Ordinary Malawians, cheered by the prospect of cheaper food, have welcomed government's ban on the private trading of maize, but food security experts and businesses have expressed concern.

The American Procurement Company (AMPROC) has won a World Bank-funded project to audit 60 government agencies in Malawi.

The South African Under-17 team has advanced its preparations ahead of the Algeria 2009 African Championships first round, first leg qualifier against Malawi at Eldorado Park on Saturday afternoon.

American Procurement Company Inc (Amproc), an American firm, which provides procurement audits in governments and private corporations, has won a deal to audit 60 institutions in Malawi.

Moroka Swallows' transfer-listed midfielder Hellings Mwakasungula has been plunged into a valley of darkness after Mpumalanga Black Aces scuttled their plans to sign the Malawian on loan.

Former Thanda Royal Zulu defender James Sangala has turned down a number of offers from First Division clubs because, he says, he wants to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) or in Europe this season.

The supply of electricity generated at the Cahora Bassa dam in the western Mozambican province of Tete to neighbouring Malawi now depends exclusively on the Malawian authorities, according to Energy Minister Salvador Namburete, cited in Thursday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".

Despite government assurances of a food surplus, Malawi's traders are betting that maize prices will rise later in the year and are holding on to stocks, artificially pushing up the price at the tills for consumers.

Malawi is on the prowl to extend its trade connections to different corners of the world, west and east.