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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-NBS Bank has said it is committed to supporting the primary school feeding program because it believes the program can accelerate primary school education in the country.
NBS Bank Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Tamanda Ng’ombe said in a statement that the Bank committed MK20 million towards Mary’s Meals’ school feeding program for four years because, among other things, the program will help to keep children in school.
“The dropout rate and absenteeism of school pupils reduce significantly whilst the pass rate rises when a meal is provided because it increases their concentration in the classroom,” said Ng’ombe.
Speaking recently during the commemoration of World Porridge Day in Blantyre, Mary Meals, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communications Mona Lisa Bandawe said the organization recognizes the magic in a cup of porridge, especially to children.
“That cup of porridge changes the children’s lives, especially in rural areas and those in urban areas but are hungry every day. When they have that cup of porridge it makes them active in class, and also gives them the energy to do their work,”
“Mary Meals Malawi is currently feeding over one million children, but with other partners, we are reaching up to 40 percent of school-going children which means 60 percent of children in Malawi still need to be reached with food at school,” said Bandawe.
In his remarks, Blantyre City South Constituency member of parliament Noel Lipipa asked those interested in funding school feeding programs to join hands with Mary Meals.
“We don’t need to have many school feeding programs, Mary Meals has demonstrated to us as Malawians that they can effectively handle this program,” said Lipipa.
Standard Eight learner at the school, Astice Banda, thanked Mary Meals for the feeding program.
“This cup of porridge has helped so many learners that used to abscond classes because they were hungry,” she said.
World Porridge Day was established by Mary Meals in 2009 and is celebrated annually on October 10.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance has economically fallen as the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has adjusted the exchange rate, Malawi Kwacha from a selling rate of MK1,180.29 to MK1,700 to the US dollar effective November 9, 2023.
In a statement signed by Central Bank Governor Wilson Banda, the Central Bank says the 44 percent devaluation is due to, among other issues, supply-demand imbalances and a mismatch in the exchange rate in the cash and TT markets.
“The Reserve Bank of Malawi (the Bank) wishes to inform Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) that the exchange rate has been adjusted from the selling rate of MK1180.29 to a selling rate of MK1700.00 to the US Dollar with effect from November 9, 2023.
The adjustment stems from an assessment conducted by the Bank that showed the following; Supply-demand imbalances remain in the market despite adjustments to the exchange rate through the auction system, arbitrage opportunities have resurfaced in the market due to the mismatch in exchange rates in the cash and TT markets, spot checks on some market players indicate that the market can clear import bills at this rate,” reads RBM statement in part.
The central bank adds, “The Reserve Bank of Malawi will closely monitor developments in the market to avoid disorderly behavior among market players that may cause excessive volatility”.
Malawians therefore must brace for further economic hardship as goods and services increase.
Malawi Kwacha devaluation comes barely days ahead of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team visit slated November 15, 2023.
The IMF team visit aims to give a clear signal on the suspended Extended Credit Facility (EFC) for unlocking donor support to Malawi.
Since assuming leadership in 2020, Chakwera has failed to contain the economic crisis that Malawi Kwacha has not been stable, high inflation, high cost of living, scarcity of fuel, forex, and essential medical suppliers.
Despite economic challenges affecting the country, Chakwera continues with global trotting while draining hard-earned taxes without remorse.
Reverend Chakwera has made 43 foreign trips with countless local trips in three years.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The leading Financial Services provider Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited has been recognized with an award by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) as the best company offering Financial Education in Malawi.
The award received by the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer Edith Jiya was presented on the opening of RBM’s Savings Awareness Week which began on 6 November 2023 in Lilongwe.
Speaking in an interview, Jiya said, “I am thrilled to have accepted this recognition as the Best company offering Financial Education on behalf of Old Mutual.
“There are many players in financial education and inclusion but our efforts and contribution have been noticed”.
As Old Mutual, helping our customers thrive is at the core of our purpose, and this recognition fuels our commitment to provide relevant Financial Education to Malawians which we offer for free.
Furthermore, our free Financial Education is delivered in supporting the priority areas set by the Reserve Bank of Malawi Financial Literacy initiatives”.
