President Professor Peter Mutharika has appointed Dr Bright Molande to be Secretary for Foreign Affairs where he will serve under Dr George Chaponda as Minister and political head of the Ministry. This appointment is with immediate effect and Molande will serve in that capacity for three years before he may decide to move on. As Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Molande will be the leading professional in managing Malawi’s diplomatic and international relations. He will be the technical anchor in supporting Dr Chaponda who is now Malawi’s Chief Diplomat and Ambassador at-large for the country. Dr Molande will be leading the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in managing Malawi’s ambassadors across the world, promoting Malawi’s interests and global visibility, championing economic diplomacy, and being the coordinating point of the diplomatic community in Malawi. Bright Molande is a respected literary scholar, a published poet with two books to his name and a successful professional speech writer. Molande is speculated to be behind some of President Mutharika’s best speeches, including Malawi’s speeches once rated the best at the United Nations. This is the man Mutharika has entrusted to be the leading technocrat in marketing the country to the world and asserting Malawi’s place in global in the world. Dr Molande has previously served in government as Executive Assistant for the President, Director of Communication for the President and Director of Information at the Ministry of Information. But Molande returned to the University of Malawi when Mutharika’s government went into opposition in 2020. Before joining government in 2015, Dr Molande served in the University of Malawi as Head of English Department, Dean of Humanities and Vice Principal for Chancellor College, a position which is now renamed as Deputy Vice Chancellor for the University. He was a lecturer in literature until his appointment. Dr Bright Molande is known to be a seriously engaging intellectual but a quiet man with poetic humour.

Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, is in Washington, D.C., United States of America, attending the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Starting this week, the Minister of Finance has been engaging with regional and international financial institutions and development partners to deliberate on Malawi’s immediate priorities, including food security, fertilizer supply, foreign exchange, fuel, and essential medicines. On Wednesday, Honourable Mwanamvekha met Mr. Adriano Ubisso, Executive Director of the World Bank, followed by discussions with other regional and international financial partners, focusing on short-term policy priorities, key development projects, and funding requirements. On Thursday, 16th October, Hon. Mwanamvekha chaired the 30th Statutory Meeting of the Constituency. He later met with the World Bank Country Management Unit and the IMF Executive Director to continue discussions on development support. The day concluded with the Minister and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi attending the World Bank Group Development Committee Ministerial Lunch and Meeting, engaging with development partners on Malawi’s economic priorities. On Friday, 17th October, the Minister and his delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development are scheduled to participate in the IMFC Breakfast and hold a Ministerial Breakfast with the Zambian Minister of Finance. They will also meet the African Director at the IMF and the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury to discuss regional economic issues and collaboration. The day will conclude with engagements with the Rockefeller Foundation and Lazard International Advisory to explore additional development support and investment opportunities. On Saturday, 18th October, the Malawi delegation, led by the Minister of Finance, will meet with the East and Southern African Regional Vice President of the World Bank Group to further discuss regional development priorities and sustained support for Malawi’s economic programmes.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has appointed Former Ambassador Chimango Edward Chirwa as Malawi’s Chief of State Protocol. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malawi to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU). Chirwa holds a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Malawi and Master’s in Business Administration. Meanwhile, Phunziro Jawati has been appointed as Deputy Chief Protocol responsible for the Vice President.

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Richard Luhanga has urged officers in the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to embrace teamwork, performance and discipline, as the cornerstone of effective policing. He made the remarks at National Police Headquarters, at Area 30 in Lilongwe during his maiden Management meeting on October 14, 2025 attended by Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners from all the six policing regions countrywide. The Heads of Branch at National Police Headquarters also participated in the meeting, held under the theme “Dancing to a Leadership Challenge.” Said IGP Luhanga: “As Inspector General, I will serve every officer and every Malawian equally. I am IGP for everybody.” He emphasized that the 2025 General elections are over, and now it is time for the MPS to shift focus from the elections to the delivery of quality service. Touching on operational reforms, the IGP announced that the number of roadblocks across the country will be streamlined to enhance efficiency, reduce public inconvenience, and minimize allegations of corruption. On discipline and uniform, Mr. Luhanga reminded officers that adherence to the uniform policy is not a matter of choice but a standard that reflects the image and integrity of the Malawi Police Service. “Our uniform is our identity”, he said. The IGP further called for proper implementation and monitoring of High Command resolutions to ensure that decisions made at the top translate into action on the ground. To motivate performers, IGP Luhanga announced that MPS will adopt a results-based approach, where rewards and recognition will be tied to measurable achievements. “Performance, discipline, and integrity will be the new yardsticks”, said the IGP. In continuation, he urged the Commissioners to take the message down to all stations and inspire officers under their command. “Together, we can build a Police Service that every Malawian can trust and be proud of”, he concluded.

