By Burnett Munthali

Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba has strongly condemned the recent attacks on Central Poultry farms in Lilongwe, describing them as a serious threat to Malawi’s economy, food security, and investment climate.

Mumba made these remarks on Thursday during a visit to Central Poultry’s Mpingu Farm at M’bwatalika, one of the hardest-hit sites following the wave of attacks.

The minister was accompanied by Member of Parliament for the area, Jean Sendeza, as he toured the damaged facilities and held discussions with farm management.

During the raids, over 55,000 chickens were stolen from multiple farms, and critical infrastructure was vandalized, bringing operations at the affected facilities to a halt.

At Khasu Farm alone, more than 28,000 chickens were reported stolen, underscoring the scale of the crime and its impact on food production.

Minister Mumba said the damage went beyond one company’s losses, warning that such attacks risk undermining the broader national agenda.

“This is not just an attack on a business; it’s an assault on jobs, investor confidence, foreign exchange, and the country’s capacity to feed itself,” Mumba said.

He advised Central Poultry to urgently review and improve its security protocols to prevent further incidents.

Additionally, he encouraged the company to foster better relationships with surrounding communities, stressing that community trust and collaboration are key to sustainable operations.

Mumba also appealed to the Malawi Police Service to expedite investigations and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.

“We cannot allow lawlessness to derail Malawi’s development path,” the minister emphasized, calling for firm action to protect vital industries from criminal elements.

His visit comes at a time when the country is striving to attract foreign and local investment in agriculture and agribusiness, sectors regarded as critical to economic recovery.

Mumba reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting agribusinesses, noting that restoring investor confidence requires swift justice and preventative action.

The attacks have sparked concern among stakeholders in the poultry industry, with fears that such incidents could discourage future investment and worsen food insecurity.

As the investigation continues, attention is turning to the root causes of the unrest and how government, businesses, and communities can work together to create a safer environment for enterprise.