, Chairman of the Board of Flour Mills of Nigeria

Additional content

Factsheet: Grain Processing Innovation Center

Article: Enough to feed the world

Article: The next head miller starts here

Infographic: The promise of traditional crops…

Media contacts:

Burkhard Böndel, Head of Corporate Communications 

Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland

Phone: +41 71 955 33 99

Mobile: +41 79 515 91 57 

E-mail: burkhard.boendel@buhlergroup.com 

Ekaette Umoren, Marketing Executive

Bühler Nigeria, 2 Rev. Ogunbiyi Crescent, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria

Mobile: +234 9169978776

E-mail: ekaette.umoren@buhlergroup.com

Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager 

Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland 

Phone: +41 71 955 37 57 

Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88 

E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com 

Modupe Thani, Head of Corporate Communications

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.

Email: mthani@fmnplc.com

About Bühler 

Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business. 

As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline). 

Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, some 12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 164 years, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 25 locations.

www.buhlergroup.com

About Flour Mills of Nigeria

Incorporated in September 1960 and quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1978, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc, owners of the iconic Golden Penny Food brand, is one of Nigeria’s leading food and agro-allied companies. With a broad basket of food products and robust pan-Nigerian production, distribution, and supply chain network, FMN is a fully integrated and diversified food and agro-allied group. 

FMN group strives in its purpose to “Feed the Nation, Everyday” through its five core food value chains: Grains, Sweeteners, Oils and Fats, Proteins, and Starches. FMN creates value along the entire food chain with its “farm-to-table” model by providing inputs and know-how to farmers, aggregating and sourcing crops and raw materials to supply its world-class processing facilities across Nigeria, and distributing its innovative food brands to its customers. 

More information can be found at https://www.fmnplc.com/

The post Bühler opens application center for local grains in Nigeria together with Flour Mills of Nigeria  appeared first on African Media Agency.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Aleph Hospitality ventures into Nairobi’s restaurant scene

The hospitality group takes over the management of its first stand-alone restaurant and entertainment venue in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a management contract with the owners of the Alloy Bar & Lounge in Nairobi, Kenya.

Opened early 2024, the restaurant and entertainment venue is located at Sarit Centre in Westlands, Nairobi. The 2,700 square metre outlet which can host up to 1,000 guests, houses a restaurant, VIP area for private dining, night club with live music and entertainment, as well as cigar, whiskey, and wine lounges. In addition, the outlet contains an extensive laser tag zone and a virtual gaming area (Hologate), the first of its kind in Kenya.

With almost a decade’s experience in managing hotel bars, restaurants and lounges throughout Africa and the Middle East, Aleph Hospitality’s venture in a standalone food & beverage venue is a testament to the expertise the company has built in that area and a natural diversification of its business. 

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality says: “This is an exciting step for Aleph Hospitality. We currently manage 27 restaurants and 14 bars across our portfolio and continue to build on the strength of our Food and Beverage division. Alloy Bar and Lounge represents a thrilling new chapter in our growth as a rounded hospitality management company and an exciting addition to the vibrant Nairobi entertainment scene.”  

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Aleph Hospitality.

About Aleph Hospitality 

Born and based in Dubai, Aleph Hospitality is the leading independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa. Trusted by the world’s leading brands, Aleph Hospitality manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independent hotels. Tailored-to-fit management solutions allow owners better control of their assets, clearer operational visibility and more contractual flexibility. Aleph Hospitality manages all aspects of hotel operations at any stage of development – from site and brand selection to technical assistance, pre-opening and day-to-day operations. Aleph Hospitality has earmarked a pipeline of 50 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2027. To find out more, visit alephhospitality.com.

CONTACT: 

Anne Bleeker, Managing Partner, In2 Consulting 

anne@in2consulting.com / +971 56 603 0886

The post Aleph Hospitality ventures into Nairobi’s restaurant scene appeared first on African Media Agency.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Phyzix Mzuzu concert ticket sales on TNM Mpamba

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Fans of Phyzix’s Mountain Goat Concert starting on Saturday in Mzuzu will gain exclusive access to the show via TNM Mpamba e-ticketing, the organisers have announced.

TNM Plc Group Head of Brand and Marketing Madalitso Jonazi said TNM Mpamba’s e-ticketing is the way to go when it comes to entertainment events and will be handy during the Mzuzu show.

“Mpamba’s e-ticketing is designed to handle any event from football to entertainment. Using the Khadi Mbambande, TNM Mpamba is leading the way in e-ticketing for concerts, ” said.

Jonazi said to buy tickets for the Mountain Goat Concert, Mpamba customers can use the TNM SmartApp, select eTicketing or dial USSD short code *444#, select 6, Eticketing then 2, Concerts & Music Festivals to buy.

“The use of mobile money for ticketing makes transactions easy. Fans can buy tickets anytime, anywhere, directly from their phones. This means no more long lines or last-minute stress, giving fans a smooth experience,” he said.

