Tobacco growers upbeat on prices | The Times Group

Tobacco growers upbeat on prices | The Times Group:



Tobacco growers upbeat on prices

Posted By: William Kumwembe on: March 30, 2018 In: Business No Comments

With more than a week left before the start of this year's tobacco selling season, growers of the

green gold have expressed optimism that the leaf would fetch better prices.

The growers are banking their hopes on reduced tobacco output which is below the volumes

demanded by international buyers in addition to improved quality of the leaf.

International buyers are looking for 171 million kilogrammes (kg) of all kinds of tobacco from

Malawi this year. Second round tobacco crop estimate results show that the country will produce

147 million kg of the green gold, representing a 24 million kg shortfall.





'via Blog this'

Malawi leaves benchmark rate at 16 pct, cuts growth forecast

Malawi leaves benchmark rate at 16 pct, cuts growth forecast: "LILONGWE, March 28 (Reuters) - Malawi’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 16 percent on Wednesday while slashing its economic growth forecast after drought and an army-worm invasion hit agricultural output.

Malawi’s economy is expected to grow 4 percent this year, down from a previous forecast of 7 percent, the reserve bank said in a statement. The bank predicts inflation will average 5 percent this year. (Reporting by Frank Phiri; Writing by Joe Brock)"



'via Blog this'

Mining expert Malunga faults MGDS III for sidelining extractive sector - The Maravi Post

Mining expert Malunga faults MGDS III for sidelining extractive sector - The Maravi Post: "BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-One of the country’s mining experts, Grain Malunga, has faulted the newly launched Malawi Growth Development Strategy III (MGDS III) for sidelining the minerals sector in its key priority areas.

In a paper titled ‘Malawi Growth Development Strategy and the Minerals Sector’, Malunga says the minerals sector is the driver for economic development in most African countries."



'via Blog this'

Tobacco output increases this year | The Times Group

Tobacco output increases this year | The Times Group:



Malawi expects higher output by its biggest export earner, tobacco, to rise by 38 percent to 147

million kilogrammes this year, Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) said Monday.

But the increase is still lower than the projection of 149 million kilogrammes and 23.2 million

kilogrammes shy of the current tobacco demand of 171 million kilogrammes.

TCC Chief Executive Officer, Kaisi Sadala, said the development has been perpetuated by erratic

rainfall and unstable weather conditions that the country experienced in the 2017/18 season.

"During the first estimates, the challenge that we faced is that of prolonged drought which affected

the crop, especially in the Southern Region," he said.





'via Blog this'

Old Mutual to invest $25 million in hostels | The Times Group

Old Mutual to invest $25 million in hostels | The Times Group:



Old Mutual to invest $25 million in hostels

Posted By: William Kumwembe on: March 27, 2018 In: Business No Comments

Old Mutual Investment Group has unveiled plans to invest $25 million [about Kl 8.3 billion] into a

public university hostels construction project.

The firm plans to complete the project within two years using pension funds and funds from yet-to-

be-disclosed development partners.

Old Mutual Group Chief Executive Officer, Edith Jiya, said this in Blantyre on Friday on the

sidelines of a signing ceremony of an agreement between one of the two successful bidders for

the project, M and M Consortium, representatives of the universities, government and the Public

Private Partnership Commission (PPPC).


'via Blog this'

$425 million students’ accommodation project commences June | The Times Group

$425 million students’ accommodation project commences June | The Times Group:



$425 million students' accommodation project

commences June

Posted By: William Kumwembe on: March 26, 2018 In: Business No Comments

The first lot of construction works of the students' accommodation in the country's five public

universities by one of the two successful bidders of the project, M and M Consortium, is expected

to commence in June this year.

This follows the signing of an agreement between the firm, the universities, the government and

the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) in Blantyre last week.

The 20,280 bed space hostels for the five campuses are projected at $425 million.

The contractor along with Old Mutual Investment Group, were framed on a Build Operate Transfer

(BOT) protocol for a period of 35 years.





'via Blog this'

Malawi anti-graft busting body says Khato Civils in the clear of wrongdoing | Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi

Malawi anti-graft busting body says Khato Civils in the clear of wrongdoing | Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi: "Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) says there are no ‘well-substantiated grounds’ to institute investigations on Khato Civils (Pty) Limited, a Malawian owned South African based design and construction company over the Multi Billion Kwacha Salima – Lilongwe Water Supply project.

