Mining & Trade News

Cement production in Malawi is expected to increase due to continued demand for the commodity resulting in an increase in production of about 20 percent of the raw materials like limestone, iron ore and kaolinitic clays also known as podzolana.

This is stated in Malawi’s 2021 Annual Economic Report published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

The Report states that in the Cement Industry, Shayona Cement Corporation, Cement Products Limited and Lafarge Cement (Malawi) Limited remain the only three biggest players in cement manufacturing in Malawi.

It, however, reads that only Shayona Cement Factory based at Chamama in Kasungu District and Cement Products Limited (CPL) Factory based at Njereza in Mangochi District are currently using the locally mined limestone and iron ore to produce cement in Malawi with a daily production rate pegged at 1,500 and 1,200 metric tonnes of cement per day, respectively.

It says during the period under review, the two companies had a combined consumption of limestone of up to 575, 397.02 metric tonnes from their respective mines and used 5,018.16 metric tonnes of iron ore sourced from Artisanal Small-scale Miners (ASMs) at Nthare Hills in Chiradzulu district to manufacture cement.

Lafarge Cement (Malawi) also manufactures cement using locally mined kaolinitic clays sourced from Senzani in Ntcheu District.

“This clay is part of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of cement due to its binding element and properties,” reads the report.

During 2020, Lafarge now known as Portland Cement Company, used a total of 26,599.62 metric tonnes of kaolinitic clays valued at MK239.165 million.

Nonetheless, Malawi’s cement industry is encountering a number of problems which are hindering its growth which include electricity blackouts, shortage of foreign exchange to import raw materials for production and unfair market competition posed by imported cement brands.

Shayona Cement Operations Manager Prajeesh Padmanabhan told Mining and Trade Review in an earlier interview that influx of imported cement is impacting on the company’s revenue to invest in expansion as it is forcing it to sell cement at very low prices.

“We are facing the challenges from imported cement on supply demand scenario which are pushing us to sell our cement at a very thin margin,” he said.

He said foreign exchange problems are making it difficult for Shayona to import raw materials for cement production such as gypsum which the company sources from Oman and sometimes Tanzania.

Padmanabhan, however, said due to the Company’s passion to support local industry and save foreign exchange, there have been attempts to source gypsum locally but levels of sustainability were hard to attain.

 “We have discussed with the gypsum mining groups in Dowa several times and once we even issued a purchase order but unfortunately they could not supply. If we can secure gypsum as per required quality in Malawi, it will help us lot,” he said.

MD for Cement Products Limited (CPL) Akbar Gaffar told Mining & Trade Review in a separate interview that due to scarcity of foreign exchange, the Company is facing challenges in importation of materials not only used for cement manufacturing but also cement packaging and procurement of spare parts for its heavy duty machines. 

Gaffar said: “As a company, we are failing to procure essential products in order to run a smooth and efficient production line.”

“Delays in remittances of foreign exchange have impacted our output marginally whereby we have been forced to produce less until sufficient raw materials are available.”

“In figures, this has translated to lost production of approximately 6,000 tonnes of cement.”

Padmanabhan and Gaffar also lamented prolonged electricity blackouts saying they force the cement producers to use diesel generators, which is more expensive.

Chairman for CPL Aslam Gaffar also told Mining & Trade Review that added to the host of problems is the current diesel shortages which are impacting on the production line.

Assignment: Supply and delivery speed cameras

Client: Roads Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 28 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Roads Authority, Functional Building, Room No. 21, Off Paul Kagame Road, Private Bag B346, Lilongwe 3.  

Contact: +265 1 753 699

Email: ipc@ra.org.mw / schipala@ra.org.mw

Website: www.org.ra.mw  

Assignment: Supply and delivery of scholar patrol equipment, reflective vests and reflective bulbs

Client: Roads Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 28 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Roads Authority, Functional Building, Room No. 21, Off Paul Kagame Road, Private Bag B346, Lilongwe 3.  

Contact: +265 1 753 699

Email: ipc@ra.org.mw / schipala@ra.org.mw

Website: www.org.ra.mw 

Assignment: Supply and delivery breathalyzers, mouthpieces and printers

Client: Roads Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 28 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Roads Authority, Functional Building, Room No. 21, Off Paul Kagame Road, Private Bag B346, Lilongwe 3.  

