Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, has pledged that the government will protect press freedom and enhance journalists’ welfare throughout the five-year term of President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The assurance was made during the official launch of the 2026 SADC Media Awards in Lilongwe. Speaking at the event, Namalomba urged media practitioners to highlight positive stories about Malawi, showcasing the country’s peaceful environment, youthful energy, and growth potential.
He emphasized that a free and protected press is crucial for national development and attracting investment.
“The government guarantees that no journalist will be arrested for their work, thoughts, or vision,” Namalomba said. “Media practitioners must be free to report, and their welfare will be a top priority.”
He also called on media houses to provide fair pay and humane working conditions, describing such measures as essential to the credibility and growth of the profession.
Namalomba encouraged journalists to move beyond reporting challenges by offering solutions and benchmarking against international best practices.
Citing examples from countries such as Singapore and China, he highlighted how proactive approaches and innovation can address societal issues effectively.
The minister further stressed the importance of gender balance and technical capacity in media organizations, encouraging journalists to pursue regional training and exchange programs to strengthen skills and broaden exposure.
During the launch, three local journalists who were runners-up in the 2025 SADC Media Awards were recognized for their achievements.
Innocent Chitosi, a member of the SADC National Adjudication Committee, highlighted the need to educate journalists on award requirements and promote coverage of regional integration projects, including the Mozambique-Malawi energy interconnector.
Previous awardee Innocent Kumchedwa praised the government and organizers for supporting media excellence, urging journalists to prioritize innovation, accuracy, and research-driven reporting in preparation for the 2026 competition.
Malawi secured three regional runner-up positions in the 2025 SADC Media Awards across photojournalism, radio, and television categories.
Held annually, the awards celebrate journalistic excellence and aim to foster regional integration, shared identity, and development across Southern Africa.
