According to findings by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), firms that use imported raw materials have been negatively affected, following the border restrictions that have affected the availability of the raw material, therefore lowering industry output altogether.

MCCCI figures further show that the number of firms producing at between 50% and 75% has declined to 43.6%. Meanwhile, Castel Malawi announced the contracting of local commercial farmers to grow maize and rice to be used as raw materials in the production of malt beer, as the firm’s head of external affairs Godwin Ng’oma revealed that the development follows after meeting the Ministry of Trade.

As the raw materials were imported, the Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe said the development is a result of the Buy Malawi Strategy campaign. The campaign is also moving towards boosting local manufacturing firms. The news is a ray of hope for farmers, as they have bemoaned unstable markets on which to sell their produce, while Admarc owes them K1.2 billion for the 55 000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize it bought from them three months ago.