The Apostolic Nuncio with Malawi bishops and other dignitaries, celebrating a key milestone
The Catholic Church in Malawi has on 22 September 2025, marked a significant milestone with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Apostolic Nunciature in Lilongwe.
The historic ceremony was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, and attended by a host of dignitaries.
Archbishop Gian Luca Perici unveils the commemorative pillar
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, described the event as a key step in establishing a permanent base for the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in the country.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony
In his remarks, his Lordship revealed that the project had been delayed for years due to financial issues and uncertainty from the Holy See regarding the need for a dedicated representative in Malawi.
Bishop Mtumbuka speaks on the significance of the new Nunciature as a new chapter for the Catholic faithful in the country
Bishop Mtumbuka expressed profound gratitude to Pope Francis for authorizing and approving the project. He also thanked previous apostolic nuncios, the Government of Malawi for donating the plot of land decades ago, and all the parishioners and faithful who were present.
“May God bless this project; may God bless the Catholic Church in Malawi and God bless our country,” he prayed.
Adding a government perspective, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mwayiwawo Polepole, stated his excitement, emphasizing that the new Nunciature would “cement” diplomatic relations between Malawi and the Holy See.
Representing the government, Mwayiwawo Polepole of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks on the strengthening diplomatic ties between Malawi and the Holy See
He noted that having a resident representative would ensure Malawi “will always be in their mind.”
Polepole highlighted the significance of the event, given that the land was granted to the Holy See over 50 years ago, and expressed enthusiasm that Malawi would no longer be accredited from another country in the region.
Building a new chapter for the Church in Malawi. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony
Representing the construction team, Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction Limited, assured the public that the project would be completed in under two years.
Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction, shares details on the project’s timeline and commitment to eco-friendly practices
He also committed to an eco-friendly approach, stating that an environmental study had been conducted to ensure the preservation of indigenous trees on the site. According to Da Costa, the client’s instructions were to save all possible trees, and the materials used for construction will also be eco-friendly.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, lays a symbolic brick for the new Nunciature
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Archbishop George Desmond Tambala (Lilongwe) at the ceremony
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony
The Girls Shine Foundation has today, 12th September 2025, awarded certificates to students who have completed vocational training in computer studies, tailoring and design, and welding as one way of empowering the youth.
The ceremony, held at Mtandire in Lilongwe, marks the completion of a short course designed to provide practical, marketable skills to young girls from various educational backgrounds.
One of the certified trainees, Naomi Sankhani, expressed her gratitude to the foundation, stating the course has given her a foundational knowledge of electronic devices like laptops and printers.
Aspiring to become a journalist, Sankhani believes these skills are essential for her future career.
Mr Chikafa gives a certificate to Naomi after completing her computer training
She has however urged her peers to work hard, emphasizing that the foundation supports those who show potential.
The acting coordinator for the Girls Shine Foundation, Divason Satha explained that the vocational training serves as a preventative measure against common societal challenges such as early marriages, pregnancies, and school dropouts.
Satha shared success stories of girls who, after participating in the program, were re-enrolled in school with the foundation’s help.
Mr Satha awarding a certificate to a trainee
Despite facing financial constraints that limit the foundation’s ability to reach girls in distant areas, Satha remains determined.
“What I want is just for them to be protected against all challenges,” Satha said, reiterating his belief that education is the key to creating lasting change for girls in Malawi.
He noted that the Ministry of Education has granted them authorization to work in schools, a key step in expanding their reach.
Mr Satha and Mr Chikafa poses with Naomi for a certificate receipt
In his remarks, George Chikafa, a computer teacher from the partner institution Edit Center Computer Training, praised the students’ dedication and expressed confidence that the skills acquired will contribute to Malawi’s development.
“We are living in the world of information technology. This country needs to be changed,” he said.
The teachers in all sides posses with the trainees
The beneficiaries of Girl Shine Foundation
The initiative targets students who are currently in primary and junior secondary school, and those who have completed their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) with an aim of bridging the gap between academic education and practical skills, preparing young women for both further studies and the workforce.
