President Chakwera was speaking Wednesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe at a prayer service marking Malawi’s 58th Independence.

The president admitted that the country was going through tough economic times, but said that should not put off the citizenry but act as an encouragement to fight harder for change.

“I am calling on all Malawians everywhere to join hands in declaring through words and through deeds that a new Malawi is rising,” said Chakwera.

This year Malawi did not have the usual Independence Day carnival owing to economic challenges. The prayers were organized in place of the traditional celebrations as a cross cutting measure.

Members of the clergy offered sermons of change and transformation during the multidenominational prayers.

First to preach was Reverend Webster Siyame Kameme who said Malawi is still struggling to develop due to, among other reasons, failure to unite.

Reverend Kameme indicated that the nation can make tremendous progress if Malawians embrace unity of purpose which he said is key to stimulating growth in various sectors such as agriculture.

Taking his turn, Bishop Montfort Sitima advised the reigning administration to cushion Malawians from economic woes they are experiencing, adding this can be attained by seeking God’s intervention.