By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
OneStop Trading (Pty) Limited, the operator of the Food Lovers Market franchise at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe, has announced the closure of its business, citing a challenging trading environment.
In a statement dated February 21 2025, signed by management official Arson Malola, the company says the decision is due to increasing economic pressures, including critical foreign exchange shortages and reduced consumer disposable income.
“Despite management’s best efforts to navigate these challenges, the business has become unsustainable, incurring significant financial losses at an unsustainable rate.
“As a result, the shareholders have passed a resolution to wind down operations in an orderly manner,” the statement reads.
The closure comes at a time Malawi is grappling with severe economic challenges impacting the business environment.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame described the closure as indicative of the deep economic challenges facing enterprises in the country.
Kambalame said the situation raised an urgent alarm for immediate intervention to support business survival in Malawi.
“Persistent foreign exchange shortages, rising inflation, escalating production costs and shrinking consumer spending are contributing to an increasingly hostile business environment,” Kambalame said.
According to Kambalame, the impact of the closure extends well beyond the trader, affecting suppliers, employees, property owners and the broader economy.
“Without immediate and effective intervention, businesses across various sectors remain at risk, further weakening Malawi’s economic prospects. [Addressing the problem of] forex shortages must be a top priority, with structured initiatives to ensure that businesses can access foreign currency for essential imports,” she said.
The chamber has called for collaborative efforts to support enterprises in confronting economic challenges and promoting sustainable business practices to enhance economic resilience.
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