Following the successful launch of the Tiwale Limodzi Foundation, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe‘s commitment to assisting marginalized communities was strongly reaffirmed in an interview with the Auxiliary Bishop, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa.
Peter Dumayo from Radio Alinafe Official , under the archdiocese’s Communications Department, spoke with Bishop Mwakhwawa about the significance of this new initiative.
Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed immense joy and excitement at the foundation’s establishment, calling it a “tool, a vehicle, a ministry” designed to “raise resources from well-wishers, people who have the heart to share, people who want to bring a change to people’s lives, people who want to do charity.”
His Lordship emphasized that the foundation will collect these resources and distribute them to those in need, while also supporting existing departments and commissions within the archdiocese, such as health, education, and justice and peace initiatives.
When Peter asked him about the archdiocese’s commitment to the marginalized, Bishop Mwakhwawa stated that the Archdiocese “is committed, that’s why we have created this foundation.”
He explained that the foundation provides an “organized way of doing our charity work,” moving from commissions working independently to a unified approach. “For us to reach out to those who are in need and be able to do development and change people’s lives, we need to be organized ourselves,” he added.
The bishop also revealed that the foundation is a direct response to insights gathered during the recent Synod of Lilongwe process (2020-2023), where communities extensively discussed their struggles.
“People in Miphakati, in the Small Christian Communities, were discussing, they told us stories about how some people in the Small Christian Communities are struggling with life, and we cannot just sit quiet. We need to respond to this,” he explained.
Bishop Mwakhwawa highlighted the need for a more effective way to mobilize resources, as existing commissions, while active, sometimes operated independently.
“This foundation is like a mother who will be looking for resources and be able to implement and give it to the communities to support them,” he said.
Crucially, Bishop Mwakhwawa also addressed the issue of trust among potential donors.
“We also know people want credible organizations to get their money, to receive their money,” he noted. “Many Malawians want to support, but they don’t know which credible organizations to trust. So, this foundation is one of the trusted ways. It’s founded by the Catholic Church, but it’s run by professionals.”
The Tiwale Limodzi Foundation is set to become a central pillar of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s social outreach, aiming to bring organized, impactful, and trustworthy support to those most in need.
The Catholic Church in Malawi has today, 28th June 2025, hosted a highly anticipated “Special Tea with Archbishop,” fundraising event which has successfully rallied support for the nation’s very first National Children’s Congress, set to take place from July 30th to August 4th, 2025, at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
The event, organized by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), through the Pontifical Mission Societies, highlighted the Church’s renewed focus on its youngest members.
Speaking after the event, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala explained that bishops, recognizing the Church’s growth among children, decided it was time to prioritize them.
Archbishop Tambala has interestingly said that the idea for a children’s congress didn’t just come from the top, but it was a plea from the children themselves.
His Grace shared that children across various parishes and dioceses had specifically asked for their own time to pray and reflect on their faith and that the congress is the Church’s direct answer to this “cry and request,” and it’s just the beginning of many more such events to come.
Archbishop Tambala being welcomed by the Secretary General of MCCB, Rev. Fr. Valeriano Mtseka
Archbishop Tambala also issued a heartfelt appeal to parents to accompany the children and urging them to attend, emphasizing that children want to express their faith in front of their parents and church leaders which he stressed, would encourage and strengthen the children in their faith.
“Come in your numbers, big numbers and accompany the children,” Archbishop Tambala implored.
In his remarks, the Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi, Father Peter Madeya, underscored the financial need for the congress.
“For this Congress to take place we need resources,” he stated, urging parents to provide financial support to make the July event a reality.
Fr. Madeya addressing the gathering
He has highlighted that the congress is vital for strengthening children’s faith, preparing them to “defend the Church and also can defend the society.”
The funds raised today at Maula Cathedral are essential as they’ll cover the logistics for the Children’s Congress, which will teach participants about faith, values, and critical issues like human trafficking and cyberbullying.