Contact: +265 1 753 699

Email: ipc@ra.org.mw / schipala@ra.org.mw

Website: www.org.ra.mw 

Assignment: Supply and delivery of calendars, notebooks/diaries, card holders and business cards

Client: Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 03 November, 2022

Contact:  Procurement and Disposal Office, ESCOM House Annex Building, 9 Haile Selassie Road, P.O Box 2047, Blantyre.     

Assignment: Provision of health insurance scheme for Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet and their dependents for period of three years 2022 – 2025  

Client: Office of President and Cabinet  

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 24 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Public Asset Committee, Office of president and cabinet, P/Bag 301, Capital City, Lilongwe 3.

Assignment: Supply and delivery of ESCOM transformers (3)

Client: Southern Region Water Board

Duration: 3 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 4 November 2022

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Southern Region Water Board, Off Namiwawa Road, Private Bag 72, Zomba, Malawi.

Assignment: Construction of transmission line at MUST in Thyolo (2400 meters)

Client: Southern Region Water Board

Duration: 4 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 4 November 2022

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Southern Region Water Board, Off Namiwawa Road, Private Bag 72, Zomba, Malawi.

Assignment: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for Kholongo Multipurpose Dam for Mponela Town

Client: Ministry of Water and Sanitation

Duration: 6 months

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 October, 2022

Contact:  The Principal Secretary; Attention: Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Tikwere House, City Centre, Private Bag 390, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Assignment: Construction of two classroom blocks complete with desks, 2No double VIP and 2No single VIP latrines under GESD

Client: Dedza District Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman of IPDC, Dedza District Council, DC’s Receprion, P.O Box 140, Dedza.

Assignment: Construction of a new staff house complete with solar system, one single – hole VIP latrine and all other associated works at Kamtambo Primary School in T/A Chilikumwendo under GESD

Client: Dedza District Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman of IPDC, Dedza District Council, DC’s Receprion, P.O Box 140, Dedza.

Assignment: Construction of a health post complete with 2No Double VIP latrines. 1No staff house complete with plumbing, solar power and 1No single VIP latrine at Madzumbi in T/A Kasumbu under GESD

Client: Dedza District Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman of IPDC, Dedza District Council, DC’s Receprion, P.O Box 140, Dedza.

Assignment: Construction of a police unit with 2No double VIP latrine at Namakasu in T/A Chilikumwendo under GESD 

Client: Dedza District Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman of IPDC, Dedza District Council, DC’s Receprion, P.O Box 140, Dedza.

Assignment: Drilling of high yield borehole, construction of tower with 10,000 litres water tank, 6No water kiosks and water distribution works to six villages and other associated works under GESD

Client: Dedza District Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 October, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman of IPDC, Dedza District Council, DC’s Receprion, P.O Box 140, Dedza.

Assignment: The Lilongwe City Council Flagship Project, International Bus Terminal   

Client: Public Private Partnership Commission

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 November, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Public Private Partnership Commission, 2nd Floor Livingstone Tower, P.O Box 937, Blantyre.

Tell: +265 1 823 655 / 821 248

Email: info@pppc.mw

Assignment: The Lilongwe City Council Flagship Project – Wenela modern multi – storey market

Client: Public Private Partnership Commission

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 November, 2022

Contact:  The Chairman, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, Public Private Partnership Commission, 2nd Floor Livingstone Tower, P.O Box 937, Blantyre.

Tell: +265 1 823 655 / 821 248

Email: info@pppc.mw

Malawi’s Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has cautioned Independent Power Producers (IPP) over “unrealistic delays in implementing various power generation projects despite being given a consent to execute the projects.”

Matola made the caution at the launch of the Malawi Power Industry Compendium, which exhibits potential power generation projects in Malawi, by Power Market Limited (PML).

The Minister said there are some power purchase agreements signed as early as 2019 whose respective projects are yet to start.

Matola said: “I wish to express my sadness with the delays that some IPPs are making once given a go ahead to develop a power project. It does not make sense to hold on to agreements at the expense of the country that desperately needs electricity.”

“Therefore, am asking PML to review all these idle Power Purchase Agreements and find a way of making the holders accountable and responsible. Otherwise, it will be good for the investors to relinquish the agreements so that other potential investors are allowed to develop the sites.”

