The Malawi government is inviting applications for the operation of a fourth cellular network in the Southern African country.
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) says government has decided to grant a licence to a new mobile operator to ensure that there is stiff competition in the mobile phone industry.
“We need more competition, as is the case is in many countries in the region. “Look at countries like Tanzania and South Africa – they have more than two or three mobile operators,” says Macra public relations officer Zamdziko Mankhambo.
He says interested firms should submit their applications by July 25.
Malawi, with about one-million active mobile phone subscribers, has two cellular network operators – Celtel Malawi, a subsidiary of pan-African mobile network operator Celtel, and TNM, owned by the Southern African country’s Press Corporation.
Malawi advertised for a third mobile network operator last year but has yet to grant a licence, despite receiving bids from five companies. South Africa-based Econet Wireless and US-based Millennium Global Telecom are the favourites to get the licence.
Mankhambo says Macra will grant licences for the third and fourth cellular network operators as soon as government appoints a new board of directors for the authority, after the dissolution of the previous one.
Malawi’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Patricia Kaliati, who is also the government spokesperson, says government is expected to announce a new board of directors for Micra shortly.
She says there is a need for new mobile phone network opera-tors in Malawi that will penetrate into rural areas, which are not served by the existing opera- tors.
“Government is of the view that the introduction of the new mobile operators will help it advance towards reaching its goal of universal access to telecom- munication facilities. “It will also ensure that the existing operators maintain affordable calling rates owing to stiff competition,” says Kaliati.
Friday, 16 May 2008
Malawi to Play Friendly in Dar Es Salaam
After an unsuccessful attempt to play the Malawian national team in a friendly clash last February, Taifa Stars have finally secured a new date against the Southern African side.
Tanzania Football Federation secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela, said yesterday that the match will be played at the New National Stadium on May 25, a week before the 2010 African Nations and World Cup qualifier against Mauritius.
Unlike the aborted friendly clash in February, the Malawian soccer federation has confirmed with absolute certainty to send their national team, he said.
The Malawi national side had already started training to gear up for the match, he further noted.
He said Stars' line up would include Tanzanian exports in the likes of Haruna Moshi, Meshack Abel, Danny Mrwanda, Nizar Khalfani and Erasto Nyoni.
TFF will foot bills of the Malawi team ranging from the return flight, accommodation and other expenses like internal transport, he stated.
"We are in final preparations to facilitate the Malawian contingent and so far communications are encouraging," said Mwakalebela.
Tanzania Football Federation secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela, said yesterday that the match will be played at the New National Stadium on May 25, a week before the 2010 African Nations and World Cup qualifier against Mauritius.
Unlike the aborted friendly clash in February, the Malawian soccer federation has confirmed with absolute certainty to send their national team, he said.
The Malawi national side had already started training to gear up for the match, he further noted.
He said Stars' line up would include Tanzanian exports in the likes of Haruna Moshi, Meshack Abel, Danny Mrwanda, Nizar Khalfani and Erasto Nyoni.
TFF will foot bills of the Malawi team ranging from the return flight, accommodation and other expenses like internal transport, he stated.
"We are in final preparations to facilitate the Malawian contingent and so far communications are encouraging," said Mwakalebela.
Woman who escaped Malawi writes book
A RETIRED barrister who escaped the oppressive regime of Malawi and now lives in Bolton has written a book about her homeland.
Rosemary Argente wants to educate people about the African nation, its history and cultures.
She is hoping recent interest in the country, sparked by the adoption of Malawian children by pop star, Madonna, will increase the appeal of her book.
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The book, Always With You - A Malawi Legacy, has just been self-published by Ms Argente.
The 78-year-old, a member of the African Community Association of Bolton, said: "Forty years ago my mother suggested I publish a book of my family. Her words were my inspiration.
"It took me two years to research and write and I would describe this book as a history of the country told through people - members of my family."
The mother-of-one moved to England 28 years ago at the age of 50, she has been living in Bolton for the past nine years, having settled in the Tonge Moor area.
She said: "The main reason I left the country was because of the oppressive nature of the regime and there was no freedom of speech. But the culture and customs I encountered while I was there have remained with me and I wanted to write this book, using my family, to tell the story of the country."
Ms Argente's research took her back to 1761.