"



'via Blog this'

Globe denies wrongdoing in Malawi

Globe denies wrongdoing in Malawi: "USTRALASIA

SAVE THIS ARTICLE      EMAIL THIS ARTICLE

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PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The share price of junior ASX-listed Globe Metals & Mining dropped more than 11% on Friday, after the company reported that its Malawian subsidiary was facing legal action.

Globe Metals and Mining (Africa) has been named as a defendant in a legal action started in the High Court of Malawi, by 243 members of the Kanyika community against Globe Africa and the Attorney General of Malawi."



'via Blog this'

Kamuzu Barrage reopened to boost power generation - The Nation Online

Kamuzu Barrage reopened to boost power generation - The Nation Online:



Kamuzu Barrage reopened to boost

power generation

Rex Chikoko O March 23, 2018 o Comments

Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has opened up Shire River at

Kamuzu Barrage in Liwonde, Machinga to increase water flow for Electricity Generation

Company (Egenco) to boost power generation.

The ministry' s Principal Secretary Grey Nyandule Phiri said in an interview yesterday that on

March 17 2018 a technical committee comprising government officials, engineers and

hydrologists recommended increasing the flow of water in Shire River to allow Egenco

generate more power to avert the power shortage that the country has experienced lately.





'via Blog this'

OUR COMMENT ON TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Recently the President inaugurated a major textile factory in Salami.  We should not, however, rest on our meagre laurels. We are very far from exploiting the full potential of Malawi as a textile exporter.

We can learn something from Ethiopia which has  set ambitious targets to create 140,000 new jobs in this sector, with export revenues reaching $1 billion by the end of 2020.

One lesson is the need for textile and apparel industrial parks. Salima can be the first such hub. The government has to provide the necessary complementary structures. This can be done by setting technical college on skills for the textile industry. The government should  build a full-fledged industrial zone around the new factory – providing roads, electricity, water and even fully dedicated  plug-and-play buildings .

One advantage Malawi has is that it is a cotton producer although in the last year the cotton production has declined sharply due to lack of consistent policy on credit and inputs for cotton production. Ingood years we have produced as much as 100 000 tons – twice as much as Ethiopia.

http://www.malawivoice.com/landmark-project-multibillion-textile-project-to-turn-malawi-into-major-exporter-mutharika/

Government reports K14bn deficit in January - The Nation Online

Government reports K14bn deficit in January - The Nation Online:

Treasury recorded a deficit of K13-9 billion in its budget operations in January this year, 

figures published from the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) show. 

However, the figures show that the excess in expenditure over income recorded in January is 

an improvement on a deficit of K16.8 billion recorded in December 2017, according to the RBM 

January 2018 Monthly Economic Report published on Monday. 

In contrast, in January 2017, central government budgetary operations recorded a surplus of 

K13.6 billion, representing a 0.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). 

'via Blog this'

World Bank, govt sign $100m LWSP agreement - The Nation Online

World Bank, govt sign $100m LWSP agreement - The Nation Online:



World Bank, govt sign $100m LWSP

agreement

Andrew Nyondo O March 22, 2018 o Comments

The World Bank and the government of Malawi yesterday signed a Sloo million (about K73

billion financing agreement to let the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) and Lilongwe City Council

(LCC) start implementing the Lilongwe Water and Sanitation Project (LWSP).

On December 20 last year, the World Bank approved LWSP project whose objective is to

improve water and sanitation services in the city and surrounding areas.

This was followed by Parliament's approval to allow the Ministry of Finance, Economic

Planning and Development begin spending on the project.





'via Blog this'

CCJP joins calls for Goodall’s resignation - The Nation Online

CCJP joins calls for Goodall’s resignation - The Nation Online:



Pressure continues to mount on Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development

Goodall Gondwe to step down following his dealings in the controversial K4 billion allocation to

legislators.

The latest to demand Gondwe's head is the governance arm of the Catholic Church, the Catholic

Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP).

Besides demanding the resignation of the Cabinet minister, CCJP is also calling on President

Peter Mutharika to take appropriate action against him.





