Tag Archives: 2025 Chakwera’s SONA

Malawi

Chakwera for youth friendly loan conditions

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Milca Matias

BLANTYRE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera says there is need to put in place deliberate policies that should allow youth to access loans so as to push them forward for self economic reliance that can lead to socio-economic national development.

The president said this at Sanjika Palace, Thursday afternoon when he interacted with young people from the Southern Region to unpack some of the issues he presented in parliament in his State of National Address (SONA) recently.

He cited National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as crucial in empowering the youth economically.

“I have instructed NEEF to put in place deliberate policies that should facilitate loan acquisitions among young people to allow them venture into farming on top of getting fertliser on loan,” he assured the youth, adding that the National Budget, to be presented in Parliament soon will include many issues to do with youth empowerment.

He said the World Bank is ready to support many youths focus programme, adding that this will be a game changer among the youths in the country.

“The World Bank is ready to provide financial resources towards youth empowerment, We therefore need to teach the youths financial literacy on how to manage businesses,” he added.

Apart from questions to do with NEEF loan access, the youth, through facebook were also eager to know more on sports development, youth participation in mining through youth-led cooperatives,

Malawi

Chakwera arrives in Blantyre amidst Jubilation

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera, accompanied by the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, arrived at Chileka Airport in Blantyre this morning, where he was greeted by a massive and enthusiastic crowd.

The welcoming party included the Vice President Dr. Usi, Ministers, traditional chiefs, clergy, and members of the public, as well as ruling party supporters clad in their regalia.

President Chakwera’s visit to Blantyre is part of his official duties, which include engaging with the youth at Sanjika Palace to discuss his recent State of the Nation Address.

This visit comes on the heels of his appearance in parliament yesterday, where he addressed questions from members of parliament.

During the parliamentary session, Chakwera addressed criticisms from the opposition leader and other members, who claimed his address was inaccurate.

He clarified that there was only a 2% error rate in the SONA due to technicalities and requested that the opposition leader retract his statement.

The President has since withdrawn the erroneous part of the SONA and asked the house to adopt the rest of it, which he believes truly reflects his commitment to developing Malawi, regardless of regional or political ties.

Chakwera reassured Malawians of his dedication to addressing the country’s economic struggles and hunger.

He pledged to find solutions to these challenges, ensuring that Malawians do not suffer.

Chakwera will also engage with the youth in the northern region, providing them with an opportunity to discuss his State of the Nation Address and share their concerns and ideas.

Malawi, Politics

Chakwera to appear before Parliament on Feb 26

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera will appear before Parliament on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Leader of house, Chimwendo Banda announced that Chakwera will appear before the house next week to answer questions in line with the State of Nation Address.

Chimwendo said that the Malawi leader is still keeping his promise to answer questions at the August House since he was appointed.

Chimwendo however condemns Mzimba North lawmaker, Yeremieya Chihana, for squandering Community Development Fund money with no development.

He argued that telling the house that the current regime did nothing in his constituency while he mismanaged the funds for development is an insult to government.

In addition, he stated that individuals should learn to speak the truth and avoid combining politics even if we are in a campaign period.

In his roundup remarks, George Chaponda, the Leader of the Opposition, said that Chimwendo did not have the right to shame members of the August House for not agreeing with what the SONA had expressed.

Chaponda said everyone has a right to express his concerns about the SONA without being intimidated by the Leader of the house.

He therefore said the president was suppose to use section 69 subsection 3 state that the president should outline what is expected to appear in the budget and they are ready to ask Chakwera questions of national importance.

Opinion, Politics

Why Chakwera’s 2025 SONA is Masterclass, Comprehensive

Maravi Post Author

By Dales Banda

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) was a masterclass in visionary leadership, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to transforming Malawi’s economy and improving the lives of its citizens.

Despite the opposition’s attempts to discredit the address, a closer examination reveals a comprehensive roadmap for Malawi’s development.

Economic Recovery and Growth

Chakwera’s address highlighted his administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, including fiscal discipline, monetary policy adjustments, and public finance management improvements. These measures have already begun to yield positive results, with the creation of over 1.3 million new jobs since 2020, including nearly 188,000 new roles in the past year alone.

Agricultural Development and Food Security

The president’s emphasis on agricultural development and food security is particularly noteworthy.

Initiatives like the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) and Mega Farms aim to boost productivity and ensure that Malawians have access to nutritious food.

This focus on agriculture will not only improve food security but also provide economic opportunities for rural communities.

Infrastructure Development and International Cooperation

Chakwera’s address also outlined his administration’s plans for infrastructure development, including energy generation and distribution, transport sector upgrades, and digitalization efforts.

Furthermore, his commitment to international cooperation, including securing new markets and investment, will help Malawi tap into regional and global opportunities.

In conclusion, President Chakwera’s SONA was a brilliant address that showcased his administration’s commitment to Malawi’s development.

