PRESIDENT CHAKWERA KICKS OFF LILONGWE CAMPAIGN TOUR

His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Monday commenced his campaign tour of Lilongwe when he visited communities in constituencies across the eastern and southern stretch of the district, sharing updates on development projects, encouraging voter participation, and outlining bold initiatives that aim to transform lives and strengthen Malawi’s economy.

In Lilongwe Chiwamba constituency, President Chakwera thanked residents for the warm welcome, noting that their energy reflected why the constituency ranks third in number of registered voters in Lilongwe District.

He highlighted key initiatives: extending National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans, building clean water systems, and launching programs like one million kwacha for one million Malawians each and the 10:10 Challenge, which will empower 10,000 Malawians with 10 million kwacha each to grow their businesses.

“I want to see more millionaires rising from Malawi,” the President said. He also emphasized that his choice of a young, energetic runningmate will accelerate development, ensuring state-of-the-art roads and transformative projects reach communities across the country.

In Lilongwe East, President Chakwera expressed his gratitude to those who voted for him in 2020, emphasizing the power of each vote in shaping Malawi’s future.

“This year, tobacco sales have reached record levels compared to previous years,” he noted. “We are strengthening our foundations to ensure development reaches every corner, including rural areas. I urge you to vote again so we can continue our progress together.”

At Matapila Trading Centre in Lilongwe Mpenu constituency, President Chakwera drew attention to visible changes in Lilongwe Town and promised similar progress locally, including road improvements and the continuation of cash transfer initiatives, ensuring no family suffers hunger even during poor rains.

“Development is like planting a tree,” he said. “You don’t enjoy the fruits immediately, but with care and protection, it will bear fruit. Let us nurture this tree of progress so we can enjoy the harvest together.”

He also thanked God for the peace that safeguards communities, ensuring that no one, including persons with albinism should live in fear.

From there, he proceeded to Lilongwe Nkhoma constituency where he emphasized on fostering peace as a foundation of lasting development.

He pledged to continue transforming communities using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Since taking office, President Chakwera has increased the Fund from K29 million to K220 million.

“In my second term, I will raise it to K500 million to deliver state-of-the-art development to rural areas,” he said.

He encouraged citizens to vote, reinforcing that every vote strengthens Malawi’s progress while reaffirming his commitment to empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

The campaign route ended at Kamphata Trading Centre in Lilongwe Nyanja constituency. Here the President commended residents for their commitment to peace and active voter registration.

“Our development projects are not ordinary, they are state-of-the-art infrastructure built to last generations,” he said. “To empower our youth, we will establish Tsogolo Account, giving young people the tools to take charge of their future.”