Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Taonga Sabola
Published on 2024-03-22 07:52:14
Parliament recently granted Lilongwe South lawmaker Peter Dimba permission to draft two private members bills to legalize the regulated cultivation, production, possession, distribution, and use of the locally produced variety of chamba. The decision was reached unanimously, highlighting the potential economic benefits that Malawi could gain from the legalization of regulated chamba cultivation.
The local chamba, commonly referred to as ‘Malawi Gold’, has shown promising commercial viability that could significantly contribute to the country’s economy. Dimba’s bills aim to amend the Cannabis Regulations Act to allow for the proper regulation of the locally-produced cannabis sativa variety. Additionally, the bills seek to address operational challenges faced by the industry in cannabis production and amend the Dangerous Drugs Act to regulate the local cannabis variety effectively.
Dimba projected that Malawi could earn up to $200 million from chamba exports in the initial years, with the potential to reach $700 million annually. This revenue would surpass the earnings from the country’s current top foreign exchange earner, tobacco. It is essential to note that Dimba emphasized the industrial and medicinal use of the chamba, distancing it from recreational purposes.
Supporting Dimba’s motion, Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri acknowledged the missed opportunities in utilizing the economic potential of chamba. He criticized the country’s past practice of burning confiscated chamba instead of harnessing its economic benefits. Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda, while supporting the initiative, cautioned against the risks associated with uncontrolled chamba production, stressing the need for licensing and regulation.
Dedza South MP Ismail Onani emphasized the importance of ensuring that local Malawians benefit from chamba production by empowering communities economically. Echoing similar sentiments, Mangochi South West lawmaker Shadric Namalomba emphasized the need for legislation on chamba to originate from grassroots demands. He pointed out that recreational use should not be excluded from the discussion.
Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire clarified that the focus was on allowing licensed producers to grow and sell chamba internationally to boost foreign exchange earnings. Justice Minister Titus Mvalo expressed the government’s interest in taking over the proposed bills for further review and possible presentation to Parliament.
However, Zomba Ntonya lawmaker Ned Poya expressed concerns over bureaucratic delays that could result from the Ministry of Justice taking over the bills. Mulanje South West MP George Chaponda highlighted the missed opportunities for Malawians to benefit from ‘Malawi Gold’, emphasizing that even tobacco, with its associated dangers, has been a significant export crop for the country.
Chikwawa West MP Susan Dossi stressed the importance of ensuring that the economic benefits of local cannabis production trickle down to the grassroots level. Drawing a parallel with the tobacco industry, she highlighted the disparity between high-value crop production and the economic well-being of local farmers.
In conclusion, the decision to legalize the regulated cultivation of chamba in Malawi has stirred debates within Parliament, with members emphasizing the economic potential and the importance of regulating the industry to ensure maximum benefits for local communities. As the government reviews the proposed bills, it is crucial to consider the perspectives shared by various lawmakers to strike a balance between economic opportunities and regulatory controls in the chamba industry.
Read the original article on The Times
