Africa’s Richest Man Fails to Attend MIF For Security Issuess

Aliko Dangote the Africa’s riches man has failed to show up at the Malawi Investment Forum (MIF) after enjoying the most publicity of his presence at the occasion.

It is feared that the Nigerian business man, Dangote has failed to show up for the forum due to security issues.

However the Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) Chief Executive Officer Clement Kumbemba was not immediate for commenting on what happened.

Government might have been told or sensed of his absence at the event if remarks made by the Minister of Trade and Industry on Saturday evening at a press conference we are to go by. 

Hon Joseph Mwanamvekha said with doubt that Dangote will come. He stammer as he speak, “We are trying to contact him to…aaahh…but therrr… we don’t know when he is coming. Understand, for security reasons aaahh…, He could come between tonight and tomorrow morning. But in terms of accommodation it has been arranged. There were questions where am told he is doing Ramadan but the arrangements are being made to accommodate that. So, lets wait and see until may be tomorrow (Sunday) evening or even on the day, after all am told he can fly in, he has his own plane. May be they have their own arrangement”

Roger Martin; 2015 MIF event planner

When asked on Monday afternoon to confirm if Aliko Dangote will come after it was observed that he was not present during the opening session, the MIF event, Roger Martin Director for the Developing Markets Associates hired by MITC having successfully run similar event held two years ago in London also mentioned of security issues.

“He is not here and we are not quite sure why” he said, but “It is something to do with I believe security issues, he wanted to come but he is unable to, it is nothing to do with us here with Malawi or anything else because even as late as last night (Sunday) he was hoping he could come. So it’s just one of those things”

Mr. Martin further assumed that since Aliko Dangote a beacon for African entrepreneurs is an extraordinary busy man, it does mean his time is very limited and “it may well be busy schedules in the end, could not allow him to come”

“But I know that he wanted to” he added

However, speaking of the event, Roger said attendance has been extraordinary and positive given that it was a first time and it was organized at a “good quite speed” therefore having all expected delegates present both domestic and international communities that is also sending strong message that Malawi is open for business. He added that the event was extremely well done.

Malawi Opposition Leader Hails Mutharika For Inviting Investors Forum

Hon Dr. Lazarus Chakwera

As the Malawi Government decision to invite both global and local investors continue be well-liked among foreign dignitaries, from Malawi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament and President for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, describes Malawi Investment Forum (MIF) “a way to go.”

Though Chakwera noted with concern that such an idea “should have been ready yesterday”, but acclaimed the move saying that MIF is Malawi’s road to prosperity.

“This is way overdue.” He observed then said, “This is as it should be, because we cannot thrive as a nation if we do not really have big time investment and big time trading. Because we have added value to the production that we have in the country, so this is a way that things have to work”

The Malawi Opposition Leader emphasized that “This is what we must do in order to encourage that there be production and creation of wealth in order for the country to truly develop.”

Hon. Chakwera however, hints that “We just need to pull up our socks as a nation and do what is required” by pulling out resources together in terms of how Malawi can truly market herself “than just talk about it.” On this he reminded that Malawi need to trade carefully when wooing foreign investors taking into account that “we are living in the global village” where such investors “no matter how you can talk to them” they will read about Malawi and they will know what happens in this country and they will know about what other investors have experienced.

Hon Dr. Lazarus Chakawera

The MCP president attended the opening ceremony for the first ever Malawi Investment Forum which  the Malawi President, Professor Peter Mutharika officially opened on Monday 30th June 2015 at Peermont Hotel's Bingu International Conference Centre.

The conference has drawn companies from across the globe, with intent to invest in Malawi.

Government of Malawi is showcasing its opportunity areas in the seven sectors of Mining, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Energy, manufacturing, Infrastructure, Tourism and Financial Services.

SADC Encourages Women Empowerment at MIF

Women empowerment has been highlighted as one of the most important step that all prospective investors in Africa needs to undertake, says Southern Africa Development community (SADC) at the Malawi for Malawi Investment Forum (MIF).