A three-year agricultural project, spearheaded by OXFAM in collaboration with partners CADECOM and CICOD, Catholic Development Commission and Circle for Integrated Community Development respectively, has significantly transformed the lives of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, in Kasungu district.
The “Enhancing Access to Profitable and Inclusive Agriculture Markets for Small Holder Farmers in Kasungu District Project” has left behind a powerful legacy of increased yields, enhanced market access, and profound economic empowerment.
Evelyn Phonela, from the Chilinkhunda cooperative, says that the project has helped her become independent as they are now able to save and access markets more easily.
Evelyn Phonela making a presentation on how the project has helped her cooperative
Evelyn has highlighted how the program empowered women with gender awareness training, enabling them to “stand up strong just like men do.”
She has proudly recounted purchasing a motorbike, a direct benefit from her increased earnings, and lauded the introduction of village banking, which has improved financial literacy and access to loans.
Alfred Banda and Evelyn Phonela
Alfred Banda, ADC Chairperson and a young farmer from Santhe EPA, explained how the initiative empowered young people to collaborate with successful agriculturalists.
Alfred says that the provision of warehouses through the project, has allowed them (farmers) to store produce and seek better markets for value-added goods.
Alfred Banda explains how the youth have been helped in Agricultural business
He has noted how farming, previously seen as less stable, now provides vital income for school fees and other essentials for youth.
“The project has also equipped us with skills, and this will remain with us forever,” Alfred affirmed.
In her remarks, Director of Agriculture Environmental and Natural Resources in Kasungu district, Evelyn Chima, has emphasized the project’s enduring influence despite its conclusion.
“We don’t believe that it has come to an end, because the activities which they have been supporting the farmers are living,” Chima stated, referring to the lasting knowledge, improved techniques, and crucial infrastructure now in the hands of the farmers.
DAECC Exit Meeting in Progress in Kasungu on 25 July 2025
On the other hand, Madalitso Chilalire, the Acting Secretary for CADECOM, confirmed the project’s success in meeting its objectives, including the significant achievement of advocating for the Cooperatives Act, now approved by the cabinet.
He believes that this policy change will simplify cooperative registration and improve access to formal markets by empowering district councils.
The funding for this impactful initiative was generously provided by the Government of Flanders.
Communities affected by floods, particularly those at St. Barnabas – Dwangwa Parish, are now cultivating a more secure and sustainable future with a comprehensive support and training provided by the Catholic Development Commission of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe (CADECOM), in partnership with Missio Austria.
Launched in December 2024 at the request of Archbishop George Tambala, the project initially delivered emergency food aid before evolving into a powerful initiative focused on agroecological training, seed provision, and long-term food security.
In his remarks, the beneficiary farmer, Esau Banda says the change has been truly transformative.
“Previously, we lacked the knowledge needed to succeed in farming. Now, with the training we’ve received, we’re confident we’ll begin to harvest bumper yields,” Banda shared.
On the farm, Esau and Lucia connect over the project’s impact
He attributes this confidence to lessons on crop diversification by saying that “going forward, each harvest will produce more because we’re growing a mix of crops. For instance, alongside maize, we now grow soya, beans, and tomatoes. This approach not only increases our income but also strengthens our food security. These farming techniques are now a permanent part of our lives.”
Banda also underscored his commitment to sharing this newfound knowledge with others who weren’t part of the training, so they can also benefit from the innovations.
He then recalled receiving initial relief support which included 50 kilograms of maize, 5 kilograms of beans, and 2 liters of cooking oil which “helped us survive the crisis.”
One of beneficiary carrying Cooking Oil and other Relief items during the launch of the project
Relief items during the Launch of Integrated Response and Resilience Project at Dwangwa Parish
Additionally, Esau Banda confirmed that they are now able to grow cassava and sweet potatoes as part of their strategy to support their households, “something we learned through CADECOM’s training.”
Another farmer, Towera Mwasinga echoed stories of resilience and empowerment.