"The history of the country is told through seven woman and one man. It is told in their words from me speaking to elder members of my family and through notes dating back to 1761.
"Through my research I found a lot of interesting facts from the changes before and after the Europeans came to the country, to modern-day politics. The book explores slavery, colonisation, clans and so much about the Malawi way of life."
"I also found out that some of my family clan were involved in helping the Arabs in the slave trade, that is one skeleton in the family cupboard."
The author - who has written two other books; Moments of the Occasion and Katherine of The Wheel - will be staging a book launch and signing in the Victoria Hall, Walker's Suite in Knowsley Street, Bolton, between 11am and 3pm on Friday.
Rosemary Argente wants to educate people about the African nation, its history and cultures.
She is hoping recent interest in the country, sparked by the adoption of Malawian children by pop star, Madonna, will increase the appeal of her book.
advertisement
The book, Always With You - A Malawi Legacy, has just been self-published by Ms Argente.
The 78-year-old, a member of the African Community Association of Bolton, said: "Forty years ago my mother suggested I publish a book of my family. Her words were my inspiration.
"It took me two years to research and write and I would describe this book as a history of the country told through people - members of my family."
The mother-of-one moved to England 28 years ago at the age of 50, she has been living in Bolton for the past nine years, having settled in the Tonge Moor area.
She said: "The main reason I left the country was because of the oppressive nature of the regime and there was no freedom of speech. But the culture and customs I encountered while I was there have remained with me and I wanted to write this book, using my family, to tell the story of the country."
Ms Argente's research took her back to 1761.
"The history of the country is told through seven woman and one man. It is told in their words from me speaking to elder members of my family and through notes dating back to 1761.
"Through my research I found a lot of interesting facts from the changes before and after the Europeans came to the country, to modern-day politics. The book explores slavery, colonisation, clans and so much about the Malawi way of life."
"I also found out that some of my family clan were involved in helping the Arabs in the slave trade, that is one skeleton in the family cupboard."
The author - who has written two other books; Moments of the Occasion and Katherine of The Wheel - will be staging a book launch and signing in the Victoria Hall, Walker's Suite in Knowsley Street, Bolton, between 11am and 3pm on Friday.
Malawi police investigating coup plot visit home of former president, turned away by guards
The investigation into an alleged coup plot in Malawi has reached the home of the former president, police said.
An aide to former President Bakili Muluzi said his guards did not allow the police in late Wednesday because Muluzi was out of the country. Muluzi is in Britain, planning to return next week.
Police spokesman Willy Mwaluka called the visit a "normal operation" as part of investigations into the alleged coup plot. He would not elaborate.
Officials have not directly implicated Muluzi. But in raids earlier this week, former security and political leaders who served under him were arrested, and the government said they wanted to overthrow the government.
The arrests were the latest twist in a long-running power struggle in the southern African nation between President Bingu wa Mutharika and his predecessor, Muluzi.
The two men used to be close allies and belonged to the same party. Mutharika dumped the party nine months after he was elected president in 2004, accusing his former colleagues of trying to block anti-corruption and economic modernization drives. During his tenure he has won praise from Western donors for his economic policies and helped revitalize all-important rural farms.
Muluzi, the opposition's candidate for a presidential election scheduled for next May, has vowed to remove Mutharika from power "for being ungrateful."
Over the weekend, the president accused Muluzi of plotting to topple his government by removing lawmakers who support him. The opposition-dominated parliament is refusing to debate any government bills unless the speaker expels more than 70 lawmakers who defected to join Mutharika's new party.
Humphrey Mvula, a top Muluzi aide, told The Associated Press that the police officers at the former president's home Wednesday said they wanted to remove guns. He said all the weapons at the home were issued by the police "to protect Dr. Muluzi as a former head of state."
Hophmally Makande, another Muluzi aide, said the police and Muluzi's guards were in a tense standoff, and scores of Muluzi supporters gathered, booing the police. Makande said the police left after he called the police inspector general, but took some of Muluzi's guards with them.
Muluzi, speaking on his private Joy Radio Wednesday, said he was planning to come back to Malawi on May 25, "treason or no treason."
An aide to former President Bakili Muluzi said his guards did not allow the police in late Wednesday because Muluzi was out of the country. Muluzi is in Britain, planning to return next week.
Police spokesman Willy Mwaluka called the visit a "normal operation" as part of investigations into the alleged coup plot. He would not elaborate.