The MIF that begins on 29t June and ends 30th June 2015 has drawn number of companies across the globe with interest to invest in Malawi in wide range of investment opportunities.

SADC Executive Secretary, H.E Stergomena Lawrence Tax while expressing optimism that the success of MIF will spread across the region, said private investors gathered in Malawi should not marginalise women as they set up investment projects in the country but must offer them opportunities by place them into various decision making positions because they are capable.

“They (women) can and I can assure you that they can deliver” she said “And am saying this from an experience point of view” added Stergomena who said she is one of the privileged women who is in higher position as first woman Executive Secretary for regional grouping SADC because back home government had offered her opportunity to work as civil servant for a long time in leadership positions.

“I’m saying it from experience. Please give women a chances and they can deliver. They are real talented” she assured

The SADC executive secretary hailed Malawi government for putting together investors from across the globe to explore investment opportunities that are available in the country and described the MIF ‘Milestone forum’ which will enable partnerships and economic development for Malawi and SADC region.

She noted that the forum comes at a right time as twenty six (26) countries from SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and together with from Eastern African Community (EAC) have just signed Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (FTA). She said the  establishment  of  a  Tripartite    will bolster  intra-regional  trade  by  creating  a  wider  market  ,  increase  investment flows,  enhance  competitiveness  and    encourage  regional  infrastructure development as well as pioneer the integration of the African continent.

Malawi Promise Investors Security, Favorable Environment

The Malawi Government promise to do its "utmost to facilitate domestic and foreign investments" as the country hosts first ever 'Malawi Investment Forum' (MIF) in the capital city, Lilongwe.

The Malawi President Professor Arther Peter Mutharika has assured the interested investors gathered at Bingu International Conference Centre of their security for foreign direct investments including flexibility in repatriation of profits. 

He said Government of Malawi believes that the private sector is the driver of economic development for the country. 

"We believe that investment, both foreign and domestic, is the engine that will develop the economy of this country from a predominantly importing and consuming to a predominantly exporting and producing one. We believe that the private sector will bring the prosperity that our people earnestly deserve." He told the participants drawn from over 31 countries across the globe.

Malawi leader noted that the country has initiated and implemented various reforms that will make investor journey towards investment in Malawi easier 

Among number of developments that lay ground for foreign investments he mentioned Establishment of a One-Stop-Service-Centre at the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) that will assist investors with the registration of their company, the identification of land, the processing of employment permits and other required licenses, and advise on available incentives.

He also mentioned that Malawi has liberalised the exchange rate and will uphold this policy which resulted the Malawi Kwacha being stable over the last year and the government expects that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

"Malawi has upgraded the electricity generation capacity and introduced demand side management measures. Malawi's electricity supply has become increasingly reliable as generation capacity exceeds demand during off-peak hours" he said

"Further, as part of the upgrading of the transportation corridors, a rail line from Tete to the deep sea port of Nacala has been constructed. The line will provide fast access to the Indian Ocean and cut transportation costs for the import and export of products" Said President Peter Mutharika who also indicated that Malawi is a signatory of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, the treaty which will boost regional trade and open up investment opportunities "that seemed impossible a couple of years ago"

President Mutharika also acknowledged existence of much more to be done to improve the competitiveness of Malawi as an investment destination.

He therefore said more reforms will be carried out in number of areas include: Reform of the legal and institutional framework for land administration; Construction of an electricity interconnector with Mozambique and upgrading of the national transmission network; Introduction of National Identification Cards for all citizens and operationalisation of Credit Reference Bureaus; Review of the Seed Act and policy, with the aim of facilitating the prompt introduction of high quality seed; and reform of the Public Sector, including government ministries as well as parastatals.

Malawi Govt Urge Local Firms To Make Joint Ventures With Foreign Investors

The first ever ‘Malawi Investment Forum’ offers great opportunity to local companies, but they have to foster partnerships with foreign investors first.