Jiya further said Old Mutual invests in Financial Education as it aligns with its responsible business philosophy which is informed by understanding people’s expectations of the business.
“As a leading financial service provider, people expect the business to provide financial solutions relevant to their needs. The provision of free financial education is one way in which Old Mutual unpacks personal financial management concepts.
“This enables attendees to effectively understand products on the market and patronize those that suit their needs
Currently, Old Mutual offers Financial Education through several platforms including face-to-face sessions, Electronic media (Radio and television), print media, digital, and recently, through its On The Money Podcast available on Spotify, Google podcast, Podcast index, Deezer, and also Old Mutual (Malawi) Website
Zambian Vice President Mutale-Nalumango (l)and Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma (r), African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, during the opening ceremony of the African Day for Food and Nutrition Security
ABIDJAN, Côte d’ivoire, 08 November 2023 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN), a platform for high-level political engagement to advance nutrition in Africa, has joined two crucial forums for advancing policy dialogue on agriculture and nutrition in Africa.
ALN representatives attended the commemoration the 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP).
These platforms are crucial forums for advancing policy dialogue on agriculture and nutrition in Africa. The African Union Commission and its economic development agency AUDA-NEPAD jointly convened the 19th CAADP event to emphasize the interconnectedness of agriculture, nutrition, and trade,
Hosted by the government of Zambia from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November 2023 in Lusaka Zambia, the two events were held under the theme: “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement in the context of CAADP Commitments for Safer and Healthier Diets”. This builds on the African Union’s 2023 Year Theme – “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”.
In her keynote remarks during the opening, Zambian Vice-President Mutale Nalumango called for urgent action to address hunger and malnutrition in Africa to help advance the continent’s socio-economic transformation.
“Human Capital investment starts with good nutrition,” Vice President Nalumango said.
The AU’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Josepha SACKO, highlighted the prevalence of hunger on the continent, saying around 280 million people, or one out of five people, face hunger on the continent.
She advocated for a non-conventional approach to address inefficiencies in the food system to provide access to nutritious and safe food for all. Noting that food businesses account for 75% of inter-Africa trade, she said adopting a single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area will boost trade, alleviate poverty, and improve nutritious food supplies.
Further reiterating the nexus between trade and nutrition, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, said: “The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement is a game-changer
for the continent, offering the opportunity to promote economic growth, boost intra-African trade, and improve food security and nutrition.”
Similar sentiments were shared by the African Union Special Envoy on Food Systems, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki. He advocated for farmers producing about 80% of the food in Africa to be at the centre of an ‘agriculture revolution’ to reduce the continent’s current food import bill of about 60 billion dollars annually.
He stressed: “We need to re-think our approach to long-term planning. To plan for the long-term, we need to plan in the short-term; that is why the short-term goal of regional integration is crucial – many of our long-term goals depend highly on that”.
African Leaders for Nutrition co-hosted one of the sub-themes on financing agri-food and nutrition on the 1st of November to explore the role of the private sector in financing and advancing agri-food and nutrition initiatives in Africa. This aligns with the African Development Bank’s drive to make private sector development one of its key priorities for reducing poverty and supporting sustainable growth on the continent through improved investment.
In his opening remarks at the side event, African Leaders for Nutrition Coordinator George Ouma said, “We need a paradigm shift that opens space and opportunities for actors within the food and nutrition security ecosystem. We need the private sector to drive that change through innovations, investment, and strategic partnerships.”
More than 300 participants from African Union member states, regional economic communities, continental bodies, United Nations agencies, development partners, academic and think tanks, civil society, and the private sector ,attended the four-day session.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As technology is still making strides in the 21st century, Itel Mobile Limited has introduced a new phone on the Malawi market, dubbed as “Itel A70”.
The Itel A70 Phone has more exciting facilities, affordable, and user friendly.
Speaking in an interview with The Maravi Post, ITEL Marketing Manager Bright Mambo said that compared to other phones on the market the new handset has Big memory + Memory fusion, a Big screen with a Dynamic Bar, a 13 MP AI camera, a 5000mAh Big Battery + Type-C and a Glass-like Design +side Fingerprint.
