Tag Archives: Dedza

AMA

Leveraging Technology to Unlock Financial Inclusion and Economic Mobility in Malawi

MaraviPost

By Dumisani Kadango, Country Manager, TransUnion Malawi

LILONGWE, Malawi 7 August 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Financial inclusion has become one of the most critical building blocks for sustainable economic development, not only in Malawi but across emerging markets. When individuals and small businesses have access to affordable, appropriate, and timely financial products and services, they are empowered to save, invest, manage risk, and improve their quality of life.

Yet in Malawi, a portion of the population still faces challenges in accessing comprehensive financial services. According to the 2023 FinScope Consumer Survey, 88% of Malawian adults are considered financially included, meaning they have access to and actively use formal or informal financial products and services. This marks a major shift from 2014, when 51% of adults were financially excluded. Notably, formal financial inclusion, which refers to the use of services provided by regulated financial institutions such as banks, microfinance providers, and mobile money operators, now stands at approximately 74%, up from 34% in 2014. The most rapid growth has been in the use of mobile money and other formal non-bank channels, which surged from 18% to 73% over the same period. While this progress is impressive, it conceals deeper issues. Only 13% of adults hold traditional bank accounts, down from 27% in 2014. This suggests that although mobile channels have expanded access significantly, reliance on full-service banking remains limited, raising concerns about savings, credit, and financial resilience.

Expanding Access Through Alternative Data

One of the biggest barriers to formal financial inclusion has been the lack of traditional credit information. Conventional lending relies on payslips, collateral, and credit histories, criteria many Malawians, especially informal workers and rural entrepreneurs, cannot meet. The rise of alternative data sources such as mobile money transaction logs, airtime purchases, utility payments, and other digital footprints offers a promising solution. These indicators allow lenders to better assess financial reliability and extend credit responsibly to underserved communities.

At TransUnion Malawi, we are supporting this shift by leveraging data-driven innovation to enable lenders to see beyond traditional credit histories. Through responsible use of alternative data, scoring solutions, and deep consumer insights, we’re working with partners across the financial ecosystem to help unlock access for those historically excluded, without compromising financial stability.

This approach is not merely about approving more loans; it is about responsible lending. When implemented correctly, data-driven credit scoring reduces risk for lenders while opening doors to economic opportunity for those previously excluded from the formal financial system.

Digital Platforms as Vehicles for Empowerment

Mobile phones have become the gateway to financial inclusion in Malawi. Digital platforms are breaking down longstanding barriers and reshaping how individuals engage with financial services. For example, a young entrepreneur in Lilongwe can obtain a microloan through a mobile app, unlocking capital previously out of reach. In Dedza, a smallholder farmer can access weather-indexed crop insurance via SMS, providing protection against climate-related risks. Meanwhile, a student in Zomba can use digital savings platforms to manage finances, monitor spending, and build a financial footprint that supports future borrowing.

These digital tools are more than convenient; they are transformative. Reliable, anytime-anywhere access to financial services through digital platforms reduces the physical, bureaucratic, and psychological barriers that have long excluded many from the formal financial system.

Building Trust and Digital Literacy

Despite growth in access, many remain hesitant to engage with digital financial services due to mistrust, lack of understanding, or prior negative experiences. Financial education and consumer protection are therefore vital.

Technology can serve a dual purpose: facilitating service delivery and providing education. Interactive SMS campaigns, in-app learning modules, and community-based digital training help demystify financial products, clarify terms, and guide users toward informed decisions. Transparency, through digital credit reports, real-time transaction alerts, and clear communication, empowers consumers to understand and manage their own financial profiles. When users grasp how their actions affect their financial futures, they are more likely to engage confidently and responsibly.

The Role of Collaboration

Achieving deep financial inclusion requires collective action. Regulators must craft policies that promote innovation while protecting consumers. Financial institutions need to adopt new models that reach underserved populations. FinTech companies and mobile network operators must develop accessible, user-friendly digital solutions tailored to diverse needs. Civil society organisations play a critical role in advocating for transparency, inclusivity, and representing marginalised voices.

This ecosystem approach ensures inclusion is not just broad but meaningful, enabling financial engagement and resilience. It means every Malawian, regardless of income or location, can participate fully in the economy, saving securely, borrowing wisely, investing in livelihoods, and safeguarding against uncertainty.