Begining this Monday to Tuesday, Malawi is hosting investment forum where participants drawn from across the world with intent to invest in the country.

Over 230 local companies have confirmed their participation to the Forum as of Saturday, where among them includes 70 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs will attend the forum and have their products and services exhibited outside the Bingu Internatioal conference hall. Malawi had planned to invite 30 SMEs but has raised the number to 70.

"As Malawi, and as Ministry of Industry and Trade we are encouraging partnership between private sector" says Minister of Industry and Trade Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha

"We would have wanted that investment in every investment coming in Malawi, also Malawians should participate. Companies from Malawi individuals from Malawi they need to participate because that is how we can develop” he emphasized

“But, if it is only foreign investors then when the profit is made most of it will go out. However, if Malawians participate it means part of it will remain in Malawi.” he said

Mwanamvekha then appealed "Partnerships or joint ventures are important. And I would kindly request Malawian companies to take advantage of this forum.”

"Partnerships are key because this country can only develop if Malawians own the companies, if they own the companies then it means the economic empowerment is taking place.” he said, "And there will be very little externalization of dividends to outside, that is why am encourage them to take advantage of the forum and meet other investors that are coming so that they form joint partnerships and joint ventures.”

The two day conference, is to show case seven opportunity areas in the seven sectors of Mining, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Energy, manufacturing, Infrastructure, Tourism and Financial Services. The country expects to generate prospective investment of up to US $16 billion which is K7.2 trillion.

All Set For 'Malawi Investment Forum' All Prospective Investments Leads To Be Followed

Malawi confirm readiness to host the first ever Malawi Investment Forum, all delegates confirm participation says the Minister of Industry and Trade.

Malawi is expected this Monday to host a two day Investors conference and government says confirmed participants are drawn from across the world, with interested to bring their investment to Malawi.

Airtel Promise to Make Every Dream Happen

Heiko Schlittke 

Malawi’s mobile premier, Airtel challenges Malawians to live their dream as the company can make it happen through its number of services offered to customers.

The company is now running a campaign dubbed ‘Its Now’ which wants to make every dream happen.

“This campaign is a call for action to tell people that it’s time now to live your dream to go for your targets and use the technology that is at hand to enable you to achieve that" said  Heiko Schlittke, Airtel Managing Director

He said "Airtel is not just a technology company but Airtel is a friend who is there to help achieving those dreams" 

Schlittke said through number of services that Airtel offer, including internet solutions and corporate social responsibility Airtel can help to make people dreams happen.

He said, with its internet anyone can do a research for any information, look for jobs or apply for a job and learn any skills.

“Take that step now and let Airtel be your partner in making your dreams come true” he said, “At Airtel, our core values echo this dedication to our customer’s success. Our vision is to connect inspired Africans to knowledge and opportunities. Our vision is to provide them the tools they need to propel this great continent into the future.”

He added; “Our values drive the way we interact with our customers and with each other”

“We would like everyone to experience our cutting edge technology at their fingertip. To enable them pursue their passions whenever it may take them because their dreams are our dreams too.” Said Schlittke 

"We want to be a friend for life for Malawians" he said saying Malawi should count on Airtel at all times.

Airtel Malawi launched ‘Its Now’ campaign on 16th June 2015, in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Malawi Officially Ban Alcohol In Sachets

Malawi government officially ban packaging, distribution and marketing of ‘liquor in sachets’ and warn closure and revocation of license of any business that goes against the new prescribed Liquor regulation.

The new regulation gives recommendations for appropriate quantities and packaging in which liquor should be produced, packaged, marketed and distributed.

According to a Ministerial statement delivered in the National Assembly on Friday, by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Tarcizio Gowelo on ‘Liquor Regulations’, apparently responds to demands that Alcohol in Sachets be prohibited following numerous health issues and socially dangerous actions it poses to consumers.