'via Blog this'

Economic growth revised down to 4.5% - The Nation Online

Economic growth revised down to 4.5% - The Nation Online:



Economic growth revised down to 4-5%

Grace Phili @ March 21, 2018

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Developmenthas revised dowvnwards 2017 and 2018 growvt_h

projections to an average of four and 4-5 percent, respectively.

Initially, Treasury had projected 2017 growvt_h prospects at 6.4 percent while initial projections for 2018 were

pegged at six percent





'via Blog this'

Inflation eases to 7.8% in February | The Times Group

Inflation eases to 7.8% in February | The Times Group:



Inflation eases to 7.8% in February

Posted By: William Kumwembe on: March 21, 2018 In: National No Comments

Consumer prices increased 7.8 percent year-on-year in February 2018, slowing from a 8.1

percent gain the previous month, thanks to the continued improvement in food availability, the

National Statistical Office (NSO) has said.

Inflation picked up in January 2018 from 7.1 percent in December 2017 in the wake of a rebasing

process NSO conducted to ensure that its calculation of inflation be more reflective of the situation

on the ground.

According to NSO, food inflation continued to soften in the month under review standing at 7.3

percent down from 7.6 percent in January.

In February, non-food inflation stood at 9.4 percent, down from 9.6 percent.








'via Blog this'

Public debt rise worries MCCCI | The Times Group

Public debt rise worries MCCCI | The Times Group:



The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has expressed worry

over the growing levels of public debt in the country.

MCCCI Chief Executive Officer, Chancellor Kaferapanjira, was reacting to the recent rise in public

debt levels by 5.1 percent between the third and fourth quarters of 2017.

Latest figures from the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) show that Malawi's public debt rose during

the fourth quarter of 2017 to hit K 2.470 trillion from K 2.352 trillion recorded in the third quarter.

External debt rose by K47.1 billion or 3.3 percent to Kl , 486.2 billion while domestic debt stock

increased by 7.9 percent to K984.7 billion at the end of the quarter.

Kaferapanjira rated the trends as unsustainable for the Malawi economy.





'via Blog this'

Chinese company launches groundbreaking ceremony for textile factories in Malawi - Global Times

Chinese company launches groundbreaking ceremony for textile factories in Malawi - Global Times: "A Chinese company on Monday launched a groundbreaking ceremony for textile factories in Malawi, which the government says will greatly promote its industrialization drive.
China-Malawi Cotton Company builds the factories in Malawi's central Salima district, about 93 km from the capital Lilongwe, with an investment of 44.2 million U.S. dollars in the first phase and a further 36 million dollars in the second phase.
"This is what we have been trying to do in our efforts to add value to our products. This is a dream come true for Malawi to become a producing country instead of a consuming country," Malawian President Peter Mutharika said at the ceremony.
He said that with the factories, the country could export textile products to regional and international markets.
The Malawian government has created a favorable environment for foreign investment, he added.
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Shiting said the project signifies the growing cooperation between the two countries.
"China is a sincere friend of Africa and we are committed to developing Africa," Wang said.
Ju Wenbin, chairman of the China-Malawi Cotton Company, said the project comprises a full-fledged cotton spinning factory, a weaving mill and a towel factory.
The first phase of the project will be completed in June next year and 1,500 local people will be employed.
"



'via Blog this'

Afri-Oils opens factory in Lilongwe | The Times Group

Afri-Oils opens factory in Lilongwe | The Times Group:



Afri-Oils opens factory in Lilongwe

Posted By: Chimwemwe Mangazi on: March 19, 2018 In: Business No Comments

Afri-Oils Limited on Thursday opened a multi-billion kwacha groundnut processing factory in

Lilongwe with expectations of boosting the country's groundnuts industry and providing a ready

market to farmers.

Afri-Oils Limited Chairperson, Tm de Borde, said the firm seeks to move smallholder farmers up

the value chain, while expanding the volume of fair trade and other value-added peanuts produced

for international and domestic markets.





