Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Malawi

01/06/2026

MALAWI DELGATION BEGINS STUDY VISIT IN KIGALI TO LEARN FROM RWANDA'S URBAN AND DIGITAL REFORMS

On Monday, June 1, 2026, a Malawian delegation commenced a study visit to Kigali, Rwanda.

The visit is supported by UNDP through its Decentralization and Local Governance Strengthening workstream and FDH Bank.

The delegation was welcomed by Rwanda Cooperation, which briefed them on Rwanda’s urban transport reforms, digital mobility solutions, and the implementation of the 2050 Kigali City Master Plan.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters, where officials presented Rwanda’s daily public order management systems and the institution’s digital transformation initiatives.

A field visit within Kigali City demonstrated how police conduct traffic control and road accident response operations. The demonstrations highlighted a transparent, accountable police service that has digitized most of its core functions.

One notable observation was the high level of order and compliance among motorcyclists on Rwanda’s roads. In Rwanda, no motorcyclist may operate without membership in a registered cooperative, proper registration, a helmet, and adherence to passenger limits and designated pick-up points. Road compliance is strictly enforced and non-negotiable.

The 24-hour cctv surveillance system monitoring Kigali’s streets has significantly improved order and public safety.

As a result, Rwanda is widely recognized as one of the safest places to drive in the region.

UNDP Malawi
FDH Bank Plc - Malawi
Lilongwe City Council
Mzuzu City Council

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

25/05/2026

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, on Monday conducted a surprise visit to the newly opened By-Pass Market along in Lilongwe to appreciate how vendors are settling in at the market and assess their day-to-day business operations.

During the visit, the Minister interacted with vendors and inspected various sections of the market to understand the opportunities and challenges they are experiencing following their relocation.

Speaking to the vendors, Dr. Phiri assured them of Government's commitment to working closely with them to ensure the market operates effectively and sustainably.

He emphasized that Government will take the necessary measures to prevent traders from returning to sites that were recently demolished and designated as illegal trading areas.

The Minister has further assured the vendors that Government is committed to ensuring that essential services and facilities are provided at the market to create a conducive business environment and enable traders to grow their businesses.

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

Chiradzulu- In the afternoon of Friday, 22nd May 2026, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, formally elevated and installed Joseph Grant as Traditional Authority Onga in Chiradzulu District.

The elevation followed a government decision on 20th April 2026 to upgrade Onga from a Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) to a full Traditional Authority (T/A), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and bring administration closer to communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Phiri said his priority is to ensure equal shares of development reach all areas, regardless of location or status.

The Minister also spoke against child marriages and the spread of misinformation that disrupts peace in communities.

He added that government will make sure that people are taken care of, and urged the new T/A Onga to work with communities and local structures to promote education, unity, and accurate information sharing.

22/05/2026

Government on Friday, 22nd May 2026, formally installed Mashoni Chikwama from Sub-Traditional Authority Kasongo to Traditional Authority Kasongo in Phalombe North, marking a significant administrative realignment under Senior Chief Jenala.

The ceremony at Namanjelema Primary School Ground brought together community members, traditional leaders, government officials, and local stakeholders who witnessed the event.

Presiding over the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing development through strong and accountable traditional structures.

He stressed that a chief’s core responsibility is to promote peace, unity, and development, and noted that failure to do so disqualifies one from holding office.

Dr. Phiri urged TA Kasongo to prioritize education and the dissemination of information, describing chiefs as the bridge between government and communities.

He emphasized the need to promote school attendance, fight child marriages, and ensure government messages reach every household so communities can participate more effectively in national development.