Seizing the Opportunity

Technology offers Malawi a unique chance to leapfrog traditional barriers to financial access. However, this promise can only be realised through intentional design, trust-building, collaboration, and ongoing financial education. If stakeholders unite around these priorities, the result will be far more than expanded access, it will ignite durable economic mobility and truly inclusive growth for Malawi’s future.

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

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, eSwatini, and Zambia. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this by providing an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. 

Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. 

For more information visit: www.transunionafrica.com

Media Contact:

Keabetsoe Matshediso

keabetsoe.matshediso@fleishman.co.za

The post Leveraging Technology to Unlock Financial Inclusion and Economic Mobility in Malawi appeared first on African Media Agency.

Regional

Malawi to continue participating in UN peace missions-President Mutharika

MaraviPost

 

By Our Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika says despite Malawi losing six soldiers who
were killed in the line of duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo
last week, Malawi will continue offering its services to the UN
because peace is very precious.

Mutharika made these remarks during a ceremony to receive the remains
of six brave MDF soldiers who were killed at Kadidiwe in DRC.

The mood at Kamuzu International Airport Cargo Centre was somber as
the coffins carrying the remains of the fallen six heroes were taken
to the car park to be offered last respects by the huge gathering led
by commander in chief Peter Mutharika,
The six are Lieutenant Aubrey Kachemwe from Mulanje but was stationed
at Moyale Barracks, Sergeant Steve Kambalame from Dedza but based at
Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO), Corporal Jonathan Kapichira also
from Dedza but based at Parachute Battalion, Corporal Simplex
Taferakaso from Balaka, Private Benjamin Songela from Chikwawa but was
stationed at Moyale Barracks and also private Chauncy C hitete from
Moyale Barracks but hailed from Chitipa.

According to Muthariuka the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez
phoned him to oFfer him condolences and he also took the opportunity
to assure him that Malawi will always offer its services to the UN.

He said; “Malawians are warriors of peace and peace is very prec ious
and this is the reason why our soldiers have died trying to bring
peace to civilians in DRC. As peace loving people we will continue
taking part in UN peace mission so that we bring peace in t he African
continent. These soldiers have paid a heavy price because peace is
precious.”

Second in Command, Malawi Battalion MALBATT IN DRC Masozi Gift
Kayira said the soldiers met their fate during the second day of their
operations after they left their camp to face ADF rebels.
Kayira said they had arranged 3 axis involving Malawi, Tanzanaian and
South African soldiers but MDF troops were the first ones to set off
on the trip.

Kayira disclosed that the soldiers met heavy resistance at Kadidiwe
and heavy fighting ensued leading to the loss of the six soldiers.

UN Resident Coordinator for Malawi Maria Jose Torres Macho in her
speech said the UN has set up a commission of inquiry and that the
attack is being regarded as war crime.

She said rebels have been asked to lay down their weapons but the UN
will work very hard to make sure that all those responsible for the
death of the six soldiers face justice.

Army Commander General Grifin Supuni Phiri declared that there is no
way Malawian soldiers are going to surrender to the rebels and will
continue working hard to bring peace in DRC.

He said; “The soldiers that we have lost are all very young and full of
life. These soldiers willingly accepted to be deployed to peace
keeping duties despite knowing its pitfalls. Today we have gathered
here to bid bye to these brave men but we will soldier on.

“To those
soldiers who are still in DRC I want to encourage them that they
should continue working hard and we will not retreat”.

Reverend Major Andrew Kamponda who preached at the event read
scriptires from the book of Mark 4 verse 37-31.

He comforted the mourners and the whole gathering that with God
everything is possible and no matter how big challenges can be in life
there is a silver lining when Jesus is asked to intervene.

The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, senior government
officials, top DPP officials, members of the diplomatic corps, senior
and junior MDF officers as well as relations of the departed and
Malawians from all walks of life.

Health

Ministry Of health opens isolation centers for contagious diseases

Patience Mandowa

By Alick Junior Sichali

Ministry of health (MOH) with help from the World Health Organisations (WHO) and different stakeholders has opened isolation centres where doctors will be treating people suffering from contagious diseases.

Health Minister, Atupele Muluzi disclosed this during the opening of one the built isolation centres at Kameza, Blantyre.

