Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Feston Malekezo
Published on 2024-03-16 04:49:30
President Lazarus Chakwera recently visited Tropha Estate and Kwithu Kitchen in Mzimba District, where he called on industry stakeholders to focus on increasing value addition and exports in order to generate more foreign exchange for Malawi. Tropha Estate is known for processing and exporting paprika, chillies, and macadamia nuts, while Kwithu Kitchen specializes in processing honey and tomatoes within the city of Mzuzu.
During his visit, Chakwera commended Tropha Estate for their initiatives, which he said are contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Tropha Estate, which started growing macadamia nuts in 2015 using precision irrigation systems, covers an area of over 1,250 hectares. Chakwera also emphasized the importance of value addition in order to enhance the competitiveness of Malawi’s raw materials on both domestic and export markets. He urged industry players to increase their production volumes to reduce reliance on imported products that strain the country’s foreign currency reserves.
Chakwera praised Kwithu Kitchen for their investments in processing plants to add value to agricultural produce, saying that such initiatives are essential for sustainable economic growth. He noted that value addition aligns with Malawi’s development blueprint, MW 2063, which aims to leverage local resources through innovation to create inclusive national wealth.
Addressing the public at Ekwendeni Trading Centre in Mzimba District, Chakwera addressed criticisms of his presidency, stating that he is unbothered by insults and emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech. He highlighted the recent amendment to the Protected Flags and Emblems Act, which guarantees the public the right to express their opinions without fear of reprisal.
During the visit, Catherine Gotani Hara, Member of Parliament for Mzimba North East Constituency, requested a district hospital for her area to alleviate pressure on the central hospital in Mzuzu. Chakwera’s visit to the Northern Region, which began on March 1, included tours of various project sites such as M’mbelwa Stadium and M’mbelwa Council office complex, where he promised expedited construction works.
Overall, Chakwera’s visit underscored the importance of value addition and exports in driving economic growth and reducing dependence on imports. By encouraging industry stakeholders to prioritize these strategies, Malawi can strengthen its economy and create opportunities for sustainable development.
Read the original article on The Times