'via Blog this'

Tanzania: New railway set to be the new regional gateway

Tanzania: New railway set to be the new regional gateway: "The government of Tanzania is set to construct a railway line from the Indian Ocean port of Mtwara to Lake Nyasa, opening a new gateway for landlocked Zambia, Malawi and DR Congo cargo. Reports Lawrence Kilimwiko

The government of Tanzania, acting through Reli Assets Holding Company (RAHCO), has invited firms to bid for a feasibility study and preliminary design for the construction of a railway line from the southern port of Mtwara on the Indian Ocean to the port of Mbamba Bay on Lake Nyasa, with spurs to the Liganga and Mchuchuma iron-ore and coal deposits in the Njombe region."



'via Blog this'

Egenco to add 20 megawatts end April | The Times Group

Egenco to add 20 megawatts end April | The Times Group:



Egenco to add 20 megawatts end April

Posted By: Caroline Kandiero on: March 16, 2018 In: Business No Comments

The Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) is expected to add 20 megawatts (MW) of power to

the national grid by the end of April following the arrival of 10 diesel generators.

The generators, each producing 2MW, will be planted at Mapanga in Blantyre.

Egenco Senior Communications Officer, Moses Gwaza, said the generators are Egenco assets

and will be used whenever there's a power shortfall from the hydro power.





'via Blog this'

Growth prospects hang in balance - The Nation Online

Growth prospects hang in balance - The Nation Online:



Growth prospects hang in balance

Grace O March 13, 2018 o Comments

A latest Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) report showing that agricultural output will slump to

0.3 percent could be a sign that government may have overstated GDP growth rate for this

year.

Malawi government projects a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of between six and

seven percent on account of good performance in the agricultural sector which contributes

about 30 percent to GDP.





'via Blog this'

MCC tips Malawi on vibrant power sector - The Nation Online

MCC tips Malawi on vibrant power sector - The Nation Online:



MCC tips Malawi on vibrant power

sector

Dumbani O March 14, 2018 o Comments

Building a strong power sector in the country will require continued commitment to action

and accountability by government and its partners, an official from Millennium Challenge

Corporation (MCC) has advised.

In an interview, MCC practice lead and acting senior director on energy Samuel Kwon said that

the ball is in the country's court to build on progress registered in the power sector through

continued implementation of the five-year $350.7 million (K257 billion) Malawi Power

Compact, set to wind up on September 20 2018.


'via Blog this'

Growth prospects hang in balance - The Nation Online

Growth prospects hang in balance - The Nation Online:

Growth prospects hang in balance 

a Grace Phiri @ March 13, 2018 0 Comments 
 A latest Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) report showing that agricultural output will slump to 0.3 percent could be 
 a sign that government may have overstated GDP growth rate for this year. 
 Malawi government projects a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of between six and seven percent on 
 account of good performance in the agricultural sector which contributes about 30 percent to GDP. 





'via Blog this'

Soaring imports Worsen trade deficit - The Nation Online

Soaring imports Worsen trade deficit - The Nation Online:



Malawi's growing appetite for imported products continues to negatively affects trade performance, with recent  figures from the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) projecting a worsened trade deficit.  In its fourth quarter financial and economic review, the central bank said a growth of 9-9 percent in  imports  against an increase of 6.3 percent in exports is projected to worsen the country's trade deficit to $413.2 million (about K301.5 billion) during the fourth quarter of 2017.


'via Blog this'

Public debt jumps 5.1% | The Times Group

Public debt jumps 5.1% | The Times Group:



Malawi's public debt stock rose by 5.1 percent during the fourth quater of 2017 to hit K2, 470.9

from K2, 352.0 billion recorded in the third quarter, latest figures from the Reserve Bank of Malawi

(RBM) have shown.

According to RBM Financial and Economic Review for Fourth Quarter released on Friday, external

debt stock rose by K47.1 billion or 3.3 percent to K 1, 486.2 billion while domestic debt stock

increased by 7.9 percent to K984.7 billion at the end of the quarter.

As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), total public debt stock rose to 52.8 percent of

GDP in the quarter under review from 50.3 percent in the third quarter of 2017.

RBM said the ratio of external debt to GDP increased by 0.9 percentage points to 31.5 percent

from 30.6 percent in the third quater.





'via Blog this'

Economist Intelligence Unit projects economic slowdown | The Times Group

Economist Intelligence Unit projects economic slowdown | The Times Group:





Economist Intelligence Unit projects economic

slowdown


The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) says it expects the local economy to swell by 4.1 percent in

2017, down from 4.4 percent in 2017.