Commenting on the Compendium, Matola emphasized that the compendium has been developed at the right time when the country is in immense power crisis which is weighing on the development of key growth sectors for Malawi’s economy.

He explained that the compendium will provide the much needed information on key projects to be pursued and the incentives that government is providing to the investors.

Matola said: “There has been a continued imbalance between electricity demand and supply due to low generation capacity. Similarly, the independent power producers have not satisfactorily been able to come online as anticipated.”

 “The successful implementation of the projects in the Compendium will assist in achieving energy self-sufficiency for sustainable development. I am aware of the directive that was given by the President to deliver 1,000 megawatts by 2025. I have confidence that together, we will achieve this target and even more.”

Meanwhile, government has reviewed the Independent Power Producers Framework in a quest to align it to the recent developments and to ensure speedy implementation of energy generation projects.

Energy expert and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in the extractives sector have advised mining companies to consider utilization of off grid power sources to avoid interruptions on production as the country is still struggling with power shortages.

The remarks come as the Malawi Government is negotiating Mine Development Agreements with three companies intending to launch large scale mining operations namely: ASX-listed Lotus Resources for Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga district; Canada and UK listed Mkango Resources to mine rare earths at Songwe Hill in Phalombe district and ASX-listed Globe Metals & Mining to open a niobium and tantalum mine at Kanyika in Mzimba district.  

Currently, the country’s generation capacity stands at 355MW including a cross border import of 6.5MW against 2022 projected demand of 618MW.

Mining and energy expert Grain Malunga said despite that the Electricity Generation Company and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have a number of energy generation projects in pipeline, the mining companies should consider setting up their own power plants in case the Government fails to meet the projected demand by the time the companies venture into actual mining.,

Malunga said: “Though it might be cost effective but with the electricity challenges we are experiencing, the mining companies need to have a back-up for them to excel in the industry.”

“Some of the companies will require over 10MW which might not be possible for the Government to supply if the energy situation remains unchanged.”

While concurring with Malunga, Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Programs Coordinator Joy Chabwera bemoaned that currently the Government is not providing a conducive environment for mining investors in as far as energy is concerned.

Chabwera said: “When the company is coming to Malawi it considers three things; one the value of the mineral, two an enabling environment and three revenue management.

“And when we look at these aspects it is where government has to come in to provide an enabling environment for the investors including provision of needed energy.”

“If we are going to have about five large scale mines, the dream of raising Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 20% will be realized. It is the duty of the government to provide necessary energy to the investors.”

He said though there are alternative sources of energy like coming up with their own power plants, that will come with higher costs to weigh on the feasibility of the project.

ASX-listed Paladin Resources operated the Kayelekera Mine using power it generated using diesel generators before it put the project on Care and Maintenance.

Meanwhile, Lotus indicates in a statement that apart from relying on connection to the national grid, the Company has looked into a number of options for power supply including: generating power from excess heat generated in the onsite acid plant (estimated at 2MW); renewable options, including solar and hydro; and replacement of the existing diesel gensets with a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) contract arrangement

It explains that discussions are ongoing with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) and a local electric power consultant has been contracted to undertake an assessment of availability and capital and operating costs for connecting to the grid either at the nearby town of Karonga (~50km from Kayelekera) or other potential substations in close proximity to Kayelekera.

It also says a consultant Metso Outotec is preparing the study for recovering energy through a steam turbine from the acid plant and solar providers have been requested to send proposals for various solar options.

The Company has conducted a detailed power assessment as part of the Definite Feasibility Study (DFS) that has considered both the cost implications and the carbon emissions for the Project.

Though the country is struggling to deal with power shortages that are hitting many sectors of Malawi’s economy, there is uncertainty over the construction of the proposed 300MW Kam’mwamba Coal-fired Power Plant at Zalewa in Neno District amidst the global campaign against use of fossil fuels.

Various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are advocating for a ban on utilization of coal saying it is a dirty source of energy which is damaging to the environment through air pollution from the power plants.

Mining and Trade Review has established that in light of the global campaign to promote renewable energy sources, many financiers are reluctant to finance the 300MW coal-fired power plant project which is being implemented by Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO).

A feasibility study on the power plant which started in August 2019 was completed by September 2021 with two main components of updating previous techno-economic feasibility study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and; local coal resource exploration.

