Ten European Investors Coming To Malawi Looking For Invesment Opportunities

Ten European companies visiting Malawi to explore investment opportunities available in the country

The Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) says the team of Seventeen delegates is in a reciprocal mission to verify investment opportunities that were discussed with Malawi delegation in London between 21t and 23rd of July this year.

Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamveka who led Malawi delegation to UK and held bilateral investment meetings with 25 European investors, asked them to come to Malawi. The visit was a pre-conference exercise ahead of Global African Investment Summit to be held in London on 1st and 2nd December 2015 where Malawi President is expected to attend.

Kumbemba

Chief Executive Officer for MITC Clement Kumbemba said the 10 companies who were among the 25 companies are keen to explore and to see for themselves of the enormous opportunities that the country told them while in UK.

Kumbemba said some of the companies to form part of the delegation are interested in energy, infrastructure, tourism, financial sector among others

“There is a construction company called Dawnus, which is interested in Finance and construct infrastructure projects, to a valued of US$80 million. There is also Aggreko Company that specializes in the provision of off-grid interim supply of electricity from either gas or diesel

Mott Macdonald a global management, engineering and development consultancy company that adds value for private and public clients. It mostly undertakes feasibility studies for both public and private projects leading to bankable feasibility studies” said Kumbemba

He also mentioned of PW Mining International a British owned company which has a lot of business interests including civil works, mining, property development and airport handling and that there is a company called Well and Able company interested in residential and property management.

He indicated that the delegation visiting Malawi from 31st August to the 4th of September 2015 will meet President Peter Mutharika before meeting sectoral line ministries and other key stakeholders.

“They have to interact with sector specialists so that they can firm their positions before December Summit” said Kumbemba

Kumbemba added that the remaining 15 companies could have come but opted other time and that some would come individually this year possibly at the end of September and October.

The Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) CEO also asked Malawians and local companies to effectively take advantage of the the prevailing economic downward spiral by increasing production, investments and exports.

He noted that the weakening Kwacha and many other current hurdles offer Malawians more opportunities and that if well utilized may result into growth of businesses and the whole economy  and possibly end some of the problems the country is facing.

Chikwawa Customer Wins Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in Be Your Own Bank-Transact&Win Promotion

Thomas Banda from Chikwawa is a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge winner during the second draw of Standard Bank internet banking promotion.

Standard Bank launched 'Be Your Own Bank Transact& Win' promotion for its customers having current account with internet banking option.

"This is a good news" Banda reacted in a telephone call when the bank called him to inform of his win in the promotion.

"This internet banking is helpful especially down here in Chikwawa because it is very convenient" said Banda while encouraging fellow customers to use the internet banking facility

Chirwa (in white shirt)

Speaking in Lilongwe Standard Bank’s Sales and Customer Experience Manager, Frank Chirwa said the competition has received positive response from customers and that the bank is surpassing its target on customers registering for internet banking.

“Our target was 2000 registrations in three months, but we have seen 1700 so far.” said Chirwa

Within the first two weeks of the promotion the bank recorded 400 registered new users

“From these results, we are seeing that people are interested in internet banking transaction, but let’s transact more because there are lots of prizes waiting for customers.”

With a minimum of four transactions every two weeks using internet banking, one stands a chance to win the fortnight's promotion prizes; 15 caps, 15 T-shirts and 5 flash discs and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. 

The promotion Grand prize money is K1 million and K500 thousand for runner-up and third placed winner will walk away home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month's Premium subscription which will be given at the end of promotion in October.

Individuals, Companies Challenged to Explore Minerals In Malawi

Malawi Government has officially launched its Country Wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data with an appeal to interested individuals and companies to show interest and begin exploration of minerals available in the country.

Launching the new survey, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka said the Data is now accessible at a nominal fee and ready for use by interested individuals and companies.

Bright Msaka

“I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to fully utilize this modern data so as to help our Government in its efforts to realize a modern, efficient and effective mining industry in Malawi.”

He strongly affirm that if efficiently utilized, this airborne geophysical data will truly, prove that Malawi is not poor even though the people may be poor.

He assured that his Ministry “will do everything possible to support investors” so that they get the best return on their investment in the sector.

The event which took place in the Capital City, Lilongwe at Peermont Five Star Hotel’s Bingu International Conference Center was fully packed with interested individuals and companies in mining sector.

