On December 8, 2025, MUST and UNDP engaged communities in Mzuzu to test the effectiveness of a new mobile application developed to deliver timely and efficient early-warning alerts aimed at reducing disaster impacts.

The UNDP-funded initiative, branded as Chenjezo 24/7 App, was developed in consultation with the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Department of Water Resources(DWR) and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority(MACRA).

Speaking during the testing session, UNDP Project Coordinator Ted Nyekanyeka described Chenjezo 24/7 App as a “game changer,” noting that it will strengthen community preparedness and potentially save lives in disaster-prone areas in Malawi's cities.

“Besides all this, it will increase access to critical climate and weather information,” Nyekanyeka said.

DODMA Resilience Officer, Hankie Ndau, while commending the initiative, described the app as a significant step forward in complementing the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Act by operationalizing DRM structures. 

He said communities are now better equipped to interpret early-warning messages, weather forecasts, and disaster-response procedures.

Closing the testing session, Steven Gondwe, MUST Principal Investigator, whose team developed the Chenjezo 24/7 App, expressed satisfaction with the product.

“Communities will now be able to receive information on weather updates, emergency alerts, and emergency contact details, among others at the tip of their fingers” Gondwe said.

Frank Munthali, a community member, hailed the testing session, saying it increased residents' understanding and effective use of the app.

“Our gadgets can now receive information on evacuation centres, disaster history, interactive maps, and even report incidents, among other critical features,” Munthali said.

Chenjezo 24/7 App is currently being tested using real-time weather alerts and warning messages from DCCMS. 

Communities are also being trained on how to use it to contact authorities during emergencies.

The Mzuzu testing session drew participants from Mchengautuba, Chibavi, Mzilawayingwe, Zolozolo, Songwe, Katawa, Masasa, and other surrounding areas.