Following completion of the study, EGENCO embarked on seeking financing for the project but is yet to secure funds for the plant whose construction was projected to run from 2022 to 2024.

Public Relations Officer for EGENCO Moses Gwaza could not respond to both emails and calls to comment on the development.

But in a an interview, Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga tipped the Government to use local resources to fund the project if financial institutions will continue shunning it.

Malunga said: “Government should mobilize local resources to invest in Kam’mwamba Coal Fired Plant project and these resources can be in form pension or insurance funds.

“For your information German has re-commissioned their coal fired plants. It is not about academics, it is about economic development and livelihood sustainability. Thermal power plants need technology innovation and this is possible.”

“Coal will always play a role in steering industrialization and energy generation. Let us be careful against use of climate change initiatives as a means of decarbonizing Africa when it is meant to slow African industrialization.”

Malunga also expressed concern that CSOs and African governments are easily influenced by campaigns that can injure them because they rely on foreign finance and, therefore, stressed the need to start creating wealth using local resources.

In her remarks, Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Energy Upile Kamoto, however, sounded optimistic that funds will be secured for implementation of the project saying not all financial institutions are reluctant to fund the project.

Kamoto said: “As a country and as stipulated in the National Energy Policy 2018, we need to diversify our sources of energy for power production for efficient and reliable power supply and coal is on the list for achieving this goal.”

“As such the ministry will explore all available options for financing the Kam’mwamba coal fired power plant including local financing.”

Kam’mwamba Coal-Fired power plant project pre-feasibility study was financed by a loan from Export and Import (Exim) Bank of China to the tune of US$667-million project with Lilongwe required to source US$104-million as commitment fee.

The plant which is set to use coal from Moatize in Mozambique to be hauled using rail transport is projected to have a life span of 30 years.

Once fully operational, the plant would help Malawi to diversify from using hydro power which has proved to be unreliable due to problems emanating from climate change.

The project is will be implemented under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, which is a particular form of contracting arrangement used in big projects where the contractor is responsible for all the activities from design, procurement, construction to commissioning and handover of the project to the end user or owner.

Kam’mwamba project is in line with EGENCO’s diversification objectives where by the company seeks to improve its power generation mix from being 95% hydro based to 76% hydro based in 5 years.

As one way of retaining and expanding trade and export activities and links opportunities, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) has announced that it has identified potential export markets for various commodities through its various export promotion efforts.

In a press statement, CEO for MITC Paul Kwengwere says the demand for the commodities range from 10 metric tonnes to 120,000 metric tonnes.

The markets are for commodities like soya beans, groundnuts, rice, tea, coffee, macadamia, sunflower, pigeon peas, sesame, chick peas, tomatoes, mangoes and pineapples, among others.

Kwengwere says: “As MITC our mandate involves promoting Malawian products on the international market with the intention of identifying viable export markets for such.”

“So through the trade fairs, trade missions and expos that we attended in the last financial year of 2021-2022, we have managed to identify these export markets.”

“These market opportunities are from verified potential buyers who are ready to discuss pricing and tonnage issues with those that are interested.”

“We are encouraging those with the said commodities to contact our office so that we link them to the potential buyers for further engagement.”

Kwengwere explains that the potential export markets are in countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and Indonesia.

Recently, MITC announced a funding opportunity, worth €25 million, for players in the horticulture sector.

The funding is part of the Caribbean Pacific Liaison Committee (COLEACP) framework programme on agricultural value chains under the Fit for Market+ programme financed by the European Union.

The Fit for Market+ programme is aimed at providing technical support to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries like Malawi to maintain and improve the capacity of smallholder farmer groups and horticultural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access

domestic, regional and international markets.

Public Relations Manager for MITC Deliby Chimbalu described the funding as a great opportunity for business people in the horticulture sector.

“One of the key challenges facing our businesses is lack of finance or funding to implement their projects that could benefit the country’s economy. So opportunities like these need to be utilized that is why we are encouraging those operating in the horticulture sector to apply for this funding.”

“This Fit for Market+ programme under COLEACP will run for five years and it is very

important because the technical assistance that they provide focused on building capacity of

MSMEs in areas of developing export market plans, preparing business plans, export standards

awareness and improving their access to national, regional and international horticulture

markets among others.”