According to Nico Asset Managers' February 2018 Economic Brief, ElU's downward revision

emanates from the likely reduction in maize output this season, expected slow growth in tobacco

production and the industrial secto, which is unlikely to emerge as the key driver of growth due to

stiff competition on the international market.


'via Blog this'

Catholics join calls for Goodall, Nankhumwa to resign | Malawi 24 - All the latest Malawi news

Catholics join calls for Goodall, Nankhumwa to resign | Malawi 24 - All the latest Malawi news: "Calls for Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe and Minister of Local Government Kondwani Nankhumwa to resign are growing louder.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, (CCJP) has added its voice to the calls for the two to resign or be fired by President Peter Mutharika."



'via Blog this'

Tobacco Control Commission chief for sanity on tobacco market | The Times Group

Tobacco Control Commission chief for sanity on tobacco market | The Times Group:



Tobacco Control Commission chief for sanity on

tobacco market

Posted By: William Kumwembe on: March 08, 2018 In: Business No Comments

The Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) has said it has intensified efforts to bring sanity in the

tobacco industry to ensure that farmers and the economy as a whole continue to realise more

benefits from the leaf.

This comes ahead of the opening of the 2018 tobacco marketing season, tentatively scheduled for

April 2018.





'via Blog this'

Nuclear plants give hope for Kayelekera - The Nation Online

Nuclear plants give hope for Kayelekera - The Nation Online:

Nuclear plants give hope for Kayelekera 
Grace Phiri @ March 7, 2018 1 Comment 

Despite no pick-up in global uranium prices, Paladin (Africa) Limited (PAL), operators of Kayelekera Mine (KM) 

in Karonga, is banking on the opening of nuclear plants for a possible re-opening of the mine. 

KM was put on care and maintenance in February 2014 after global uranium price plunged to around $35 a pound, 

which was not sustainable for the mine to continue operating. 








http://mwnation.com/nuclear-plants-give-hope-kayelekera/




'via Blog this'

Reserve Bank of Malawi targets 5% inflation | The Times Group

Reserve Bank of Malawi targets 5% inflation | The Times Group:



The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) says it targets an inflation rate of five percent in the medium

The development comes when inflation inched up in January from 7.1 percent to 8.1 percent

following a rebasing process by the National Statistical Office.

In its sixth Monetary Policy Statement titled 'Sustaining Low Inflation Amidst New Risks' released

on Tuesday, RBM says the monetary policy stance during the first half of 2018 will focus on

entrenching disinflation and attaining the targeted five percent inflation in the medium term and

maintain a minimum of three months import cover of official foreign exchange reserves.





'via Blog this'

Tobacco markets open next month | The Times Group

Tobacco markets open next month | The Times Group:

This year's tobacco selling season is expected to start in April, industry regulator, the Tobacco

Control Commission (TCC) has confirmed.

TCC Chief Executive Officer, Kaisi Sadala, said on Sunday that the market may open during the

second week of April.

Tobacco remains the country's top foreign exchange earner followed by tea and sugar.


'via Blog this'

Reflecting on inflation trends | The Times Group

Reflecting on inflation trends | The Times Group:



Other notions which constituted the very foundations of classical polit

ieal economy have been rather ignored in mainstream economics: fro

surplus and reproduction to structural change and to the distinctio

between productive and unproductive sectors. However these concept.

have always played a central role in development economics and above al

in development policies, even when the reference to them was not explicit'

think of all policies designed to favour some particular sectors of th

econom





'via Blog this'

New firm takes over Nyala ruby mines - The Nation Online

New firm takes over Nyala ruby mines - The Nation Online:



New firm takes over Nyala ruby mines

Martha Chirambo O March 2, 2018 o Comments

Almost two months after government granted Chimwadzulu Corundum Mining licence to

Mwalawanga Mining Limited, the two parties have not yet come up with a development

agreement.

Government awarded the contract to Mwalawanga Mining Limited after rejecting an

application for licence renewal by Nyala Mines Limited whose licence expired in October 2017.





'via Blog this'

Carrick Wealth opens outpost in Malawi as African expansion continues

Carrick Wealth opens outpost in Malawi as African expansion continues: "Carrick Wealth Management, the Cape Town, South Africa advisory firm headed by Craig Featherby, has opened an office in Blantyre, Malawi, bringing to five the number of countries in which it operates. 

