Malawi's parliament is considering a bill to allow cannabis cultivation to boost foreign exchange earnings, despite opposition from anti-drug advocates. Lawmaker Peter Dimba claims the industry could generate significant revenue. The country has seen declining tobacco profits, prompting a shift towards hemp in 2020, which has not met expectations. Industrial hemp farmers, like Mathews Osman, and Rastafarians, represented by Patrick Galawanda, support the move for economic and spiritual reasons. However, Nelson Zakeyu of Drug Fight Malawi warns of the drug's harmful effects on youth. Government representative Richard Chimwendo Banda emphasizes a cautious approach to protect young people while facilitating economic benefits. The timeline for the bill's vote is uncertain.

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for radio broadcasters in the evolving landscape of in-car media, driven by the integration of diverse media services by big tech companies. Xperi's DTS AutoStage platform is highlighted as a key solution for broadcasters to secure their audio experience in connected cars, offering features like artist images, song lyrics, and real-time analytics. The platform has expanded to include video services and audio driving games, presenting new engagement opportunities for broadcasters. Partnerships with automotive manufacturers like BMW are also noted.

Reporter Lameck Messina interviewed women in Malawi to gather their perspectives on International Women's Day and its significance to them.

The Malawi government, in collaboration with UNICEF and a mobile service provider, has launched the Connect-a-School project to equip public schools in rural Malawi with smart TVs, tablets, and free internet for digital learning. Some schools have reported challenges due to a shortage of gadgets.

The Malawi government, UNICEF, and Airtel Malawi have collaborated on the Connect-a-School project to provide rural schools with smart TVs, tablets, and free internet to foster digital learning. Despite the initiative's success, some schools in Dedza District face challenges due to a shortage of gadgets.

The Malawi government, in collaboration with UNICEF and Airtel Malawi, has launched the Connect-a-School project to promote digital learning in rural areas. The initiative provides public schools with smart TVs, tablets, and free internet, although some schools face challenges due to a shortage of gadgets.

In Malawi, rights activists and religious leaders organized a march calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict. Participants condemned the violence and appealed for peace. The march, led by the Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders, highlighted the killing of innocent people. Religious leaders expressed concerns over the suffering of children and women, and called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be investigated for war crimes. The article also notes the atrocities committed by Hamas fighters in Israel on October 7.

Malawi has achieved its first successful large-scale wheat harvest, marking a significant milestone in its agricultural sector. This development is seen as a strategic move to reduce dependency on wheat imports, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has disrupted grain supplies. Ronald Ngwira of Pyxus Agriculture Limited announced that four suitable wheat varieties have been identified, and the country aims to become self-sufficient in wheat production within four years. President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized the importance of modern technology and hard work to achieve this goal. Agricultural economist Wisdom Mgomezulu highlighted the potential for wheat to become a high-value cash crop for Malawi, provided there is investment in sustainable production technologies and research.

Radio broadcasting remains a crucial communication medium globally, but its infrastructure is a significant energy consumer. Modern FM transmitters and AI technologies are being adopted to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Germany has made notable strides in this area, deploying AI across 800 FM transmitters, leading to substantial energy savings and positive feedback. Broadcasters are also encouraged to use renewable energy sources and energy monitoring systems to further improve sustainability. The push for greener solutions is becoming increasingly critical as energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has suspended all foreign trips for himself and government officials as part of austerity measures following a 44% devaluation of the local currency. The devaluation, aimed at aligning with the U.S. dollar on the black market, has led to significant price increases for commodities. Chakwera announced cuts in fuel allowances for top officials and canceled all international trips through the fiscal year. Analysts have criticized the measures for not addressing long-term economic solutions or the needs of rural populations. The Malawi Human Rights Defenders Coalition supports the measures if properly implemented.

Malawi has achieved its first successful large-scale wheat harvest, a significant milestone aimed at reducing dependency on wheat imports exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ronald Ngwira of Pyxus Agriculture Limited announced that four suitable wheat varieties have been identified, with plans to expand production. President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized the importance of self-sustainability and modern technology in agriculture. Experts like Wisdom Mgomezulu highlighted the economic potential of wheat farming for Malawi, stressing the need for investment in research and sustainable production technologies.

