By Chisomo Phiri
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has called on the new Minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe to work in the interest of Malawians by ensuring that sugar prices are reduced.
CDEDI Executive Director Slyvester Namiwa told 247 Malawi News in an interview that Gwengwe should proceed where former Trade Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda stopped as he showed interest in reducing the price.
Namiwa emphasized that both ministers should understand the high expectations placed upon them by both the President and the people of Malawi.
He further highlighted that the unfortunate reality of cartels within the Trade and Industry sector, which continue to undermine efforts aimed at reviving the country’s fragile economy, akin to a patient on life support.
Namiwa also argued that a lot of Malawians at the moment are failing to buy sugar and cane farmers in Salima, Chikwawa and Nkhotakota are not benefiting from the agreement they made with sugar producers.
On Saturday, President Lazarus Chakwera made some minor changes to his cabinet.
He appointed Simplex Chithyola Banda, who was Minister of Trade and Industry as new Minister of Finance, replacing Sosten Gwengwe, who has taken over at Trade.