Officials have not directly implicated Muluzi. But in raids earlier this week, former security and political leaders who served under him were arrested, and the government said they wanted to overthrow the government.
The arrests were the latest twist in a long-running power struggle in the southern African nation between President Bingu wa Mutharika and his predecessor, Muluzi.
The two men used to be close allies and belonged to the same party. Mutharika dumped the party nine months after he was elected president in 2004, accusing his former colleagues of trying to block anti-corruption and economic modernization drives. During his tenure he has won praise from Western donors for his economic policies and helped revitalize all-important rural farms.
Muluzi, the opposition's candidate for a presidential election scheduled for next May, has vowed to remove Mutharika from power "for being ungrateful."
Over the weekend, the president accused Muluzi of plotting to topple his government by removing lawmakers who support him. The opposition-dominated parliament is refusing to debate any government bills unless the speaker expels more than 70 lawmakers who defected to join Mutharika's new party.
Humphrey Mvula, a top Muluzi aide, told The Associated Press that the police officers at the former president's home Wednesday said they wanted to remove guns. He said all the weapons at the home were issued by the police "to protect Dr. Muluzi as a former head of state."
Hophmally Makande, another Muluzi aide, said the police and Muluzi's guards were in a tense standoff, and scores of Muluzi supporters gathered, booing the police. Makande said the police left after he called the police inspector general, but took some of Muluzi's guards with them.
Muluzi, speaking on his private Joy Radio Wednesday, said he was planning to come back to Malawi on May 25, "treason or no treason."
Turmoil as tobacco prices fluctuate in Malawi
Malawi’s tobacco industry has been in turmoil after wildly fluctuating prices led protesting farmers to force the closure of the auction floors. This year’s tobacco sales started on a very high note with prices reaching the phenomenal price of $11 per kilogram. The high prices did not last, however.
The tobacco auction floors opened in Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe in March with a kilogram of tobacco fetching between $6 and $11. This gave hope to farmers who have struggled to make any profit from the trade over the last few years.
Malawi’s cancellation of subsidies for tobacco production a number of years ago has meant that farmers have to cover the full cost of production.
It costs the average tobacco farmer $1 to produce one kilogram of the crop, according to Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture. But for many years, prices moved between 70 and 90 cents per kilogram.
This placed the heavy burden of perpetual debt on farmers as they failed to settle loans to purchase farm inputs. Most farmers cut production and others diversified to different economic activities.
Then the unexpected hike in prices happened. Godwin Ludzu, a farmer from Malawi’s central district of Kasungu, was among the lucky ones who sold up to 30 bales of tobacco at $10 per kilogram on the first day of trading. He was ecstatic about the profits he made.
"The price was very good. I will be able to settle all the loans I incurred in producing the tobacco," said Ludzu. He has been growing tobacco for six years. The auction prices this year are the best he has ever come across.
However, the exceptional prices did not last. On the second day, the flicker of hope died. Prices have since fluctuated, with the value of the leaf dropping to between $2,30 and 60 cents for the same quality crop.
The statutory Tobacco Control Commission’s (TCC) general manager Godfrey Chapola confirmed that prices started off high because of a tobacco shortage on the global market. He said that that some countries which grow tobacco have stopped while others have reduced production levels, causing consumption to be higher than supply.
The fluctuation in prices has affected farmers badly. Champhira Gondwe, a farmer from the northern district of Rumphi, went to the Mzuzu auction floors in the north of Malawi. He could not sell any of his produce because he found that the tobacco prices were set very low.
"They were being pegged at the maximum price of $2,30. I couldn’t let my hard-earned produce go at such a low price when our counterparts in Lilongwe sold their tobacco at $10," said Gondwe.
The Mzuzu floors were closed on April 14 after violence broke out between the farmers and the guards at the market. The farmers physically blocked the buyers from continuing with sales. The TCC then suspended the sales.
The farmers were not ready to let go of their demand for higher prices after hearing about the worldwide shortage of tobacco.
Sales of tobacco were suspended on all four auction floors in April but the floors reopened again in the last week of April.
President Bingu wa Mutharika, himself a tobacco farmer, has previously accused buyers of fixing prices but the buying companies -- from the United States and Switzerland -- have denied the allegations.