The new regulation prohibits package of liquor in plastic or anything sachets or other similar packaging and that, it is illegal to use industrial grade ethanol, or other non portable ethanol with intoxicating liquor.

Hon. Gowelo told the house that his ministry has now been mandated to regulate and ban sale of alcohol in sachets.

He said now the authorized packages for Clear Beer is glass bottles or aluminium bottle of 320 ml, in 200 ml glass bottles for Spirits, in 250ml cardboard box for Traditional beer, in 200ml glass bottles for Liquors, and in 300ml glass bottles for Ciders and Alcohol Pops.

“From now on we do not expect to see beer in sachets, it is prohibited” said Gowelo who assured that officers are on the ground for enforcement.

He said the penalties for any person convicted of an offense under these regulations are imprisonment to 12 month and forfeiture of license and also forfeiture of intoxicating liquor which was used for the purpose of the offense.

He added that any License issued under the Liquor Act for the manufacture, importation, export, sale or supply of intoxicating liquor, prohibited under the new regulation is revoked forthwith.

Ideality the regulation wants to discourage the minors from taking alcohol as it has been the case. It was reportedly that both primary and secondary school students were drinking alcohol during class time and there were number of absenteeism as well as school dropouts. 

“Mr Speaker sir, the rationale for regulating the quantities and packaging is to increase the cost of liquor and hopefully deter purchasing and abusive drinking by minors.” 

Said Gowelo; “The ultimate objective of these regulations is to curb the excessive drinking and the abuse of alcohol by majority of active population including the minors.”

The Minister expressed optimism that the new regulation will help to reduce health problems such as alcohol dependence, livercerosis, kidney failure and other injuries. He also said reported cases of socially dangerous actions such as drink and driving, gender based violence, family disruptions and diminished incomes through diversions, addictions, commission of crimes, juvenile delinquencies, child negligence, abuse and exploitation will be reduced.

Added Hon Gowelo; “Significant economic harms that comprised work related problems due to absenteeism and under performance reading to unemployment, homelessness, and reduced workplace productivity will also be reduced” 

The statement came into the floor as an update following the court case between Malawi Bureau of Standards and some Liquor producers after earlier ban of alcohol in sachets.

“The regulations have been duly gazette and now they are effective for implementation and we do not expect to see any beer outlet selling beer in sachets or outside the new liquor regulation.” Confirmed Hon Gowelo in an Interview but said Companies have right to produce liquor but the quantities and packaging may be regulated”

He said his ministry has communicated to all local authorities to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to monitor that liquor manufactures abide to the regulations.

He also asked parents and communities to make sure that they support government in ensuring that the regulations are adhered to and that people of Malawi are protected.

Last year, concerned Malawians held protests and petitioned the National Assembly to pressure government ban packaging and distribution of alcohol in sachet. The group the petitioners observed that Alcohol in Sachets were easily accessible by minors such that cases of alcohol abuse and addiction were on the rise.

Peoples Party Wants Prudence in the Implementation of 2015-2016 Budget

Jooma 

The opposition People’s Party (PP) expects prudence in the implementation of the appropriated K923 billion 2015/2016 budget and warns that parliament will keep monitoring the budget implementation.

Spokesperson for the party on Finance matters in the National Assembly, Hon Ralph Jooma said in an interview that the Minister has to stick to the Public Finance Management Act and Appropriation bill guidelines.

Jooma said there is no need to overspend the money or spend outside the budget line, “Now that we have passed the budget which we are calling it a largest budget in this country has ever had, K923 billion, is quite a lot of money”

He said “The expectation is that government should make sure that it implements the budget to the full.”

Hon Jooma warned that since the parliament has been allocated enough money, the committees of parliament will make sure that it monitors the implementation of this budget.

Responding to this call, Leader of House in the National Assembly, Honorable Francis Kasaila says government will ensure that the budget is implemented as approved by the whole house.