True to his campaign promise to relocate selected government institutions, president Arthur Peter Mutharika has lived up to his words and has since given time line of three (3) months for relocation process to be completed. The executive Order, which Khulubvi publication has seen, dated 10th October, 2025 and signed by the president, has directed relocation of 3 institutions  from the capital city Lilongwe to the commercial city of Blantyre, and one institution to the old capital city, Zomba. Those that will reallocate to Blantyre are: Malawi Communication Regulatory (Macra), Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), while Malawi Prison Service will relocate to Zomba. Interestingly, some of these institutions have their own buildings in Blantyre and Zomba yet in Lilongwe they are housed in rented buildings, spending millions in rental fees. Government assured the people that it is committed to ensuring effective governance, equitable regional development, and enhances service delivery across the country and realize the need to strategically realign and relocate certain institutions to promote administrative balance and efficiency. During the 2025 election campaign, Mutharika repeated his wish to relocate some government institutions, this message resonated well with his supporters. Commenting on this move, ECAMA president Bertha Chikadza, told one of the local radios that money will be saved as some institutions will now be occupying their own buildings. However, the Ecama president urged the government to consider relocating some institutions to Mzuzu as one way of promoting equity. Another person who expressed his gratitude with the process is Lucky Mbewe one of the social commentators who applauded the president for restoring Blantyre’s administrative recognition and economic life. He said putting all key government institutions in one city can kill business potentials of the rest of the cities. The Malawi leader, has indicated in his executive order no 01 of 2025 that the Chief Secretary shall provide overall coordination and oversight of the relocation process, it concluded.

On October 10, 2025, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, Minister of Finance, Trade, Economic Planning, and Development, met with Her Excellency Lu Xu, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, and His Excellency Jonathan Fischer, American Ambassador, in Lilongwe. During the meeting, Minister Mwanamvekha outlined President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision and plan to address Malawi’s pressing economic challenges, including food scarcity and fuel shortages. He assured the ambassadors of the government’s commitment to combating these issues. In response, Ambassador Lu Xu and Ambassador Fischer pledged their full support for revamping Malawi’s economy, stating, “We congratulate His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika on his comeback and are ready to support you in advancing Malawi’s development agenda and addressing prevailing challenges.

The newly appointed Finance, Economic Planning and Development Minister, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha says ensuring forex availability is key towards rebuilding the fragile and static economy which at the moment is not conducive or attractive for both local and foreign investment. Speaking to local media after taking oath of office on Wednesday afternoon on October 8, 2025 at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, Mwanamveka outlined his economic recovery plan starting with the process of engaging the donor community. To achieve progress , he called for support from all the stakeholders. “As someone who served in this position before, I am going there knowing exactly what I should do and where I must start from” – Hon Mwanamvekha added. He also mentioned maize situation as a key area that needs urgent government attention to save Malawians from hunger. Before joining politics, Hon Joseph Mwanamvekha worked in the banking sector for quite a number of good years which gives him leverage for his appointment. Malawians eyes are on him to see how quickly a rebound can be achieved in the sector of the economy. Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, was appointed by His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi on Sunday 5th October, 2025 as Finance Minister alongside Hon. George Thapatula Chaponda and Hon Alfred Ruwan Gangata who were appointed Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Minister of state respectively have now officially started working after taking oath of office.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is set to attend the inauguration of his successor, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. According to the press statement released by the Ministry of Information and Digitization, Chakwera will be joined by Dr Bakili Muluzi and Dr Joyce Banda. Former Vice Presidents, Dr Michael Usi, Dr Cassim Chilumpha and Khumbo Kachali are also expected to attend. The ceremony follows the landmark win by DPP’s flagbearer Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his running mate Dr Jane Ansah SC during the just concluded elections. The government has also invited the Head of States from SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS, AU, among others to attend the swearing- in ceremony and and the inauguration. The government has also organized public viewing places such as Katoto Freedom Park in Mzuzu, Civo Stadium and in Mangochi at Mangochi stadium for them to witness the momentous occasion. Meanwhile, many Malawians have applauded President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for “breaking the jinks”.