The office is being headed up by Gomez Kumwenda, managing director of Malawi for Carrick Wealth (pictured, below left)."



'via Blog this'

Malawi needs MK7 Trillion to manage and upgrade city roads

Malawi needs MK7 Trillion to manage and upgrade city roads: "Ministry of Transport and Public Works says it needs about $9.15 billion (about K7 trillion) to fulfill its transport sector master plan which will run from 2018 to  2038, the Malawi Nation has reported

A master plan is a long-term plan for guiding the sustainable planned development of a city, town or country and it seeks to reduce transport costs by shifting traffic from road to rail and in-land water transport along the country’s major corridors of Dar es Salaam, Nacala, Beira and Mtwara."



'via Blog this'

Malawi's January inflation soars to 8.1% - The Maravi Post

Malawi's January inflation soars to 8.1% - The Maravi Post: "
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-This is week’s published figures from the National Statistical Office (NSO) show that Malawi’s year-on-year inflation rate for January 2018 soared by one percentage point to 8.1 percent from the previous month’s 7.1 percent.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation during the same period was recorded at 4.5 percent with food inflation rate at 8.4 percent while non-food inflation was recorded at 1.4 percent."



'via Blog this'

Malawi Parliament approves MK75b Lilongwe water, sanitation loan - The Maravi Post

Malawi Parliament approves MK75b Lilongwe water, sanitation loan - The Maravi Post: "LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Parliament Thursday approved that Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) can borrow US$100 million [about K75 billion] from the World Bank for implementation of a water and sanitation project in the capital.

The loan is meant to facilitate activities that are aimed at strengthening the capacity of both LWB and Lilongwe City Council (LCC) in the provision of sanitation services to the city."



'via Blog this'

Standard Bank is the Best Investment Bank 2017-EMEA finance magazine - The Maravi Post

Standard Bank is the Best Investment Bank 2017-EMEA finance magazine - The Maravi Post: "LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-EMEA Finance Magazine, an authoritative global publication for the finance industry of Europe, Middle East and Africa, has voted Standard Bank as the Best Investment Bank in Malawi for 2017.

EMEA Finance singled out for praise Standard Bank’s role in providing investment advisory, equity arrangement and debit facilities to Malawian companies in the consumer, agriculture, oil and gas and real estate sectors."



'via Blog this'

Malawi outshines DRC as the worst on internet connectivity | Malawi 24 - All the latest Malawi news

Malawi outshines DRC as the worst on internet connectivity | Malawi 24 - All the latest Malawi news: "Malawi outshines DRC as the worst on internet connectivity 0
BY COLLINS MTIKA ON MAR 02, 2018 BUSINESS
Malawi has only outshined the DRC positioning itself as the second last both out of 86 countries in the world and among 24 African countries by being among the worst countries in terms of internet availability and affordability, the 2018 Inclusive Internet Index has revealed."



'via Blog this'

New ‘PPP’ projects raise eyebrows - The Nation Online

New ‘PPP’ projects raise eyebrows - The Nation Online:



New 'PPP' projects raise eyebrows

Rex Chikoko O March 3, 2018 o Comments

The Chinese will run new Malawi Government entities they are financing until their money is

repaid, a paradigm shift in Beijing's development cooperation, Weekend Nation has learnt.

While Treasury calls this approach a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the Public-Private

Partnership Commission (PPPC) —which has the mandate to facilitate such arrangements

said they are not involved in the deals being branded as PPPs.





'via Blog this'

Malawi Parliament nods to MK1.3 trillion revised budget - The Maravi Post

Malawi Parliament nods to MK1.3 trillion revised budget - The Maravi Post: "
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Parliament on Thursday approved to trim K10 billion from the MK1.323 trillion 2017-18 National Budget to MK1.313 trillion with some departments and agencies having reductions some members said were not supposed to happen.

Surprisingly, there is an addition to vote 278 Unforeseen Expenditure which has received a MK10 billion boost.

But the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), which is currently in funding hardships, had its allocation of K12.2 billion reduced by MK1 billion, a development that Chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament said is worrisome given that MEC is preparing for next year’s elections."



