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ADMARC to import 200,000 metric tonse of maize

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) has announced plans to import 200,000 metric tons of maize to strengthen national food security.

In a statement, the grain trader’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO ) Daniel Makata says the move is aimed at ensuring consistent availability of maize during the upcoming lean season.

Daniel Makata



“This decision aligns with our core mandate of safeguarding food security and promoting market price stability across Malawi, especially during periods of supply disruptions and price volatility,” says Makata in a statement.

He adds that the decision follows a thorough assessment of current stock levels, market trends, the flow of maize from local suppliers to its depots, and the projected impact on household food security.

“Importing maize during times of scarcity helps us maintain a reliable supply chain, ease pressure on local stocks, and curb further inflation in food prices,” he says.

Currently , a 50KG bag of maize in the country is costing above K65,000.

CFTC serves Agrocomm Distributors with infringement notice over alleged cement hoarding

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued an infringement notice to one of Malawi’s cement distributors, Agrocomm Distributors,for allegedly hoarding 7,800 bags of cement weighing 50 kilograms each at its Lilongwe warehouse.

In a notice seen by this publication, CFTC Director of Consumer Affairs, Brenda Bota alleges that the company violated Section 51(a) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act, which prohibits businesses from withholding or destroying producer or consumer goods, or interfering with the means of production and distribution, whether directly or indirectly, with the aim of increasing prices.

Brenda Bota



She says the commission acted following complaints from consumers who claimed they were unable to access low-cost cement in the city.

Bota notes that Agrocomm, which had been supported by the government to import the product, had allegedly not yet begun selling it.

“A determination will be made once the commission completes its investigations,” she says.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyo, has expressed concern over the incident, saying government was surprised to learn that the company was hoarding cement that was intended to be sold at an affordable price of K26,000 per bag.

She reveals that Agrocomm was among four companies that had received government support amounting to $1 million to import cement from Zambia.

When contacted for comment, Agrocomm Logistics and General Manager, Shebaz Bhaji, declined to respond.

NBS Bank donates K1 million towards IMM Charity Golf Tournament

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By Chisomo Phiri

NBS Bank, through its subsidiary NBS Forex Bureau, has supported preparations for the upcoming Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Swing to Serve Charity Golf Tournament with a K1 million donation.

The tournament, set for Saturday, September 6, at Lilongwe Golf Club, will bring together golfers from across the country to raise funds for the purchase of essential medical equipment for Salima District Hospital.



Speaking during the sponsorship cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday,NBS Forex Bureau General Manager, Fiskani Chiyendawamba, said the bank was proud to be part of the initiative.

“This sponsorship is not just about golf,it is about contributing to improved healthcare for Malawians,” he said.

On his part,IMM President, George Damson, described the Swing to Serve Charity Golf Tournament as a new addition to the organization’s annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, which are usually held in the district hosting their annual conference.

UK reaffirms commitment to Malawi’s higher education through scholarships

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By Chisomo Phiri

The British government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Malawi’s higher education sector through the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programs, which have been running since 1959.

Speaking to journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Acting British High Commissioner Rabecca Fabrizi said the scholarships will equip Malawian scholars with the knowledge and skills needed to bring transformative change to the country.



“These programs are designed to build human capital by nurturing a pool of talented scholars who can drive Malawi’s developmental growth,” said Fabrizi .

Echoing the same sentiments, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Levison Eneya, emphasized that the Malawi 2063 Agenda can only be realized if the nation invests in building the human capacity required to implement the government’s strategies.

This year, a total of 13 Commonwealth scholars, including two pursuing PhDs, and eight Chevening scholars have been awarded scholarships.

Kawale hails Eagle Nano Urea Fertilizer

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By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has has hailed Eagle Nano Urea Fertilizer being manufactured by Paramount Holdings Limited describing it as a revolutionary innovation that will transform the country’s farming sector by reducing costs and boosting productivity.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Kawale said the new fertilizer is a timely solution to the challenges farmers face, particularly the high cost of traditional chemical fertilizers.

Kawale



“A 500ml bottle of Eagle Nano Urea, which costs K65,000, is as effective as a 50kg bag of chemical fertilizer that currently costs around K150,000.This is not a booster or an inoculant.It is real fertilizer,” he said.

The minister explained that the product will bring direct savings for farmers, who can save up to K85,000 per application, allowing them to reinvest in their farms and households.

He added that Eagle Nano Urea will also significantly cut transport and labor costs since one 40-foot container of the liquid fertilizer can replace up to 90 containers of traditional 50kg fertilizer bags.

“This means fewer trucks on the road, reduced fuel consumption, and less labor required for loading and unloading,” said Kawale.

The minister further stressed that Malawi will save large amounts of foreign exchange by reducing imports of bulky chemical fertilizers, a move that will strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.

He indicated that the fertilizer will initially be available in all Paramount Commodities shops and will soon be distributed through more outlets nationwide.

“Eagle Nano Urea is a proud step forward for Malawian agriculture, combining science, sustainability, and affordability to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation,” said Kawale.