President Lazarus Chakwera has ended a high-energy tour of Karonga with a direct appeal to voters to renew his mandate on September 16, arguing that the seeds of development planted under his administration need another five years to bear fruit.
The President’s three-day visit combined state duties with political outreach, as he presided over the official reopening of the Kayelekera Uranium Mine before making whistle-stop campaign stops at Pusi, Mwenitete, Karonga Boma, Nyungwe and Uliwa.
“To me, the North matters. That is why one of my first actions as President was to abolish the quota system, which for years disadvantaged our children in accessing tertiary education. I believe in fairness and giving every Malawian equal opportunity,” Chakwera told a cheering crowd, reminding residents of a decision widely welcomed in the region.
He highlighted progress in infrastructure and agriculture, pointing to the construction of a protective dyke along the Rukuru River to prevent annual floods, and the rehabilitation of the Nthola Ilola, Wovwe and Lufirya irrigation schemes to boost year-round food production.
On economic empowerment, Chakwera praised the Northern Region’s strong repayment record under the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), describing it as proof that targeted financial support can strengthen communities and drive growth.
The President also stressed that the reopening of Kayelekera Uranium Mine — now expected to create 600 jobs and contribute over half of the nation’s mining revenue — is part of a bigger vision to ensure Malawi’s natural resources benefit its own people first.
“This mine must be a blessing to the people of Karonga, not just a headline in the news,” he said. On his official Facebook page, Chakwera added: “With Lotus Resources as our partner, 90% of the workforce will be Malawians, and local communities will directly benefit from infrastructure, social programs, and economic growth… it’s about building a future where our resources work for Malawians, our youth find opportunities, and our nation stands stronger in the global economy.”
With the election just weeks away, Chakwera framed his pitch with a simple metaphor: “A tree of development has been planted. Give me another five years on September 16 to water it until it bears fruit for all.”
Analysts say the Karonga visit was more than a campaign stop — it was a strategic demonstration of the President’s blend of policy delivery and political engagement. From abolishing the quota system to securing new mining investments, Chakwera’s message in the North has been one of inclusion, opportunity, and continuity.
MCP parliamentary candidate and Youth Minister Uchizi Mkandawire captured the mood: “People in Karonga have witnessed tangible actions of the Chakwera administration here and across the country. Come September 16, they will show their appreciation by voting for Dr. Chakwera.”
With his campaign gathering pace and the opposition struggling to match his policy-driven narrative, Chakwera’s northern swing may well have planted more than just political seeds — it may have set the tone for an election already tilting heavily in his favour.
