Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri ( Hon. Ben Phiri, MP – Thyolo Central) has arrived in Zimbabwe to represent President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika at the Iconic Africa Awards 2026.
Mutharika, who couldn’t attend due to preparations for Friday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), is being honored for outstanding leadership and political acumen, having won elections twice from opposition.
Mutharika and Phiri are among five Malawians nominated for various awards, alongside MACRA Director General Mayamiko Nkoloma, M-Hub founder Dr. Rachel Sibande, and Irrigation Expert Frank Mwenechanya.
Speaking to journalists on arrival, Phiri emphasized the importance of Africans celebrating each other’s achievements.
“We have often times celebrated the achievements of people outside but failed to celebrate great achievers from our continent. As we do our progress, we must think about the future and this is the platform to share such ideas.”
The Iconic Africa Awards, themed “The Africa We Want, Sustainable Development, Everyone’s Responsibility,” recognizes individuals and organizations driving Africa’s development and growth.
Upon arrival Phiri was warmly welcomed by senior Zimbabwe government officials, Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe General Peter Namathanga and traditional dancers.
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