akins station

lilongue News

Malawi has been elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council, with President Lazarus Chakwera pledging to mediate regional conflicts. The World Bank approved a $200 million grant for agricultural modernization, while the IMF commended Malawi's economic recovery efforts. A new cholera outbreak in neighboring Mozambique has prompted health screenings at the Mwanza border crossing.

Business and Economic News

• Malawi Kwacha stabilizes at MWK1,050/USD after central bank interventions
• Inflation drops to 12.8% (from 15.2% in Q1) with maize prices falling 18%
• Tobacco auction floors report 22% higher sales compared to 2024 season
• New Lilongwe Industrial Park attracts $75 million in agro-processing investments
• Fuel prices decrease by 5% following global oil market trends

Political News

Parliament approves controversial Civil Service Reform Bill amid opposition protests
Lilongwe City Council faces corruption probe over K2.3 billion road project scandal
President Chakwera reshuffles cabinet, appointing new finance and agriculture ministers
Malawi-South Africa relations strengthen with new labor migration agreement

Employment News

• Unemployment rate falls to 7.2% (Lilongwe at 6.8%)
• 8,000 new jobs created in construction and services sectors
• Government launches Youth Agripreneurship Program targeting 5,000 participants
• Minimum wage increases to MK80,000/day (≈$75/month) for formal sector workers

Entertainment News

Lilongwe Cultural Festival returns after 3-year hiatus (June 20-23)
Malawian artist Tay Grin news "Urban Music Night" at Bingu International Convention Centre
New cinema complex opens at Gateway Mall, screening "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" revival
Comedian Michael Usi's political satire show sells out at Kamuzu Institute for Youth

Election News

• MEC begins voter registration for 2025 local government elections
• Latest polls show MCP at 42%, DPP at 38%, UTM at 15%
• Controversy erupts over alleged partisan distribution of voter ID cards
• First-ever televised mayoral debate scheduled for June 25

Legal News

• High Court sentences 9 officials in MK5.6 billion fertilizer subsidy scandal
• Landmark ruling recognizes customary land rights for urban settlers
• New cybercrime law takes effect with strict penalties for online fraud
• Anti-Corruption Bureau arrests 12 businesspersons in procurement scam

Market News

• Lilongwe Old Town Market vendors protest new licensing fees
• Maize prices drop to MK350/kg following good harvest
• Fuel stabilizes at MK1,450/liter for petrol, MK1,380 for diesel
• New Shoprite outlet opens in Area 47, creating 150 jobs

Forecast

Friday: Sunny, 24°C/12°C
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 25°C/13°C
Sunday: Cool morning, 23°C/11°C
Monday: Sunny, 26°C/13°C
Tuesday: Clear skies, 27°C/14°C
Wednesday: Light breeze, 25°C/13°C
Thursday: Sunny, 26°C/14°C

Local Events Calendar

town:

Silver Strikers vs Nyasa Big Bullets TNM Super League clash (june 20)
Lilongwe City Marathon training runs begin (Official race August 10)

Concerts:

"Mzika Wathu" traditional music festival (June 27-18)
Jazz brunch at Kumbali Cultural Village (Every Sunday)

Movies:

Malawian film "Fatsani" special screening (New Capitol Cinema, June 26)
Marvel's "Black Panther: Wakanda Returns" at Gateway Cineplex

Fairs/Festivals:

Lilongwe Farmers Market (Every Saturday at City Center)
Winter Craft Fair (Bingu International Conference Centre, June 29-21)
Capital City Food Festival (June 22, Old Town)

Final Notes

Lilongwe presents a study in contrasts - a rapidly modernizing capital where traditional and contemporary Malawi coexist. While economic indicators show improvement, persistent corruption and infrastructure challenges remain. The city's vibrant cultural scene offers respite from political tensions as election season approaches. With agricultural reforms bearing fruit and new investments flowing in, Lilongwe stands at a crossroads between sustained growth and the need for deeper governance reforms. The coming months will prove decisive in determining whether recent gains translate into broad-based prosperity for all residents.