TNM Mpamba praised the partnership with Phyzix, whose real name is Noel Chikoleka, saying it will improve the concert experience. “E-ticketing fits with the trend of moving towards digital and contactless payments, offering a safer option than traditional tickets. By using Mpamba e-ticketing, we aim to make the concert experience better for everyone,” Jonazi added.

Phyzix also expressed his excitement about the partnership, announced two months ago. “It’s an honor to have the support of a big company like TNM. This will help make the concert amazing. By promoting e-ticketing for concerts, Mpamba is setting a trend for future events and encouraging the use of digital solutions in the entertainment industry,” he quipped.

Standard Bank pumps MK15m into girls science at MUST

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc has invested MK15 million in the Girls Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Camp at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), underscoring its commitment to support young women in science education while advancing gender equality.

The donation from Standard Bank will directly support the camp’s initiatives, including technology workshops, art workshops, and sponsoring of the underprivileged girls to attend the camp.

The MUST STEAM Girls Camp aims to inspire and empower girls to explore and pursue careers in STEAM.

Standard Bank’s Client Coverage Manager, Pempho Chalamanda said that the donation reiterates the bank’s core purpose of driving Malawi’s growth.

“Standard Bank believes in the transformative power of STEAM education and inclusivity. By investing in the Girls STEAM Camp at MUST, we are investing in a future of innovation and leadership with more female representation,” said Chalamanda.

Through partnership with MUST, Standard Bank aims to make a lasting impact in the lives of girls and inspire female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

“This donation is a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

“We hope this contribution will help create pathways for young women to pursue successful careers in STEAM fields,” she said.

Standard Bank has commended MUST for coming up with the STEAM Camp for girls saying that the intervention contributes significantly to encouraging girls to feel confident and motivated to participate in these disciplines.

Chairperson of the MUST STREAM Girls Camp Dr. Marion Chirwa Kajombo has commended Standard Bank for the support saying it will create great possibilities for girls at the institution.

“We appreciate the support from Standard Bank. It has enabled us to reach out to needy students lacking motivation and inspiration to realize their dreams. Some do not have any hope but through the camp, their lives will change because the intervention will open opportunities for girls to be exposed to several career pathways through interaction with role models,” said Kajombo.

Standard Bank earlier this year donated MK20 million to MUST as its annual contribution towards the university’s endowment fund that offers scholarships to underprivileged students.

The Bank continues to support education initiatives that improve the access and quality of education for the youth of the nation.

The MUST STEAM Girls Camp will started on July 1 and it will end on July 12 at the institution’s campus in Thyolo.

World Bank appoints Firas Raad as new Country Manager for Malawi

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The World Bank Group has named Firas Raad, a seasoned Jordanian national, as the new Country Manager for Malawi, effective July 9, 2024.

Raad, who brings 27 years of experience to the role, succeeds Nathan Belete, who previously oversaw operations in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

According to a statement from the World Bank, Raad will be based in Lilongwe and will be responsible for managing the institution’s portfolio in Malawi, which comprises 30 projects funded by the International Development Association (IDA) with a total value of over US$3.39 billion.

Raad’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the World Bank’s efforts to support Malawi’s development agenda.

His extensive experience in international development, particularly in the health sector, will be invaluable in addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

Prior to his appointment, Raad served as the World Bank Country Director in Malaysia, South Sudan, and Kuwait.

He holds a doctorate and master’s degree in international health policy and economics from the prestigious Harvard School of Public Health, among other qualifications.

As Country Manager, Raad will work closely with the Government of Malawi, development partners, and stakeholders to identify and address key development priorities.

His expertise in health policy and economics will be particularly relevant in supporting Malawi’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and improve health outcomes.

Raad’s appointment is a testament to the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development journey.

His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in shaping the institution’s support to the country, fostering inclusive growth, and reducing poverty.

The appointment of Firas Raad as World Bank Country Manager for Malawi marks a new chapter in the institution’s engagement with the country.

His extensive experience and expertise make him well-suited to lead the World Bank’s efforts in supporting Malawi’s development aspirations.

From Editing to Encryption: Comprehensive PDF Tool Solutions

The ubiquitous PDF format reigns supreme in the digital world. PDFs offer a reliable way to share documents, preserve formatting across devices, and ensure consistent presentation. However, working with PDFs can sometimes feel restrictive. Editing text, adding annotations, or converting them to editable formats might seem like a hassle. This is where comprehensive PDF tool solutions come in.

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This article delves into the key PDF tool solutions offered by Lumin, categorized by their core function: editing, converting, enhancing security, managing forms, and optimizing files. We’ll explore how these tools can revolutionize how you handle PDFs, empowering you to edit with ease, convert seamlessly, secure sensitive information, manage interactive forms, and optimize file sizes.

H2: Editing PDF Documents

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CAMA wants Govt to probe on cooking oil price hike

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) called upon the ministry of trade to investigate the cooking oil price increase.

CAMA Executive Director John Kapito told The Maravi Post in an interview on Tuesday, July 8, 2024 that the trade ministry needs to investigate and inform consumers on cooking price increase despite many strategies government had announced last year.

Kapito said government announced the opening up to many traders specifically supporting local traders to go into production of cooking oil.