The Southern African country is a major tobacco exporter, accounting for 5% of the world's total exports and 2% of total production on the planet. In terms of burley tobacco, Malawi produces about 20% of the global total, according to the World Bank.
The country derives up to 70% of its foreign exchange earnings from agricultural crops, and the tobacco industry makes up 15% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). About two million of the country's 13-million people depend on tobacco and related industries for their source of livelihood.
The tobacco auction floors opened in Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe in March with a kilogram of tobacco fetching between $6 and $11. This gave hope to farmers who have struggled to make any profit from the trade over the last few years.
Malawi’s cancellation of subsidies for tobacco production a number of years ago has meant that farmers have to cover the full cost of production.
It costs the average tobacco farmer $1 to produce one kilogram of the crop, according to Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture. But for many years, prices moved between 70 and 90 cents per kilogram.
This placed the heavy burden of perpetual debt on farmers as they failed to settle loans to purchase farm inputs. Most farmers cut production and others diversified to different economic activities.
Then the unexpected hike in prices happened. Godwin Ludzu, a farmer from Malawi’s central district of Kasungu, was among the lucky ones who sold up to 30 bales of tobacco at $10 per kilogram on the first day of trading. He was ecstatic about the profits he made.
"The price was very good. I will be able to settle all the loans I incurred in producing the tobacco," said Ludzu. He has been growing tobacco for six years. The auction prices this year are the best he has ever come across.
However, the exceptional prices did not last. On the second day, the flicker of hope died. Prices have since fluctuated, with the value of the leaf dropping to between $2,30 and 60 cents for the same quality crop.
The statutory Tobacco Control Commission’s (TCC) general manager Godfrey Chapola confirmed that prices started off high because of a tobacco shortage on the global market. He said that that some countries which grow tobacco have stopped while others have reduced production levels, causing consumption to be higher than supply.
The fluctuation in prices has affected farmers badly. Champhira Gondwe, a farmer from the northern district of Rumphi, went to the Mzuzu auction floors in the north of Malawi. He could not sell any of his produce because he found that the tobacco prices were set very low.
"They were being pegged at the maximum price of $2,30. I couldn’t let my hard-earned produce go at such a low price when our counterparts in Lilongwe sold their tobacco at $10," said Gondwe.
The Mzuzu floors were closed on April 14 after violence broke out between the farmers and the guards at the market. The farmers physically blocked the buyers from continuing with sales. The TCC then suspended the sales.
The farmers were not ready to let go of their demand for higher prices after hearing about the worldwide shortage of tobacco.
Sales of tobacco were suspended on all four auction floors in April but the floors reopened again in the last week of April.
President Bingu wa Mutharika, himself a tobacco farmer, has previously accused buyers of fixing prices but the buying companies -- from the United States and Switzerland -- have denied the allegations.
The Southern African country is a major tobacco exporter, accounting for 5% of the world's total exports and 2% of total production on the planet. In terms of burley tobacco, Malawi produces about 20% of the global total, according to the World Bank.
The country derives up to 70% of its foreign exchange earnings from agricultural crops, and the tobacco industry makes up 15% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). About two million of the country's 13-million people depend on tobacco and related industries for their source of livelihood.
What To On Your Holidays In Malawi
Commonly known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi has something to offer to all of its guests. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful countries in Africa, it is well-known among those who seek adventure, eco-tourism and leisure while holidaying.
The scenery of Malawi is diverse and elegant and the people of the country are extremely friendly with the tourists. The national parks, mountain hiking, game reserves and plateau trekking will be highly appreciated by those who love to be in the midst of nature.
Malawi is a favourite among tourists owing to its unbelievable scenery, great openings that it offers for trekking and hiking in the national parks and an opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa in its various game reserves.
The city of Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is well-renowned for the Old Town. It is home to quaint cafes, market stalls, restaurants and New City which is home to decorative shops and offices. The city is nestled in the Central African Mountains, plateau and hills, providing breath-taking panoramic views for the visitors.
The Lilongwe Nature Reserve is built in the area between the old and the new town in order to provide the visitors with an insight into what the area would have been like, before the beginning of the city construction. It is a sanctuary, not a city zoo, and people have to be as alert as in a forest, you may encounter a leopard or a hyena much to your shock.
