Ħaż-Żabbar Local Council Launches Żabbar Carnival

Feb 24 2025

On Monday, March 3, the Żabbar Carnival will take over the town’s main street, promising a lively and colourful celebration. Organised by the Ħaż-Żabbar Local Council in partnership with the Local Government Division, the event was officially announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, alongside Ħaż-Żabbar Mayor Jorge Grech, Director General of the Local Government Division Emile Vassallo, and Councilor Charles Scicluna, who oversees cultural initiatives within the Local Council.

The Carnival will showcase an array of entertainment, including dance troupes, musicians, performers, elaborate floats, and oversized carnival masks. This initiative is supported by the Cultural Activities Fund, introduced by the Local Government Division, which has provided resources to 42 local councils to organise their own Carnival events.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised that these funding schemes play a crucial role in encouraging local councils to host cultural and seasonal activities. She highlighted that the initiative is designed to make events accessible to all, including individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can take part in the festivities within their local community.

“The government remains committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens, and cultural celebrations like Carnival contribute significantly to this goal. Culture is a fundamental part of Maltese society, and Carnival holds a special place in our national heritage. After listening to the needs of local councils, we introduced a dedicated scheme to support Carnival events. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with 42 councils benefiting from this initiative,” stated the Parliamentary Secretary.

Mayor Jorge Grech expressed his appreciation for the scheme, noting that it has provided local councils with the opportunity to organise a diverse range of cultural events, enriching community life.

Director General Emile Vassallo encouraged more local councils to take advantage of such initiatives, ensuring that both Maltese and Gozitan communities can continue to enjoy cultural festivities throughout the year.

Charlton Debono 1st Maltese Finisher At Lifestar Malta Marathon 2025

Feb 24 2025

In the 2025 edition of the Life Star Malta Marathon attracted a record 5,100 participants, with 2,600 athletes from 80 different countries.

Aziz Ait Ourkia secured first place as an independent runner and completed the distance in two hours, 15 minutes, and 20 seconds

Moroccan runners dominated the 42.1km race, claiming the top four positions. Aziz Ait Ourkia secured first place, followed by Moussab Hadout in 2:15:33 and Lhoussaine Oukrid, who completed the podium in 2:16:12.

Charlton Debono of Evolve Endurance Club was the first Maltese runner to cross the finish line, securing sixth place with a time of 2:29:19.

He was followed by his teammate, Andrew Grech, who finished seventh in 2:30:58.

“I am very happy with my performance, as this was my first time competing in the Malta Marathon,” Debono said.

The third Maltese runner to finish the race was PC Roderick Cilia, who completed the marathon in 2:38:05.

Just ahead of him was British runner Jemima Farley, who, despite being seven seconds slower than her own course record of 2:35:41 set in 2024, finished in an impressive 2:35:48.

Farley, who is registered with the Ladies Running Club, was pleased with her performance, especially given the challenges she faced during the race.

#MaltaDaily

Local With Cystic Fibrosis Runs Half Marathon

Feb 24 2025

Francesca Falzon, an animal rights and welfare activist, decided to run the 2025 LifeStar Malta Half Marathon despite suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Francesca ran 21.1km with ‘lungs that don’t make it easy.’

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A post shared by Francesca Falzon (@franfalzon)

‘Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus buildup, making breathing a challenge’, she wrote. ‘But that’s never stopped me.’

‘My main priority here is to create awareness and live a life that’s light and not serious.’

Well done Francesca!

#MaltaDaily

Malta Retains 4th Place In Europe For Innovative Startups

Feb 24 2025

Malta has reaffirmed its status as a premier hub for innovative startups, maintaining its position as the fourth-ranked country in Europe for the second year in a row.

This recognition comes from the 2024 Startup Nations Standard (SNS) Report by the Europe Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA), which evaluates 24 EU nations. The ranking underscores Malta’s dedication to cultivating a dynamic, entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem.

The report highlights Malta’s strong performance in key areas such as talent attraction, digital transformation, and regulatory advancements—fundamental elements for a thriving startup landscape. Notably, Malta achieved a perfect 100% score in two categories:

Talent Attraction & Retention – Through targeted programs, Malta draws top talent, particularly in technology, encouraging professionals to relocate and build their careers in the country.

Digital Transformation – With comprehensive online government services, Malta stands out in digital public administration, ensuring seamless business operations for startups.

Since 2020, Malta’s startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with 66 projects approved under the Start-up Finance Scheme, receiving €30 million in funding. These startups, spanning sectors such as FinTech, MedTech, and robotics, have generated over 145 high-quality jobs.

The average wage in these startups stands at €45,000—twice the national average—with 25% of employees earning above €60,000. The highest-paying startups offer salaries averaging €71,248, contributing substantially to government revenue and the local economy.

Minister for the Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, emphasised Malta’s commitment to further strengthening its startup environment: “Our goal is to position Malta as the ultimate destination for startups and entrepreneurs.

By refining support structures and attracting global businesses, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. Malta Enterprise plays a key role in ensuring the country remains a leading centre for innovation and investment.”

Strategic initiatives have driven this success, including DiHubMT, led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), which supports startups and SMEs through mentorship, incubator programs, workspace access, and advanced equipment. In 2025, the introduction of a High-Performance Computer (HPC) will further enhance local research capabilities, eliminating the need for costly international studies.

The annual Startup Festival has also been a catalyst, fostering networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Malta continues to adapt its regulations to support emerging industries, reinforcing its pro-business stance.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand support with funding of up to €1.5 million per startup, a streamlined framework for startup operations, and a new incubation centre in Ħal Far.

These efforts align with Malta Vision 2050, a strategic framework aimed at fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and economic resilience through technology and entrepreneurship.

While the SNS Report highlights areas for growth, including improved financial access and increased diversity, Malta’s business-friendly environment and digital-first approach make it an attractive destination for startups aiming to thrive in Europe.

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