Towera explaining what she experienced before and after the coming in of the project
“Before this training, we didn’t know how to make organic manure. Now, we do—and we’re certain it will boost our harvests,” she stated, noting that expensive inorganic fertilizer was often out of reach.
Another participant, Josephy, highlighted the practical improvements gained when CADECOM took him to a training where he was taught about the importance of crop diversification, soil and water conservation and how these make his household resilient to climatic shocks.
“As a result, I began planting bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, and started a vegetable garden. CADECOM even provided us with the planting materials,” he said.
Josephy highlighting the people on the improvements he gained through the project
In addition to that, Josephy has also praised the guidance for his banana plantation as “before their training, I had already planted bananas, but their guidance taught me how to properly care for and improve productivity. For example, I now ensure no more than four suckers grow from each banana plant so there’s enough space for better yields. I also maintain a small vegetable garden, which provides the household with fresh vegetables without having to spend money at the market.”
Josephy at his Banana plantation with Lucy Bayer from Missio and other visitors
Another farmer, Kumwenda reinforced the benefits of adopting sustainable practices at which they were also encouraged to grow local crop varieties as they are more resilient to drought and other farming challenges.
He also detailed their newfound ability to create homemade pesticides: “We were taught how to prepare homemade pesticides using local materials instead of buying from stores. The recipe includes water, soap, hot chili, and a tree known as Katupe. You can also add aloe vera or any other bitter trees. The ingridients are chopped and ground then, mixid with water, the mixture is then left to dissolve for thirty minutes before it is applied to crops. This knowledge has helped us save money.”
Kumwenda sharing process of making pesticides using locally available resources
The community’s journey was not without significant challenges. As a beneficiary recalled of the flood experience: “When the floods hit, we were forced to evacuate our homes and seek shelter at a nearby school, then relocated to a camp, where we stayed for about six weeks… Later, we established temporary shelters and brought our families back.” Despite returning, fear lingered: “Even after returning, we were constantly afraid of what might happen next, especially whenever we saw dark clouds. We are deeply grateful to CADECOM for their support and pray for blessings upon them. We hope they continue extending this kind of help to others as well.”
CADECOM Acting Secretary Madalitso Chilalire, speaking during a site visit with Missio Austria, reiterated that the project’s heart lies in agroecology.
“So, we are trying to work on the mindset of the people that they can have other food likesweet potato, cassava, fruits, like bananas that they can also use as carbohydratesas food to their households so that they should not only rely on maize which is nowadays becomingdifficult to grow.So that is what we are doing in Madisi (Dowa) and in Nkhotakota and so far so good, the farmersare adopting.”
Chilalire (R) sharing ideas with Lucia during the project visit in Nkhotakota district, Malawi
He added that CADECOM is now considering adding savings and loan initiatives to help farmers reinvest earnings and strengthen financial independence, believing that “the success we’ve seen so far can grow even further with the right support.”
Chilalire and the team checking in with a beneficiary to see how CADECOM’s training is being put into practice at home
Lucia Bayer, representing Missio Austria, lauded the project’s comprehensive model as it is not just food relief but a long-term resilience.
Bayer has since emphasized the encouraging results that show farmers are well-prepared to build a better future.
“With proper training, seeds, and the possibility of savings programs, these communities are laying the foundation for a better future,” she said.
On the farm with Lucia Bayer of Missio Austria, gathering insights into the agricultural progress
She concluded by stating, “I would assume this is just the starting point and it can grow, because when they learn how to go about the money, how to save and invest, and they will have the possibility to take a loan within the village bank, I believe that is the way for them to go, because then they will experience even a greater empowerment.”
Lucia Bayer (L), a beneficiary farmer (C), and the Archdiocesan Director of Social Services, Brian Odhiambo (R) pose for a photo
The project, active in both Madisi Parish (Dowa) and St. Barnabas Parish (Nkhotakota), has become a beacon of sustainable recovery, led by the very people it was meant to support.
