KEEP THE RIVERS FLOWING

Today, I want to take you home — to Malawi.

Malawi is home to one of Africa’s greatest natural treasures: Lake Malawi. It is the ninth-largest lake in the world, the third-largest in Africa, and the fourth-largest freshwater lake by volume. Beyond its size, the lake is astonishingly alive, hosting hundreds of fish species found nowhere else on earth.

One of its most famous gifts is tilapia, which we proudly call chambo. It is not just food; it is part of our identity — and it is delicious.

When people speak about Malawian waters, two names dominate the conversation: Lake Malawi and the Shire River. And rightly so. Lake Malawi plays a central role in the country’s economy, particularly through fishing, which provides both food and income for thousands of families living along its shores.

The Shire River, which flows out of Lake Malawi, is even more critical. It is along this river that most of Malawi’s hydroelectric power is generated. In many ways, the country’s energy supply depends on the lake’s ability to release water downstream.

However, there are times when the lake’s water level drops. When this happens, the flow of the Shire River weakens, electricity generation declines, and the effects ripple through the entire economy. During such moments, attention quickly turns to the Shire River. Officials often explain the crisis by pointing to low water levels in Lake Malawi.

But rarely do we talk about what feeds the lake.

The Forgotten Contributors

Lake Malawi does not exist in isolation. It is sustained by more than 14 major rivers, including the Bua, Linthipe, North and South Rukuru, Songwe, and many others. These rivers are responsible for maintaining the lake’s water levels and overall health.

When inflow from these rivers matches the lake’s outflow, balance is maintained and life continues normally. But when inflow drops — due to drought, climate change, deforestation, or other factors — the lake continues releasing water while receiving less. The result is falling water levels, reduced outflow through the Shire River, and diminished electricity production.

On the other hand, when inflow is excessive and outflow is not properly managed, water levels rise dangerously, increasing the risk of flooding downstream. This is why the Liwonde Barrage exists: to regulate how much water leaves the lake. When water levels are high, the barrage opens to release more water; when levels are low, it closes to conserve it.

This balance is what keeps both the lake and the river alive.

A Living Lake

Lake Malawi is not just a body of water; it is a living system. It sustains fish, communities, and an entire nation. One of the reasons it remains a freshwater lake is precisely because it has an outlet. Water flows in, and water flows out. Toxins enter, and toxins leave. This continuous movement keeps the lake fresh and alive.

On a personal note, I have had the joy of swimming in Lake Malawi — first at Monkey Bay in Mangochi, and later at Salima Beach. Each experience reminded me how beautiful, generous, and alive this lake truly is.

You Are the Lake

This brings me to the heart of my message.

You and I are like Lake Malawi.

We have resources that others depend on — knowledge, skills, wisdom, money, networks, and experience. People who benefit from what we give are like the Shire River. How much we can give depends entirely on how much we have.

We all have a responsibility to let our “water” flow out to others. Share your resources. Share your knowledge. Share your skills. Let others grow because of you.

But here is the key lesson: never forget the rivers that feed you.

If people come to you for advice, you must keep learning.
If you help others financially, your income must keep growing.
If you support others with wisdom, your mind must remain nourished through reading, reflection, and learning.

Giving without replenishing leads to depletion.

The Wisdom of the Barrage

There is another lesson in the Liwonde Barrage.

It teaches us the importance of control and balance.

If you give away more money than you earn, you will eventually go broke.
If you give out more knowledge than you acquire, you will run empty — and begin offering nothing of value.
If you give too little, you stagnate.
If you give too much, you collapse.

Life requires a healthy balance between inflow and outflow.

Sustain Your Own Life

Lake Malawi has life of its own that it must sustain. So do you.

Take care of the “fish” in your lake — your health, growth, purpose, and inner life. Keep strengthening your sources. Keep the rivers flowing. And continue allowing the water to flow out to others through the Shire.

Today, I wanted to draw attention to the 14+ rivers — the unseen sources of sustainability. Whatever makes you relevant to people, protect it, grow it, and improve it continuously. That is how you remain useful, impactful, and even more relevant tomorrow than you are today.

Be fruitful and multiply.

Shalom.