The Mining Minister told the gathering that the data which replaces the 1984-85 survey, will greatly enhance the mining profile of Malawi at the same time significantly increase knowledge of the geology.

“The geology and hence full mineral potential of this country is poorly understood.” He said “The lack of background geological information to assist in selecting areas for exploration has hindered meaningful mineral exploration in this country. This can only be improved by acquiring more geological data.”

The Country-wide Airborne Geophysical data launched on Thursday was acquired at more closely spaced flight lines and at low height to achieve the maximum detail.

According to the Minister, this will further reduce the high risks involved in discovering mineral resources at the same time stimulate mineral exploration.

Bright Msaka added that the data generated from the airborne survey is also useful for general infrastructure development.

He further highlighted that the airborne geophysical survey is an integral part of initiatives his Ministry is implementing and include:



Reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; Reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; and Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector.



He also said government intends to;


Establish a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department; Establish a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements;



Building capacity in  the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities; and Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits. 

This search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as ‘Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million was spent in acquiring the airborne data from World Bank’s Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million), while European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

UNC Project To Conduct HIV Vaccine Tests in Malawi

Professor Francis Martinson 

After success in conducting Malaria candidate vaccine for children waiting approval from World Health Organization, the UNC Project in Malawi is planning to carry out tests of HIV vaccine.

Professor Francis Martinson the UNC Project Country Director, disclosed that the study only awaits an approval of their application by the National Health Sciences Research Committee.

He said once the committee give a go ahead, tests will be carried out in areas where there is high HIV prevalence and that trials will target close to 20 adults with low risk of HIV.

With all support, Martinson said those participants will be followed up for the rest of their lives to see how the vaccine behaves in their body.

He offered hope that once the results of the study brings out positive result, there is possibility of trying the vaccine to those infected with HIV Virus.

Prof. Martinson made emphasis that this HIV Vaccine study aims at adding force to existing tools for fighting HIV prevalence.

"HIV prevalence remains at 10% for quite some time now, so we need more tools to force down the prevalence. That is why the issue of HIV Vaccine comes in." he said

He explained that the vaccine which is not an infectious agents, once introduced in the normal body will trick the body to produce antibodies that can be ready to fight and kill the virus so that the body does not get infected.

But he urged people to be part of the trial process "Everybody needs to do their portion. You need to be part of the process." Urged Prof. Martinson

"If we test the HIV virus in your country is easy to do a vaccine and the chances that the vaccine will work better in your country are far better than if we go and test those vaccines in another country and bring the results here.

It is always good to participate in some of these things so that you reap the full benefits of the results of these studies" explained Martinson

The UNC Project country director hinted that many SADC region countries where HIV prevalence is very high including South Africa, Botswana and Zambia are also participating in this vaccine.

"In these places people have higher chances of being exposed to HIV virus. The Vaccine is being tested in these areas because they are people who will benefit most with the vaccine."

UNC Project in Malawi was also recently involved in trials for malaria candidate vaccine for children (RTS, S/ Mosquirix) which will soon be recommended by World Health Organisation. The Committee for Medical Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has already made a positive opinion of the vaccine.

Important facts

Prof. Martinson has emphasized that the project will be looking at possibility of testing the HIV Vaccine in a small section of the population to see how it works. And if the vaccine is able to demonstrate that it works adequately, UNC Project will be able to tweak where little inefficiency are and then scale up the vaccination to a bigger group to see really what happens in a population if it’s possible.



He indicated that this vaccine is not an infectious agents. But Said this Vaccine only has part of the virus that causes the body to react and produce antibodies but cannot infect the body. So it will just trick the body to produce antibodies which normally when somebody gets infected those antibodies should be ready to fight the virus which has been introduced and kill them so that that person does not get infected.



The vaccine wants to prevent people from the virus so the people to be vaccinated are those that are not infected so are not taking medications



“We need to try this to someone who is normal first so that once we know the body is reacting right then we can go to somebody who has either been infected depending on type of the vaccine that we will be using, or pre use it to prevent everybody who has not been exposed” explained Prof. Martinson



“May be somewhere along the line when we have seen how it behaves in normal people it may be possible to look to see those people who are already infected and are taking medication if the vaccine is going to be of any use to them also to help them fight the virus.” he said

Two Children Torch Home, Kill 7 Months Old Girl

A seven months old baby girl died in fire that gutted down home in Kasungu district.

