Recent Developments in Malawi

1. Parliament on Monday approved Government's Bill to borrow US$750 million from the African Development Bank to be repayed within a period of 15 years at 0.7 per cent. The funds are meant for the establishment of Rural Growth Centres.

Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said the money would be used for the indended purpose.

2. Malawi's urbanization rate is at 5.7 per cent, one of the fastest in Africa and the world. 

3. Parliamentarians have been gagged from accessing online publication, Nyasa Times, within National Assembly premises. Clerk of Parliament, Maltilda Katopola told Zachimalawi the decision is meant to improve Members of Parliament's focus on important national issues.

"That publication is divisive, lies and infringes on people's freedom," she said.

The decision was effected on Novemebr 22, 2010 with the aim of 'safeguarding national interests, including upholding the country's moral values and respect to the instituiton of theState and individual freedoms".