President elect, Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika will be sworn in next Saturday, 4 October, 2025 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, the southern part of Malawi. The announcement was made on Monday 29 September, 2025 by Mutharika’s spokesperson Hon Shadreck Namalomba but did not give more information. President Mutharika who ran on DPP ticket, was confirmed as the winner of September 16, 2025 presidential election by Malawi Electoral Commission on Wednesday 24 September, defeating the incumbent President Lazrus Chakwera Mutharika who won decisively in the first round to avoid a ran off, garnered 3 million votes translating to 56.8 % while Chakwera received 1,77 million votes (33%).

My fellow Malawians, This morning I have spoken with Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to congratulate him on his victory. I have offered him my full commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. Today, I stand not as a candidate, but as your servant who has carried the privilege and burden of this office for one term. I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me, and I honor the will you have expressed at the ballot box. I know these past years have not been easy. Too many families have struggled under the weight of rising prices. Too many of our citizens have felt the sting of a cost of living that tested their patience and their faith in government. I hear those frustrations, and I accept responsibility for the places where my administration fell short. But I also know this: Malawi is stronger today because of the resilience of her people. In villages and cities, in schools and markets, Malawians have carried on with courage and hope. That spirit is what will carry this nation forward, no matter who leads it. To President-elect Mutharika, I pledge my support as he takes on the responsibility of leading this country we both love. Our differences are real, but the work of nation-building is greater than any rivalry. And to the young people who placed their hopes in me, I say this: do not give up. Public service is not about one man or one election. It is about the ongoing project of democracy, renewed each day by your voices and your actions. My family and I will return to private life with gratitude in our hearts—for the chance to serve, for the lessons we have learned, and above all for the unbreakable spirit of Malawi. May God bless you, and may God bless the Republic of Malawi.

It never rain but pours for president Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party as the high court has thrown out an application the party was seeking to stop the Malawi Electoral Commission from pronouncing winner of September 16 presidential poll. This was a third bid or attempt by the party to block MEC from declaring resuts as the nation awaits with bated breath and great expectations for the incoming administration following 5 waisted years under Chakwera’s rule which saw the country losing all the gains it achieved the previous 3 decades. According to court documents., President Chakwera and Malawi Congress Party were asking the court for a judicial review over MEC’s failure to look into their complaints on alleged irregularities. The behavior of the outgoing president and his party has surprised many people because all the updates the electoral body has been giving, were done in a transparent way with party representatives in attendance ormer president who ruled Malawi from 1994-2004 Dr Bakili Mulanje, on Monday called president Chakwera to concede defeat and let the country move forward to avoid creating unnecessary tension among Malawians Muluzi has followed other leaders of different parties in congratulating the DPP leader, Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika who according to unofficial results, has beaten the incumbent by a big margin, thereby avoiding a rerun. Meanwhile, Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to announce final official results  from BICC in Lilongwe at 19:00 hrs today

In the final analysis, this is what brought down the government of Lazarus Chakwera and the MCP. It has to do with the 50% + 1 rule. In typical Kabwila-like reasoning, they thought as follows: 1. We have our base in the centre, and so all we need is the northern vote. Ignore the south completely, including those Ngoni people from Ntcheu. 2. If there is something the northerners hate and fear the most, it is tribalism. In their calculations, fear and hatred of tribalism by the northerners trumps any other grievances they may have. 3. We don’t have to perform because the northerners will forgive our incompetence and lies because of their fear and hatred of the DPP, whose foundation rests on tribalism. 4. To seal the northern vote, recruit a rabble rouser from that region as running mate whom we can easily trample underfoot after we win. What they got wrong: 1. Those northerners hate tribalism and incompetence in equal measure. 2. Chakwera and the MCP also practised tribalism, and of the worst kind. Tribalism against other tribes and intra-tribalism. The latter is a form of discrimination within the tribe itself. As practised by Chakwera, it took the form of discrimination of fellow Chewa tribesmen based on geographical affinity to Kasiya of the bwalo la nyau to which they belong. In the end: 1. The northerners did not grab the Mumba carrot dangled to them and rejected Chakwera’s brand of tribalism, incompetence, and lies. 2. His fellow Chewa folks disowned him as a lost and misguided child. 3. The southerners just watched him implode in a toxic pile of unenforced errors of judgement.