Drivers in Malawi now have the opportunity to purchase electric vehicles through a local startup, alleviating the daily struggle of obtaining fuel at pump stations. Early adopters have expressed satisfaction with the convenience and sustainability of electric vehicles.

Malawi has started relocating female inmates to female-only prisons to provide a more conducive environment for their well-being and education. The move addresses the gender insensitivity of existing prison facilities, which were not designed with women in mind. The Malawi Prisons Service aims to offer better educational opportunities and vocational training for female inmates. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on family visits due to the limited number of female-only prisons. Efforts are underway to establish more such facilities across the country.

Tanzania has banned soybean imports from Malawi due to the presence of the tobacco ringspot virus, which poses a significant risk to Tanzanian agriculture. The ban is seen by some as retaliatory, following Malawi's recent ban on maize imports from Tanzania and Kenya. The decision is expected to impact trade beyond Tanzania, affecting the East African market. Experts suggest that a collaborative approach to managing plant diseases would have been more effective. Malawi's agriculture officials are currently investigating the presence of the virus in their country.

Malawi has initiated trials of genetically modified maize to address recurrent hunger and combat agricultural pests such as fall armyworms and caterpillars. These trials are taking place amidst concerns regarding the potential health and environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms.

Malawi has banned the import of unmilled maize from Kenya and Tanzania due to concerns about maize lethal necrosis disease (MLN). In response, the World Food Program (WFP) is milling 30,000 metric tons of maize from Tanzania to provide relief. The government clarified that importing maize flour is safe, while unmilled maize poses a risk. The ban aims to protect Malawi's staple crop, which is already threatened by food shortages exacerbated by Cyclone Freddy. WFP and Malawi's government are working to address the crisis, with plans to import unmilled maize from South Africa.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a State of Disaster in 23 out of the country’s 28 districts due to El Nino conditions, leaving an estimated two million people in urgent need of food aid.

Africa Radio, based in Paris, serves as a vital connection for France's African diaspora, offering a rich blend of African culture, music, and information. Recently acquired by the La Manche Libre media group, the station is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Bancaud and Maÿlis Leclerc de Sonis. The new management aims to modernize the station's format, focusing on both music and information to attract a broader audience. Key changes include a revamped musical format, increased news items, and a major communications campaign. The station also plans to move to new studios and enhance its digital presence. The African division, led by Salif Traoré in Côte d'Ivoire, continues to strengthen the link between France and Africa.

The Malawian government is being urged by NGOs to ban the sale of potent liquor sachets, known as 'Blackberries', due to their negative impact on health and education. Despite laws against underage drinking, these sachets are easily accessible to minors through unlicensed outlets. The government's previous attempt to ban them was overturned by a court injunction. NGOs, including the Malawi Alcohol Policy Alliance, are advocating for a revised alcohol policy to control the alcohol content in sachets. The Alcohol Manufacturers Association of Malawi claims they comply with all legal standards and suggests a comprehensive policy to address the issue. The government has increased taxes on liquor sachets, but they remain affordable. Local initiatives are underway to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol abuse, and comparisons are drawn to Zambia, which has banned such sachets.

Supporters of Malawi's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were attacked and their vehicles vandalized during a street parade in Lilongwe, allegedly by armed supporters of the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The parade aimed to raise awareness about the importance of registering for the 2025 election. About 25 DPP supporters were injured and taken to Kamuzu Central Hospital. This incident marks the second time this month that DPP supporters faced intimidation by suspected MCP supporters. MCP spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma denied the party's involvement in the violence.

Felix Kambwiri, a professional welder and former radio repairman from Malawi, has built a helicopter using scrap materials. Inspired by the helicopters he saw as a child, the 45-year-old father of seven constructed the aircraft, which features a 125cc engine from his old motorbike, in four months. Although civil aviation authorities have grounded his helicopter pending safety checks and the installation of a more powerful engine, Kambwiri is determined to make it fly. He aims to use the helicopter to travel to his home village, bypassing bad roads. His efforts have garnered local support, and he is part of a community of amateur aircraft builders in Africa.

Hundreds of refugees have been fleeing to Malawi from Mozambique for six months due to attacks by RENAMO fighters in Tete province. The conflict in July displaced over 700 people, and ongoing atrocities and killings by militias continue to drive Mozambicans into Malawi. The refugee camp in Malawi's Mwanza district now shelters over 2,500 individuals escaping the violence in Tete.