'via Blog this'

Malawi Parliament approves MK75b Lilongwe water, sanitation loan - The Maravi Post

Malawi Parliament approves MK75b Lilongwe water, sanitation loan - The Maravi Post: "LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Parliament Thursday approved that Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) can borrow US$100 million [about K75 billion] from the World Bank for implementation of a water and sanitation project in the capital.

The loan is meant to facilitate activities that are aimed at strengthening the capacity of both LWB and Lilongwe City Council (LCC) in the provision of sanitation services to the city."



'via Blog this'

Malaw's diesel generators yet to bear fruits as power outages rage on - The Maravi Post

Malaw's diesel generators yet to bear fruits as power outages rage on - The Maravi Post: "LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawians say they are still facing power problem despite claims by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) that the commissioning of the diesel generators will helped to reduce hours of blackouts.

The 55 megawatts (MW) generators was commissioned on Wednesday in Blantyre by President Peter Mutharika.

During the day ESCOM claimed the generators will reduce load shedding in the country by six hours."



'via Blog this'

‘Magic money’ haunts Goodall Gondwe | The Times Group

‘Magic money’ haunts Goodall Gondwe | The Times Group:

'Magic money' haunts Goodall Gondwe

Posted By: Macdonald Thom on: March 02, 2018 In: National No Comments

Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe Thursday frantically tried to justify an allocation of K4 billion to

be used for rural development.

Our sis ter paper, Malawi News, revealed that government was paying K40 million each to 86

Members of Parliament (MPs). The MPs are mostly those who voted against the Electoral

Reforms Bills which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was against.

'via Blog this'

Goodall says K4 billion an ‘experiment’ - The Nation Online

Goodall says K4 billion an ‘experiment’ - The Nation Online:



Goodall says K4 billion an 'experiment'

Golden Matonga and Eneless O March 1, 2018 1 Comment

Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe yesterday changed his tune over the K4 billion earmarked

for disbursement among constituencies, saying the funding was an experiment outside the

current mechanisms.

But analysts have described the minister' s explanation as unconvincing and suspicious.





'via Blog this'

Domestic revenue target unrealistic—Experts - The Nation Online

Domestic revenue target unrealistic—Experts - The Nation Online:



Domestic revenue target unrealistic—

Experts

Grace O February 28, 2018 o Comments

There is some doubt from economic commentators that Treasury will meet its domestic

revenue target of K980 billion in the 2017/18 fiscal year despite Minister of Finance Goodall

Gondwe's optimism that tax collection will normalise in the second half.

In an interview yesterday, Salim Mapila, an economist at the pan-African policy think tank

African Institute for Development Policy (Afidep), said there is a lot of uncertainty

surrounding whether or not improved electricity supply will automatically translate into

revenue increase.


'via Blog this'

January inflation soars to 8.1% - The Nation Online

January inflation soars to 8.1% - The Nation Online:



January inflation soars to 8.1%

Lucky Mkandawire O March 2, 2018 o Comments

Malawi's year- on-year inflation rate for January 2018 soared by one percentage point to 8.1

percent from the previous month's 7.1 percent, published figures from the National Statistical

Office (NSO) showed yesterday.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation during the same period was recorded at 4-5 percent

with food inflation rate at 8.4 percent while non- food inflation was recorded at 1.4 percent.





'via Blog this'

Goodall says K4 billion an ‘experiment’ - The Nation Online

Goodall says K4 billion an ‘experiment’ - The Nation Online:



Goodall says K4 billion an 'experiment'

Golden Matonga and Eneless O March 1, 2018 1 Comment

Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe yesterday changed his tune over the K4 billion earmarked

for disbursement among constituencies, saying the funding was an experiment outside the

current mechanisms.

But analysts have described the minister' s explanation as unconvincing and suspicious.





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Malawi's Lodges: Awards & Developments

Malawi's Lodges: Awards & Developments: "2018 promises to be a fantastic year for Malawi! The country’s amazing conservation projects hit the headlines in 2017 and it’s now being widely lauded as a ‘hot’ destination. Keeping pace with these developments and accolades, Malawi’s lodges are also now making great impressions, with exciting new properties being opened and its existing lodges winning awards and starting to stand out from the crowd across Africa and worldwide."



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