COLEACP designs and manages development programmes in the agriculture and food sector funded by donors, mainly the European Union (EU) and the organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states.

MITC is an investment and trade promotion and facilitation agency in Malawi.

MITC identifies, develops and packages investment opportunities in Malawi; provides a professional service to all clientele; brands and markets Malawi as an investment destination; retains and expands trade and export activities and links opportunities to the developmental needs of the Malawi community.

The Malawi government and its development partners have signed a binding Relationship Agreement that will see the completion of 350MW Mpatamanga Hydropower project.

The power project to be constructed at Mpatamanga gouge on Shire River is expected to have two power plants – a 309MW Peaking Plant at the Main Dam and a 41MW Base Power Plant at the Regulating Dam.  

The development partners that include; World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), Scatec ASA’s Hydropower Joint Venture, and Électricité de France (EDF) have signed the Relationship Agreement, under Malawi’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.

The PPP model will see finalization of procurement and selection processes undertaken by government for a private partner and will officially award the role of project sponsor and lead developer to the Scatec and EDF Consortium.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce energy deficit in the country as the 309MW Peaking Plant with its 261 million cubic metres water reservoir is designed to provide much needed energy during peak demand hours of the day and overall grid stability with its ability to ramp up/down production to suit actual demand.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony held at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola explained that government is committed in the development and implementation of the flagship Project which doubles the installed hydropower capacity in Malawi.

Matola said; “The 350MW Mapatamanga Peaking Hydropower Project will improve the power supply security, provide opportunities for increased renewable energy generation capacity in the country and contribute to the controlling of the flow of the Shire River downstream the power plant. The government is indebted to its partners in achieving this milestone which is a major step in the development of this Project.”

Eastern Africa Regional Director for IFC Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu asserted the finance corporation’s commitment in helping government to increase access to affordable clean energy across the country.

He said: “IFC supports the Government of Malawi’s goal to accelerate access to affordable clean energy. The Mpatamanga Peaking Hydropower Plant has the potential to grow Malawi’s electricity infrastructure and connect thousands of rural and remote households while also spurring green, inclusive, and resilient growth in the country.”

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog also said; “This is a significant development in the realization of the Mpatamanga Project. We are excited to build on our hydro portfolio in Africa – and are proud to have finalized development plans alongside our partners. The country of Malawi will receive a significant investment into its power sector, which in turn will stand to benefit a major portion of the nation’s population. We look forward to reaching further development milestones for this project – and contributing to Africa’s renewable energy journey,”

In the project, Malawi government has 30% shareholding, the IFC 15% while Scatec and EDF have joint majority shareholding of 55%.

The World Bank also supported the development of the project through a Project Preparatory Advance facility while United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the development of the project through the Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP), a Power Africa initiative with a goal to add at least 30,000 MW of new electricity generation capacity and 60 million connections by 2030.

Assignment: Supply of used motor vehicles   

Client: Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 20 September, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, Globe House, Raynor Avenue, Plot No. CC365, P.O Box 1057, Blantyre.  

Tell: +265 (0) 212 700 104

Email: info@cepa.org.mw

Website: www.cepa.org.mw

Assignment: Request for expressions of interest for external audit services 

Client: Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 September, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, Globe House, Raynor Avenue, Plot No. CC365, P.O Box 1057, Blantyre. 

Tell: +265 (0) 212 700 104

Email: info@cepa.org.mw

Website: www.cepa.org.mw

Assignment: Consultancy services for development and preparation of urban structure plan for Blantyre City Council (BCC)

Client: Ministry of Water and Sanitation

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 September, 2022

Contact: Malawi Resilience and Disaster Risk Management Project, Lilongwe Old Town, Off Kamuzu Procession Road, Opposite Lilongwe Town Hall, Private Bag A192, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 1 753 163 

Email: kadewere@yahoo.co.uk / skazembe@gmail.com / obedryan30@gmail.com  

Assignment: Consultancy services for establishment of community based flood early warning systems (CBFEWS) in selected districts in Malawi

Client: Ministry of Water and Sanitation

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 September, 2022

Contact: Malawi Resilience and Disaster Risk Management Project, Lilongwe Old Town, Off Kamuzu Procession Road, Opposite Lilongwe Town Hall, Private Bag A192, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 1 753 163 