Mambo disclosed that the new phone appeals to young people “As they are embracing technology and they should also try to use the new phone and won’t regret”.
“Itel Limited is in the phone business to satisfy its customers with good quality products that are also affordable. We are very happy to introduce this new phone on the market.
“We truly believe that this will meet the needs of our customers considering that it has various good features that some phones circulating on the market do not have,” he said.
In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, Africa has been at the forefront of innovation and adaptation. As we step into 2023, the African mobile app market continues to grow and diversify, reflecting the continent’s dynamic and tech-savvy population. This article explores the latest trends in Africa’s mobile app industry, highlighting the surge in fintech and other exciting developments shaping the region’s digital future.
The Rise of Fintech
Africa’s mobile app market is experiencing a significant transformation through the rise of fintech, which is revolutionising the financial sector. With the expansion of mobile banking, investment apps, and peer-to-peer payment platforms, financial services are becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Notably, mobile money services have gained immense popularity, providing users with secure and convenient ways to manage their finances.
Leading the charge are mobile apps like M-Pesa in Kenya and MTN Mobile Money in Ghana, offering mobile banking, money transfer, and bill payment services. These apps empower users, especially in regions with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure.
The Rise of Online Casinos
In addition to fintech, several leading online casinos are seeing traction in Africa, with a one-stop app available for gambling across all spectrums. As the popularity of online gaming continues to soar worldwide, Africa is no exception. Online casinos are offering an exciting and convenient platform for users to enjoy a wide range of games, from slots to poker.
These apps provide a user-friendly experience and often support multiple payment options, including mobile money and cryptocurrencies. This versatility ensures that users can easily deposit and withdraw funds, making online gambling more accessible and enjoyable. The surge in online casinos in Africa reflects the region’s appetite for digital entertainment and the potential for significant growth in the coming years.
E-commerce and Delivery Apps
E-commerce is thriving in Africa, with mobile apps driving the growth of online shopping and delivery services. Platforms like Jumia and Konga have become household names in many African countries, offering a wide selection of products and secure payment options. Users can conveniently shop for everything from electronics to groceries from the comfort of their smartphones.
Delivery apps are also on the rise, offering quick and reliable services that cater to the demands of urban and suburban areas. The convenience of ordering food, groceries, or other essentials at the touch of a button has made these apps immensely popular, especially in urban centres.
Social Media and Content Creation
Social media apps continue to dominate the African mobile app landscape, connecting people, fostering communities, and enabling the sharing of content. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram remain highly popular, serving as a platform for social interaction, news consumption, and content creation. African content creators are also gaining recognition; this trend is expected to grow, with more African influencers and creators becoming prominent figures on the global stage.
Africa’s mobile app market is evolving at an unprecedented pace in 2023, with fintech, online casinos, e-learning, e-commerce, social media, and content creation apps shaping the digital landscape. These trends reflect the continent’s adaptability, innovation, and growing tech-savvy population. As Africa continues to embrace mobile technology, the opportunities for both consumers and businesses are bound to expand, further transforming the way Africans live, work, and play in the digital age.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc on Wednesday lived up to its promise by handing over three braille machines worth MK9 million to Phalombe-based Nazombe School for the Blind.
The donation is a response to the call made by former cabinet minister, hiker, and renowned author, Ken Lipenga to the corporate world to assist in acquiring braille machines for the school earlier this year.
According to Lipenga, only NBM responded to his call, until Wednesday when it was time for the Bank to physically give the students the machines.
NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said National Bank looks out to give to communities that are in need in the areas it serves.
“As National Bank of Malawi, we were approached by Dr [Ken] Lipenga and he emphasized to us the need that Nazombe School for the Blind has in terms of shortage of braille machines, and when he did that in line with our corporate social investment policy, we thought it wise to come to Nazombe and present the Braille machines,” said Hiwa.
The Resource Centre’s teacher-in-charge Nickson Chikapenga, thanked National Bank for being the only corporate entity that responded to the plea made on behalf of the school.
“This year we are accommodating 29 learners 15 boys and 14 girls and among the challenges we are facing are inadequate teaching and learning materials like braille typewriters, to cater for 22 learners who need this kind of typewriter.”