Several small animals such as porcupine, serval, bushbabies, civet and squirrels and some larger animals such as bushbuck, bushpig and duicker can usually be spotted here. Around 165 km north of the city lies Kasungu National Park and 115 km north-east of the city lies the Nkhotokota Game Reserve.
Livingstonia Mission is one of the main tourist attractions located in the northern lakeshore region. It is situated in Khondowe, a small village, situated on the top of west Rift Valley. The scenery is spell-bounding, and the Manchewe Waterfall surrounded by the lush rain forest is the highest in Malawi.
Lake Malawi also known as Livingstone’s Lake or Lake Nyassa, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malawi. It is the most southern lake situated in the Great Africa Rift Valley and is about 560 km long and has a total area of about 30,000km. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and is a subject of dispute between Tanzania and Malawi.
The lake has the greatest number of indigenous fish species, more than any other lake in the world, thus making it popular among snorkellers and scuba divers. The beautiful blue waters and golden sandy beaches of the lake give retreat to those in need of a rest and a little relaxation. Kayaking, wind-sailing, water skiing and canoeing are water sports that are available for people who seek some fun and excitement.
Mulanje is a premier rock climbing and hiking destination which offers some of the most spectacular scenic beauties in the country. It rises up to a height of 3000 meters, the highest peak being the Sapitwa. It has an impressive waterfall, deep gorges and trout streams are seen in the midway, while tea plantations add to its beauty in the lush foothills.
The Zomba plateau is situated 900 meters above the Zomba city and is covered by verdant grasslands and evergreen forests. It inhabits blue monkeys, epiphytic orchids and rare montane forest birds. The Mulunguzi Dam is ideal for fishing and hiking, and the botanical gardens and the traditional market of Africa are the major points of interest in the Zomba city.
The scenery of Malawi is diverse and elegant and the people of the country are extremely friendly with the tourists. The national parks, mountain hiking, game reserves and plateau trekking will be highly appreciated by those who love to be in the midst of nature.
Malawi is a favourite among tourists owing to its unbelievable scenery, great openings that it offers for trekking and hiking in the national parks and an opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa in its various game reserves.
The city of Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is well-renowned for the Old Town. It is home to quaint cafes, market stalls, restaurants and New City which is home to decorative shops and offices. The city is nestled in the Central African Mountains, plateau and hills, providing breath-taking panoramic views for the visitors.
The Lilongwe Nature Reserve is built in the area between the old and the new town in order to provide the visitors with an insight into what the area would have been like, before the beginning of the city construction. It is a sanctuary, not a city zoo, and people have to be as alert as in a forest, you may encounter a leopard or a hyena much to your shock.
Several small animals such as porcupine, serval, bushbabies, civet and squirrels and some larger animals such as bushbuck, bushpig and duicker can usually be spotted here. Around 165 km north of the city lies Kasungu National Park and 115 km north-east of the city lies the Nkhotokota Game Reserve.
Livingstonia Mission is one of the main tourist attractions located in the northern lakeshore region. It is situated in Khondowe, a small village, situated on the top of west Rift Valley. The scenery is spell-bounding, and the Manchewe Waterfall surrounded by the lush rain forest is the highest in Malawi.
Lake Malawi also known as Livingstone’s Lake or Lake Nyassa, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malawi. It is the most southern lake situated in the Great Africa Rift Valley and is about 560 km long and has a total area of about 30,000km. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and is a subject of dispute between Tanzania and Malawi.
The lake has the greatest number of indigenous fish species, more than any other lake in the world, thus making it popular among snorkellers and scuba divers. The beautiful blue waters and golden sandy beaches of the lake give retreat to those in need of a rest and a little relaxation. Kayaking, wind-sailing, water skiing and canoeing are water sports that are available for people who seek some fun and excitement.
Mulanje is a premier rock climbing and hiking destination which offers some of the most spectacular scenic beauties in the country. It rises up to a height of 3000 meters, the highest peak being the Sapitwa. It has an impressive waterfall, deep gorges and trout streams are seen in the midway, while tea plantations add to its beauty in the lush foothills.
The Zomba plateau is situated 900 meters above the Zomba city and is covered by verdant grasslands and evergreen forests. It inhabits blue monkeys, epiphytic orchids and rare montane forest birds. The Mulunguzi Dam is ideal for fishing and hiking, and the botanical gardens and the traditional market of Africa are the major points of interest in the Zomba city.
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