Industry captains and trade experts have expressed mixed views on the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s ban on the importation of certain products.
An order signed by Industry and Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba made rounds on social media over the weekend, attracting diverse opinions.
The order bans the importation of fruits and vegetables, except those that are not cultivated in Malawi, as well as maize flour, fresh milk, rice, peanut butter and honey.
It further prohibits the importation of meat products such as sausage, bacon and cold meat, toothpicks, matches, plastic utensils, wooden furniture and mops.
When contacted, Mumba said he would clarify the matter during a press conference scheduled for Monday evening.
But on the sidelines of his visit to Chigumula Industrial Park in Blantyre on Thursday last week, Mumba hinted that he had issued directives to the ministry’s principal secretary to draft an Essential Goods and Commodities Bill and an Economic Sabotage Bill to protect goods such as sugar, salt and cooking oil.
The bills aim to implement punitive measures for traders who have been hoarding such commodities and “protect the country from cartels”.
In an interview, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame said import bans on essential goods in Malawi may offer advantages such as conserving foreign exchange, supporting local industries and fostering economic growth.
“A consultative strategic approach is key in evaluating the long-term effects of the import ban in Malawi,” Kambalame said.
In a separate interview, business expert Ferdinand Mchacha said, as a Short-term measure, the ban was a good decision.
He said Malawi could not continue wasting the little forex it has on products that could be produced within the country.
He added that the government should deal with such challenges decisively.
“The government should focus on creating a conducive environment for local industries to be competitive locally and globally,” Mchacha said.
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