Email: kadewere@yahoo.co.uk / skazembe@gmail.com / obedryan30@gmail.com  

Assignment: Consultancy services for development of disaster risk management plan for seventeen local authorities in Malawi

Client: Ministry of Water and Sanitation

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 September, 2022

Contact: Malawi Resilience and Disaster Risk Management Project, Lilongwe Old Town, Off Kamuzu Procession Road, Opposite Lilongwe Town Hall, Private Bag A192, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 1 753 163 

Email: kadewere@yahoo.co.uk / skazembe@gmail.com / obedryan30@gmail.com  

Assignment: Consultancy services for assistant procurement specialist

Client: Ministry of Water and Sanitation

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 9 September, 2022

Contact: Malawi Resilience and Disaster Risk Management Project, Lilongwe Old Town, Off Kamuzu Procession Road, Opposite Lilongwe Town Hall, Private Bag A192, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 1 753 163 

Email: kadewere@yahoo.co.uk / skazembe@gmail.com / obedryan30@gmail.com  

Assignment: Supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of chlorination system at walkers ferry treatment plant    

Client: Blantyre Water Board

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 3 October, 2022

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Blantyre Water Board, P.O Box 30369, Chichiri, Blantyre 3.

Assignment: Provision of landscaping services 

Client: Blantyre Water Board

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 3 October, 2022

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Blantyre Water Board, P.O Box 30369, Chichiri, Blantyre 3.

Assignment: Supply and delivery of desktop computers  

Client: Ministry of Education  

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 September, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Ministry of Education (MoE), Headquarters Building, Capital Hill First Floor, Tender Box placed near the conference, Private Bag 328, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. 

Assignment: Printing and delivery of various textbooks

Client: Ministry of Education 

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 September, 2022

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Ministry of Education (MoE), Headquarters Building, Capital Hill First Floor, Tender Box placed near the conference, Private Bag 328, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. 

Malawi’s largest publicly-listed conglomerate Press Corporation Limited (PCL) says it is advancing a scoping study for the construction of a 50MW solar power production plant.

PCL has announced this in a summary of unaudited financial results for the six months period ended June 30, 22.

In the report signed by PCL Chairman Randson Mwadiwa, the conglomerate says in the first half of the year 2022, business has been challenged by numerous risks including electricity blackouts, scarcity of foreign exchange, the pressure on inflation and; Covid- 19 pandemic.

Mwadiwa, however, says despite the challenges the Group is ensuring steadfast delivery of its strategy.

The Press Corporation Plc’s strategy emphasizes on the growth and sustainability of the companies in which it holds stakes. The strategy further embraces new sectors earmarked for future investments like tourism and energy.

Mwadiwa says: “The Group will continue implementing turnaround strategies in companies whose performance is unsatisfactory.”

“Further investment opportunities are also being explored in various sectors to further diversify the Group and its portfolio mix market presence.”

Despite the challenges, the Group has registered profit after tax for the period of MK15.98 billion, representing a 24 percent growth above prior year profit of K12.87 billion.

Mwadiwa says the growth in profitability was driven by an 11 percent growth in revenue, improved gross profit margin growth by 4 percent and successful implementation of cost containment measures.

He also says the disposal of Peoples Trading Centre (PTC) has contributed to the improved results as losses associated with this investment are no longer part of the Group results.

Meanwhile, in a separate summary for unaudited results for the same period, NICO Holdings Limited, a financial service Group, says despite facing similar challenges, it has registered profit after tax and other comprehensive income of MK12.7 billion representing 76% above the MK7.2 billion recorded for the same period in 2021.

The statement signed by NICO Chairman Gaffar Hassam and Managing Director Vizenge Kumwenda explains that other compressive income for the period was MK913 million higher than the MK12 million loss reported in 2021 due to translation gains in the current period on consolidation of NICO Zambia.

The statement reads: “The general insurance business in Malawi registered premium of Mk12.6 billion in the six months to 30 June 2022. The lack of premium growth was due to reduction in insurance covers and policy extensions by some clients in the first half of the year.”

“The Business registered profit after tax of MK236.7 million, a turnaround from the MK922.2 million loss recorded in the same period in 2021,” reads the statement.