“Our expectation is that our colleagues in the offices will start working hard from the 1st July and we want to see some impact from this budget” He said, “Figures in the budget will mean nothing if there will be nothing tangible happening on the ground”

Kasaila who promised that the cabinet work hard to monitor the implementation of the budget, jettison out fears of misappropriation and future cashgate scam.

He said since Bingu Wa Mutharika regime particularly the period of 2009 to 20012, DPP government tried to monitor and supervise government workers in preventing misappropriation, “indeed there is a very clear testimony from the analysis that has been made by the auditors that if we look at the reconciliation reports the figures that could not be reconciled in 2009 to 2012 were minimal but that figure rose sharply from K20 billion to K300 billion in one year (2013, during Joyce Banda administration). But in 2014 that figure went down again to K20 billion.”

Hon Kasaila said their DPP government will make sure that it reconcile the figures and make payment to the right people to prevent future cashgate and misappropriation “We want to assure Malawians that we are going to work hard as government and with the reforms taking place in the Ministry of Finance we believe that the situation is going to improve” 

Malawi Celebrates Day for African Child: We are Ending Child Marriages- Kaliati

Hon Patricia Kaliati 

Malawi Government says positive strides are being made in ending early child marriages which are helping young girls to stay at school.

Gender, Children and Disability Social Welfare Minister said this as the country prepares  for the commemoration for the Day for African Child on 30th June in Ngabu, Chikwawa district.

The Day for African Child is commemorated every 16th of June annually but Malawi will commemorate the day on 30th June, under the theme "Accelerate Our Efforts to  End Child Marriages" 

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati says government finds this year's theme more fit in Malawi agenda to end early child marriages particulary among young girls. She said there are now positive indicators that Malawi is on the right track to achieve end of various forms of child abuse and child marriages particularly among girls who are the prime victims.

She said Malawi has enacted a number of legislations that criminalise marriage before child attain the age of 18 such as Marriage Divorce and Family Relations Act and Trafficking in Persons Act that were passed and assented recently.

She said such legislations are helping government protecting young girls from becoming young brides, "We have number of legislations which we have in the country of protecting the girl child and leave the girl child in school up to time she finishes school and also getting married at the age of 18”

Hon Kaliati

She said together with number of partners, efforts are being made in mobilising resources for child protection and securing future for girls among other interventions and activities. Kaliati mentioned  number of child protection programes such as school feeding programme, cash transfer programmes, re-admission of girls at school, and construction of girl hostels are helping Malawi children to stay at school.

The Minister added that some interventions that encourages reporting of child abuse cases as well as community bylaws that criminalise early marriages have helped to reduce cases of child abuses and other forms of harrasment among girls 

Kaliati also hailed the media for well coverage of issues of child related violence which is helping the Ministry to identify cases and act upon them. She called for collaborated efforts among chiefs, police, judiciary and parents and guardians in ending practices that encourages early marriages and report such cases to police and relevant authorities.

At Ngabu, the Plan of Action for Vulnerable Children which will run from 2015 to 2019 containing a situation analysis of 2013 will be launched. According to the Gender Minister, the report finds that there are 1.8 million Malawi vulnerable children.

K923.9 Billion 2015-2016 Budget Passed

The Malawi National assembly Pass 2015-2016 Budget amounting to K923,989,940 (Nine Hundred Twenty-three billion, nine hundred eighty-nine million, nine hundred sixty-five thousand, nine hundred and forty Kwacha) this Wednesday evening having passed all allocated money to various government ministries and departments.

The budget was passed after the house approved and passed the appropriation bill authorising the finance minister to to appropriate the the money to the Consolidated Recurrent and Capital Accounts for the purpose set out in he Recurrent and Capital Estimates.

The house has since adjourned earlier to Friday as motion moved by the Leader of House Hon. Francis Kasaila as part of thanking members for the job well done.

Among some of the major allocations are in the ministries of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development to the provision of K135,687,667,113, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the provision of K114, 753,372,357

Meanwhile Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly President for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Hon. Lazarus Chakwera said this is a good development but committed to give an oversight role as opposition parties. 