Muluzi said the isolation centres is one way of government’s alertness for any disease outbreaks such as Ebola and Cholera.

The health minister said the development will now enable local medical personnel to examine and provide assistance to patients suffering from strange diseases.

“The centres which we have built with help from different stakeholders including WHO will help doctors in the country through the centres treat people suffering from infectious diseases which in the past was not happening,” Muluzi said.

The isolation centres have been built in the districts of Karonga, Mzuzu, Blantyre, Dedza, Ntcheu and Mchinji.

Meanwhile, MOH says will start screening visitors from outside the countries at boarders and airports of the country.

The ministry is also working together with Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and that it has embark on exercise of screening soldiers arriving in the country from their peace keeping mission in DRC where there is Ebola outbreak.

Health, Malawi

Tragedy; Dedza road accident claims eight lives

Patience Mandowa

Tragedy; Dedza road accident claims eight lives

Eight people are reported dead whilst five others are battling for their lives at Dedza District Hospital following an accident involving a truck and lorry in Dedza.

Dedza Police Spokesperson Sub Inspector Edward Kabango confirmed of the accident in an interview with The Maravipost  saying the accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to Kabango, one of the vehicles, registration number BT 171, a Scania lorry, was coming from Lilongwe heading towards Dedza.

“Upon reaching Linthipe 1, the right ball joint of the vehicle dislocated and as a result it encroached on the right lane where it collided with a truck registration number LL6823 which had 12 people on board,” said Kabango.

Kabango said seven people in the truck died on the spot and while the other one died upon arrival at the hospital.

The driver of Freightliner truck Yusuf Milanzie, aged 41 from Fungwe village T/A Wimbe in Kasungu and the driver of Scania lorry Steven Singiredo, aged 37 from Gola village T/A Chapananga in Chikwawa, have escaped with minor injuries.

The Police is appealing to the general public to refrain from boarding

Agriculture, Health

Livestock foot and mouth disease hits to Dedza, Ntcheu

MaraviPost

Foot and mouth disease has hit livestock in Ntcheu and Dedza raising fears of economic loss to farmers, prompting the government to institute strict measures to control the disease.

Principal secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Grey Nyandule Phiri says the government has now ordered restriction of movements of livestock in the two districts and suspended the slaughter of the animals.

“Vaccines are already in the country therefore the vaccination campa4n will start very soon,” he said. The vaccination campaign is in progress in Mwanza and Neno where the disease was first diagnised.

The hardest hit areas include Linthipe and Bembeke but Nyandule Phiri said there was no cause for panic and worry, saying the situation was under control.

If not controlled, the disease can kill animals
enmasse.

Human Rights, Law and order

Sex workers asked to stop patronising drinking joints with kids

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

In an effort to protect children from risks that can ruin their future, Police in Dedza have advised sex workers to stop patronising drinking joints with kids.

Speaking during a day-long meeting with the sex workers at Dedza Town Hall on Friday, Officer in charge for Dedza Police Station, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emmie Soko, said it was sad to note that some sex workers were patronising drinking joints with kids, saying the behaviour put kids to risks of abuses.

“A bar or drinking joint is a place for adults, not kids, so it is hazardous to take kids to such places as they are prone to all kinds of bad things and abuses such as sexual, psychological and physical,” Soko pointed out.

She asked the sex workers to work hand in hand with the police by giving tips to the law enforcers whenever they came across people suspected to be criminals.

In her remarks, Chairlady for Dedza Sex Workers Committee, Eliza James said the committee would, from now and onwards, not entertain any sex worker who will patronise drinking joints with kids.

She said sex workers were thankful to Dedza Police for organising such a meeting where they were drilled on human rights and HIV/AIDS among other issues.

40 sex workers from Dedza Town and Dedza boarder attended the meeting.