“We believe that opening up of local traders last year would control unnecessary and unexplainable price increases on cooking oil,” said Kapito.

He adds that Increases of cooking oil are coming at a time when consumers are increasingly facing economic challenges and the consumer body is monitoring the market to understand the reasons behind these unfortunate increases both traders and government .

He further said government must understand that consumers are now tired with these never ending unexplained price increases which do not correspond with their incomes.

In his remarks competition and Fair Trade Commission ( CFTC)Public Relations Officer , Innocent Helema said they have observed that cooking oil scarcity on the market have taken sellers advantage to raise prices somehow.

Helema said CFTC will conduct price monitoring exercise from next week across the country to ascertain such allegations of price increases for basic goods and services including cooking oil.

“We will take to task anyone found to be violating the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA)as excessive pricing is one such violation provided for in the CFTA 2024 which can attract such penalties.”said Helema.

He however said Traders must be aware that the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA) of 2024, which entered into force on 1st July, 2024, provides for stiffer penalties which can be up to 10 percent of annual turnover .

Meanwhile several shops have hiked 2 litre bottle of cooking oil from MK7500 to MK10, 000.

Open Startup Announces Call for Applications for $50,000 Pre-seed Accelerator Program

RABAT, Morocco, 05 July 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Open Startup (OST) continues its commitment to growing the African startup ecosystem with a call for applications for the OST Program. Developed in collaboration with Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School in New York, the program aims to support early-stage startups and promising talents from Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco

The OST Program is designed to assist 30 selected startups (10 from each country) in advancing from a proof of concept stage to a minimum viable product (MVP) over an intensive 18-week hybrid program.

The program will run from September 2024 to January 2025, with a total of zero-equity $50,000 funding distributed among finalists to boost their growth, with no equity taken. In addition to the funding, the program will offer customized training and mentoring delivered by experts and supported by MBA students from Columbia Business School, access to an extensive international network, and trips to New York, Tunisia, and Morocco, designed to provide participants with international exposure and networking opportunities.

Early-stage startups with proof of concept and individuals with soft and technical skills are invited to apply on the linked websites. Applications will close on July 21, 2024. For more details about the program and to access additional information, please click this link.

“The OST Program connected us with experts, speeding up our market understanding and product fit. The mentorship offered and the global networking accelerated our growth and opened doors to international collaboration,” says alumni Riadh Hamama, CEO & Founder of LoxBox Services.

The OST Program continues OST’s drive to accelerate Africa’s tech innovators. It follows our MOU with French public investment bank BPI France aimed at bridging African innovation with the French tech ecosystem and our successful 2024 Global Immersion Week (GIW) held in Morocco in May where OST signed MOUs with key Moroccan entities, including Technopark Maroc and UM6P – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

Through the OST Program, GIW and the MOU, OST outlines its commitment to offering a range of inclusive programs that accelerate entrepreneurial development and accelerate the growth of African startups and ecosystems.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Open Startup (OST) .

About Open Startup:
Open Startup (OST) is a non-governmental organization that promotes entrepreneurship, education, and cross-cultural exchanges. By connecting ecosystems across Africa and beyond, OST builds communities that foster innovation and capacity building.

For further information, please contact:
Naouress Ben Jeddou
Email: naouress.benjeddou@open-startup.org & hello@open-startup.org

The post Open Startup Announces Call for Applications for $50,000 Pre-seed Accelerator Program appeared first on African Media Agency.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

FDH Bank plc donates 100 metric tonnes of maize to NFRA

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Stock Exchange listed FDH Bank has donated 100 metric tonnes of maize worth K95.5 million to National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to ensure food security in the country.

FDH Bank plc Head of Marketing and Communications Levi Nkunika and NRFA Chief Executive Officer George Macheka represented their respective organisations during the handover ceremony in Lilongwe on Thursday.

According to Nkunika, the gesture was a response to the call by President Lazarus Chakwera in March this year, who declared a state of disaster in 23 out of the country’s 28 districts affected by El Nino weather that caused droughts and floods.

“FDH Bank plc has procured 100 metric tonnes equivalent to 2,000 bags of maize of 50kg each valued at K95,500, 000 which has been delivered to NFRA. This maize is expected to support 2,000 families across the country.”

“At FDH Bank plc, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our fellow Malawians. Partnering with NFRA to safeguard food security at the household level is not just a corporate social responsibility; it is part of doing business as we believe in being closer to the community, especially in times of need. We are always ready to play our part in supporting our communities in difficult times,” said Nkunika.

Nkunika added that the Bank entrusted NFRA, as an institution mandated to procure, store, and release maize on humanitarian grounds, to ensure proper storage of the maize and coordinate with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) on distribution to Malawians in need.

In his remarks, Macheka expressed gratitude to FDH Bank plc for leading to address national emergencies.

“We are immensely grateful to FDH Bank plc for their support. This partnership is a testament to the strength and unity of Malawians. We hope other institutions will emulate the good example set by FDH Bank. Together we can ensure that no Malawian dies of hunger,” said Macheka.

The preliminary assessment in the Presidential Declaration indicated that close to two million farming households are affected.