Hon Chakwera said “We believe that Malawians out there are rejoicing with us because what we want is services to everyone in the country and so we are glad that the opposition with all of the vigor in debating the budget has passed the budget together with members of the government side.”

He however said, “We will continue to provide the oversight that is needed and our committees of parliament are vibrant and will vigorously follow what happens in the implementation of the same budget.”

The during pre-committee of supply and during the committee of supply the house was almost turned into disarray following demands from opposition parliamentarians who were demanding the speaker to allow the house debate the alleged K92 billion cashgate report first before the budget.

Several attempts were made by opposition parties in the National Assembly to halt the budget debate but they failed to secure the plot when they had later realized that the house was presented with analysis of the cashgate report and not the forensic audit report.

Get all approved votes here….2015-2016 Budget

People With Physical Disability Wants Free, Affordable Mobility Devices

Hon Richard Banda receiving Petition form Charles Banda

Representatives from people living with physical disabilities petitioned the National Assembly to force government make “available free of charge” essential assistive devices particularly for mobility.

An Affiliate organization to FEDOMA called Persons with Physical Disabilities in Malawi (PPDM) petition is pushing for free availability of assistive devices among the poor persons with disabilities and lower prices for such devices to those who can afford.

The petition recommends that policies or strategies related to assistive devices require regular budgetary support from government to ensure implementation and for the replacement, repair and maintenance.

It adds that the essential assistive devices needs to be identified and made available free of charge to the poor people who cannot afford the devices.

Charles Banda Reading the petition

Vice Chairperson for the organisation, Charles Banda, when handing over the petition on Wednesday evening to Hon Richard Chimwendo Banda, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Economic Affairs, said the concerned population of persons with physical disabilities wants provision of assistive devices be part and parcel of development national agenda.

He said persons with disabilities are facing a number of challenges including lack of increased participation in development activities hence calls for government actions as defined in accordance with international and local disability rights instruments by making available of assistive devices free of charge to the poor.

Banda observed that assistive devices are priced as high as K500 thousand for wheel chairs in shops and at K300 thousand for pair of callipers in current services offered 500 Miles Project, prices that an average Malawian is failing to afford.

He said now with no mobility aids such as tricycles, wheel chairs, crunches and callipers many poor Malawians with physical disabilities have lost mobility or they crawl on the floor. Banda noted that the worsening situation is due to lack of support to organisations that gives out services and such devices including Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAPD) and orthopedic centres in Lilongwe and Blantyre who are currently inactive.

Banda said currently, persons with physical are being denied equal access to many other social amenities including education, employment and health.

“Mobility devices enable persons with disabilities to achieve personal mobility and access to these devices is a precondition for achieving equal opportunities, enjoying human rights and living in dignity” he said adding that article 20 of United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) also places the responsibility of States to ensure that persons with disabilities have personal mobility with greatest possible independence, promote and ensure availability as well as access to mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies.

Assistive technologies when appropriate to the user he said “Have been shown to be a powerful tool to increase independence and participation”

He therefore said this is opposed to provisions in Sections 12(2), 13(c)(f)(g) and many others of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi; some Priority areas of the National Social Support Policy; some Sections in the Disability Act of 2012 and some Articles of the UNCRPD

The PPDM vice chairperson therefore asked Malawi government to abide by its commitments ratified in the UNCRPD and adopted Disability Act, and signed international treaties to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to basic human rights through access to assistive devices (including mobility devices).

“To this end government must adopt comprehensive approach to strengthen in-country capacity for provision for assistive devices at all levels”

Receiving the petition hon Richard Chimwendo Banda, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Social And Economic Affairs of Parliament, said he will try to plead with the Speaker and the business committee to ensure that the petition is discussed in this budget sitting.

“If it is not possible we will make sure it is given priority in the next sitting of parliament” he said adding that their grievances will be well articulated in by the legislatures through lobby for increased funding targeting their challenges.