The raging inferno is reportedly to have been ignited by her two little siblings playing with the fire when their mom was away, says Police.

Sub Inspector Edna Mzingwitsa, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in Kasungu identified the deceased as Esnart Samson.

Mzingwitsa says while the 7 month old girl was sleeping inside the house her mother left home to draw water but had asked two children aged 4 and 2 who were at that time playing outside the house to keep eye of their sister.  

Sub Inspector Mzingwitsa said the two children began to play with fire which accidentally caught up the grass thatched house.

Mzingwitsa said though neighbors rushed to put-off the fire, found the baby already burned to death

The police officer indicated that the incident that occurred on late hours of Wednesday happened at Jere village, of T/A Wimbe in Kasungu district.

Police have since appealed to the general public that parents should not leave little children alone but with a grown up guardian to avoid such incidents.

Standard Bank Rebrand its Jazz Concert to ‘Blue Mingoli’

Standard Bank's annual music concert 'Joy of Jazz' returns this year with new name 'Blue Mingoli'

Last year, the bank took a break from hosting a main jazz concert, but instead treated its selected customers to a jazz evening with South Africa's contemporary jazz man, Jimmy Dludlu in Lilongwe.

Margaret Kubwalo 

"I am pleased to announce that the main Jazz Concert is back. We have rebranded the concert to "Blue Mingoli" disclosed Margaret Kubwalo-Chaika Standard Bank Head of Personal and Business Banking  

Kubwalo said the rebranding aims to create a relevant platform for the bank's annual jazz concerts while maintaining its objectives of promoting the development of local musicians.

She therefore said Blue Mingoli will maintain legacy where leading Malawian musicians will be invited to share the stage with international artists.

"Under Blue Mingoli, we have created a new platform that resonates with Malawian music lovers, our customers and local musicians

Blue Mingoli will not take away anything from our fans, but rather add icing to a delicious cake." Added Kubwalo

Kubwalo said Blue Mingoli highlights the power of relevant connections that the Standard Bank brand has with its customers who are lovers of music. 

This year's Blue Mingoli concert is scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on October 24, 2015.

"We have cast the net wider in terms of the caliber of the international artist we will invite." Said Kubwalo but indicated that the Bank will reveal the identity of the artists soon 

Ahead of the concert, Standard Bank has lined up a series of pre-concert shows at popular entertainment joints in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

In 2012, Standard bank brought South Africa's award-winning artist, Zahara, the following year, the bank invited US Grammy-Award winning jazz master, Earl Klugh.

Malawi Anticipate Booming Mining Sector After Positive Survey Results

The Malawi Government has expressed optimism that the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data will propel government plans of diversifying the economy.

Data obtained from the survey conducted between September 2013 and August 2014 which involved radiometric and gravity methods has been launched on Thursday in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Results from the survey, shows that there are mineral deposits across the country but Geological Survey Department is yet to interpret and conduct ground follow-up for the whole data set. However interested individuals and companies can still access the data and conduct their own interpretation and ground follow-ups based on their interest.

Hon Bright Msaka 

Speaking when launching the results, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka, said the results from the survey are impressive enough to greatly improve the mining profile of Malawi.

He said this data is likely going to attract more investors and lead to stimulated mineral exploration.

The Minister then said from such intensive explorations, the country will start earning more revenue from the mining sector and possibly end the overdependence on Agriculture sector.

"Malawi's economy has been agro-based since independence, relying a lot on revenue from major cash crops, in particular tobacco. However, various factors including the global anti-smoking lobby, unpredictable and hostile climatic conditions among others, have heavily affected the agricultural sector and subsequently, the country's agrarian-dependent economy" noted the Minister when speaking on sidelines of heavy dependence of agriculture

To further enhance economic diversification and realize sustainable economic growth, Hon Msaka mentioned that Malawi also will implement number of reforms in the mining sector.

He among others said government will introduce number of initiatives including enactment of mining related Acts.

Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann

In his remarks, European Union Head of Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann also noted that the new data marks beginning of development of mining sector as well as economic diversification and broadening of the resource base.

But he stressed that Malawi ought to be more transparent and properly manage resources generated from the sector including contracts and licenses to fully realize potential of the mining sector.

On other hand, Ambassador Gerrmann, hailed Malawi's interest to join Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) saying this is a right direction geared towards more transparency in mining sector.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits.

The search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as 'Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million from World Bank Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million) was spent in acquiring the airborne data while, European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.