“I am very excited that National Bank has come to assist these learners. The three braille machines are going to assist us in examination preparation, by reducing teachers’ workload, and they help learners improve typing speed, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Chikapenga.
Lipenga also appreciated the kind gesture by NBM.
“I know that all companies know about the concept of corporate social responsibility and a lot of them do make an effort in that direction but not everyone gives back to the community, so National Bank is setting a very good example,” said Lipenga.
Nazombe School for the Blind, an appendage of Nazombe Full Primary School at Chiringa, Phalombe was established in the 1970s. The school also has some children living with albinism.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s leading gas products supplier 265 Energy on Friday, November 3, 2023, rolled out affordable cooking gas accessories including two plate stoves, and gas regulators on the Malawi market.
During the launch in the capital Lilongwe, the company gave out cooking gas accessories to customers marking a significant stride in the promotion of modern and clean cooking sources of energy.
Energy 265 public relations officer Phillip White hinted that the company is promoting the usage of gas among the public as one way of helping to save the diminishing forests.
White added that 265 Energy will continue to make its durable gas accessories affordable and available to all customers across the country.
“The latest gas accessories are aimed at making the transition to gas cooking not only modern and convenient but also safe and trustworthy for Malawian households,” assured White.
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority gas regulation specialist Mcjessie Muula has since disclosed that the usage of gas has grown from one percent to three percent annually.
According to Muula, the development translates to an annual usage of over two million kilograms of gas being used to cook by literal consumers as well as corporates.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-NBS Bank Plc has pumped in MK5 million towards the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM) annual conference set for Mangochi from November 2-4 this year.
Speaking during the handover of the cheque to IPMM, the Bank’s Head of Human Resources, Austin Thunde hailed the relationship that exists between NBS and the Institute.
“People are at the heart of our operations, strategy and service delivery. As NBS Bank, we appreciate the contribution the Institute makes towards the development of organizations and the country as a whole.”
“The Bank has made great strides in the last few years because of its people; without them there is no Bank. We therefore look forward to an insightful conference as they will not only deliberate on their personal growth but also on how best they can serve the people in their various companies,” he said.
IPMM president, Godwin Ng’oma commended NBS Bank for the support which he says will help in catering for the conference expenses.
“We expect a large number of delegates to attend and therefore the money given by NBS Bank will help us to manage the delegates and other expenses. The conference will discuss several issues that affect our day operations as we strive to grow,” he said.
The country’s vice president, Saulos Chilima is expected to be the guest of honour at the event which is under the theme ‘Human Resource Management: Fostering Productivity, Diversity, and Change in a Multi-Generational Technology Driven Workplace
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Malawi has handed 5 million Kwacha to the Malawi Engineering Institution’s conference that is happening next weekend from the 9th to 10th November in Salima.
The conference being held under the theme ’Building Back, better’ is focusing on deployment of engineering solutions that will withstand the effects of climate change which also impacted Airtel infrastructure in the previous disaster.
The conference will among other things also focus on four sub-themes namely: Engineering disaster preparedness, climate change and mitigation, sustainability through engineering, and guidelines and standards for climate resilient infrastructure.
Airtel Malawi’s Head of Brand Comms CSR & PR Norah Chavula Chirwa said: “Airtel Malawi Plc recognizes Engineers as crucial drivers behind the development of the country through advanced technology innovations and solutions hence our support towards the conference this year.
“We consider Malawi Engineering Institution as a critical partner as our engineers are already members of the institution which regulates the discipline of engineering in Malawi.”
Malawi Engineering Institution’s Conference Vice Chairperson Engineer James Makwakwa said: “We are deeply grateful for the sponsorship towards the Malawi Engineering Institution Engineering Conference that we have received from Airtel Malawi. The sponsorship shows the true partnership that we have with Airtel Malawi Plc.
“We believe that Airtel Malawi PLC has embraced our conference theme ‘Building Back Better’ hence this sponsorship will ultimately enable the dissemination of information about building resilience in our approaches to combating climate change effects.”
The Malawi Engineering Institution’s Conference happening next weekend marks the third event for the institution since inception and will include an Annual General Meeting for its members
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