Despite the opposition’s criticisms, the address demonstrated a clear vision for Malawi’s future, and its implementation will undoubtedly yield positive results for the country and its citizens.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

Malawi, Politics

Kabambe takes Chakwera accountable on SONA

MaraviPost

…..Visits Police Housing Sites in Nsanje

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-UTM Party leader Dr. Dalitso Kabambe on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 visited the 18 police houses in Marka Nsanje, that President Lazarus Chakwera previously claimed to have completed.

Dr. Kabambe expressed disappointment, accusing President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration of misleading Malawians, stating that the houses were never completed.

Cassim Ussein Ngwali, the Member of Parliament for Nsanje, had also raised concerns about the construction of 10 houses in Chiromo Police and the 18 in Marka, which he said were still under construction.

Dr. Kabambe, who is currently in Nsanje to hear local opinions on government actions, emphasized the need for the UTM-led government to fulfill its promises to the people.

President Chakwera presented State of Nation Address (SONA) on Friday last week which attracted public outcry on projects authenticity.

Development, Malawi

Social commentators laud Chakwera’s SONA-“It inspires, brings confidence, hope on youths, sports”

MaraviPost

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Renowned social commentators have highly rated President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) especially on youths and sports saying it inspires confidence and hope.

The commentators which includes human rights activist, Undule Mwakasungula and Youths Action Campaign Executive Director, Jackson Msika said the SONA has has provided accurate information with evidence on youths and sports activities.

According to them, Chakwera proved to the nation that youths and sports activities have grown under his leadership.

They also expressed their satisfaction on the number of youths who are economic independent after getting loan from NEEF.

Lazarus Chakwera
Sustaining surgery very painful-Chakwera

“No one including the youths themselves have come out to challenge Chakwera on this issue. This means that the whole country agreed that on youths and sports activities, this government has delivered,” they echoed.

Msika added that the modern and international sports infrastructures that Chakwera has done in his four years have positively contributed to the national economy.

He added that Chakwera and his Minister of Youths and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire have been carrying number of activities to encourage the youths.

“Chakwera himself has been hosting number of youths to dinner at State House and the responsible Minister have also been in different youths activities to give them hope and encouragement. These are undeniable,” added Msika.

The commentators however asked Chakwera to increase the budget to the Ministery of Youths and Sports in order to complete the unfinished projects.

In his speech last Friday, Chakwera talked about National Aquatic Complex, Griffin Saenda Indoor Sport’s Complex which hosted regional 5 youths games, Malawi youths games and Soche stadium in just mentioning a few.

The head of the state also highlighted some youths empowerment projects which his government has done in the past four years.

According to Chakwera, both National Aquatic Complex and Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports which its progress are currently at 63 and 80 percent hosted regional 5 youths games in December, 2022.

He further disclosed that the Malawi Youths Games which is a national program has identified 2000 youths from 20, 000 who participated and that through it Salima Secondary School won bronze medal in CAF African Schools Championship.

On the status of Soche stadium, Chakwera said his government has cleared all obstacles which were delaying the start of the project and that the work will begin in the forthcoming fiscal year.

Malawi, Politics, Regional

Chakwera’s Inclusive SONA: “Lake Malawi entirely belongs to Malawians, period”

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has come clearly disputing recent social media reports that Lake Malawi belongs to neighbouring Tanzania.

In his State of Nation Address (SONA) on Friday, February 14, 2025 during the opening of the 51st of Parliament session in the capital Lilongwe, Chakwera made it clear to neighboring countries that the lake is entirely Malawian and should benefit its citizens.

He stressed that Malawi values peace and is willing to engage in negotiations with neighboring nations if disputes arise over the lake.

The Malawi leader assured the nation his government ambitious plans towards the development of Likoma Island.

Interestingly, Chakwera introduced a fresh approach in this year’s SONA, focusing on the achievements of his government across various districts, from Nsanje to Chitipa.

In this year’s SONA the Malawi leader showcased the successes of his administration, which include initiatives like the Affordable Input Program (AIP), Social Cash Transfer, free water and electricity connections, NEEF loans, distribution of relief food to families in need, and the construction of health and education facilities, as well as security houses, among other accomplishments.

While addressing Parliament, Chakwera acknowledged the hardships the nation has faced in recent years but expressed optimism for recovery and unity among the people.

The President highlighted that when he took office in 2020, the previous administration had left a MK4 trillion debt, which worsened the financial situation of the country. Chakwera also mentioned that local farmers have been further impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

To stabilize the economy, he explained that his administration revised procurement laws and required that foreign exchange transactions go through the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

Chakwera noted that the new Finance Management Act has led to the arrest of several civil servants, and he recognized the significant suffering endured by Malawians due to natural disasters and currency devaluation.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to respond Chakwera’ SONA.