Politics

Ballot papers for October 17 by-elections ready-MEC

Maravi Post Reporter
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)- The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) over the weekend disclosed that it has finished printing ballot papers for the October 17 by-elections slated for Lilongwe, Blantyre, Dedza and Nsanje districts.
MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said the ballot papers are currently being kept at their head office in Blantyre and awaiting dispatch to the respective district councils this coming weekend.
In a press statement made available to the Maravi Post, the MEC reminds all contesting political parties, candidates, and civil society organisations (CSOs), to send their monitors to witness the delivery process, including the opening of the room where the ballot papers are being kept.
The Commission said that the dispatch and arrival in the councils as well as the pre-inspection exercise will take place consecutively.
MEC added that pre-inspection of polling materials in all the polling stations will be held on October 16, where presiding officers shall open the materials to check if they are in good order and quantity.
“On October 15, the ballot papers and other polling materials shall be dispatched to the polling centres from the councils.
Political parties and candidates are advised to send their monitors to witness this exercise, which starts from 9am at the council offices,” reads the statement.
In Nsanje Lalanje and Lilongwe Msozi North, the by-elections are being held following the death of former parliamentarians Sam Ganda of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Highton Jiya (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) respectively.
In Lilongwe South East, the by-elections are as a result of the Supreme Court of Appeal order to have a re-run after nullifying the 2014 outcome.
Law and order, Lifestyle, Malawi, Opinion

Herbalists vow to fight albino slaughtering

Admin

DEDZA-(MaraviPost)- The Herbalists Association of Malawi (HAM), Dedza chapter over the weekend, vowed to exhaust their energies in the fight against the killing of people living with albinism in the district.

The association has therefore called on traditional healers to register with the association in order to be recognized.

The development comes as government and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to stop the violence against people with albinism.

The association’s district chairperson, Dr. Mwasiyambuyo Njolomole, made the remarks on Saturday at Dedza government primary school on the sidelines of a meeting with fellow healers and human rights organizations.

The meeting was a sign of commitment to curb the malpractice of killing and abducting people with albinism in the district.

Njolomole noted that there is the growing tendency of some people claiming to be herbalists, who abuse clients by raping them, hence the need for healers to be registered so that they should be traced once a problem arises.

He added that the development has affected the reputation of herbalists in Malawi due to some disgruntled traditional healers.

“As an association we want traditional healers to get registered with us, this will help in a way that once a herbalist has been involved in misconduct, we should be able to trace wherever he or she is, so that future problems should be prevented,” said Njoloma.

The chairperson however, warned people who are claiming to be herbalists, while embezzling their client’s funds in the name of the profession of healers; he earned them that they will be dealt with in consultation with the police.

“The herbalists association here in Dedza is not working alone. We are working with the police and some human rights organizations. So if some people are found doing the misconduct, the association will deal with them, but in consultation with the police,” he said.

Commenting on the call, a member of the group, sing’anga Masamba Asiyana Janatu also warned people to stop posing as healers.

“Recently there have been cases where people would tell clients to bring money so that they should be rich, others would be give them charms that they should use by killing albinos, so that they should be rich, what we can say to them is that they should stop, because one day they will be reported to police in order to face justice,” warned Njoloma

Reacting to the development, local human rights organisation manager for Rights Advice Centre in the district Stella Mpaso, commended the traditional healers for showing commitment in fighting violence against people with albinism.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 recognized herbalists in the district.

Malawi, Opinion, Top News

Red alert! 16 die after Dedza Hospital runs out of blood

Special Absalom

16 people have died in just 30 days at Dedza Hospital due to shortage of blood, this according to internal sources.

District Health spokesperson for Dedza, Mwai Liabunya, confirmed the issue of blood shortage at the hospital but did not go into any other specifics.

“We indeed have shortage of blood a problem that has claimed lives of people,” said Liabunya in an interview.

According to the said sources, out of the 16 that perished this August, 6 were pregnant women while 10 were under five children.

Malawian hospitals famous for running on less:

Karonga and Chitipa district hospitals at present have no anti rabies drugs which is also claiming lives.

Officials at Karonga district hospital had to privatize the district mortuary due to lack of resources.

Lifestyle

National registration exercise Phase 2 record 3.8 million Malawians – NRB

Lloyd M’bwana
Malawi National ID
A Malawian lady getting registered by an officer from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) in Mchinji district

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost) – The National Registration Bureau (NRB) on Wednesday disclosed that it has registered 3.8 million people in the first two phases of the national registration exercise.

 

The exercise that started in May this year, covered nearly the projected population the bureau hoped to register in the 10 districts of phases one and two of the exercise. Continue reading National registration exercise Phase 2 record 3.8 million Malawians – NRB →