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Malawi demands $15 Million from Turkish firm over unpaid tobacco deal

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Malawi demands $15 Million from Turkish firm over unpaid tobacco deal



By Twink Jones Gadama

Malawi’s Attorney General, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, has taken a bold step in demanding $15 million (approximately K26 trillion) from Turkish firm, Star Agritech International, over an unpaid tobacco deal dating back to 2013.

The deal in question involves Malawi Leaf Company Limited (MLCF), a state-owned enterprise established in 2006 to stabilize the country’s tobacco industry, which was dominated by multinational companies at the time.

Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda



MLCF had entered into a contract with Star Tobacco International, now known as Star Agritech International, to sell over three million kilograms of tobacco.

In a demand letter dated November 1, 2024, addressed to the company’s managing director, Ambassador Ahmet Semseddin Arda, Chakaka Nyirenda gave the Turkish firm 21 days to provide full compensation.

Failure to comply will result in civil proceedings and criminal prosecution against the company’s directors.

Chakaka Nyirenda emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “If they do not pay, we will bring a civil claim for damages against the company, in addition to criminal proceedings against its directors.”

This move by the Attorney General’s office demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of Malawian companies and ensuring that international business deals are conducted fairly and transparently.

The tobacco industry is a significant contributor to Malawi’s economy, and this case highlights the importance of enforcing contracts and ensuring that payments are made promptly.

As the 21-day ultimatum ticks away, all eyes are on Star Agritech International to see if they will comply with the demand.

If not, the case may set a precedent for future international business dealings in Malawi.

In October 2013, Malawi Leaf Company Limited (MLCF) and Star Tobacco International entered into a contract for the sale of over three million kilograms of tobacco.

The deal was part of efforts to stabilize the country’s tobacco industry, which was dominated by multinational companies at the time.

The Attorney General’s office has demanded $15 million (approximately K26 trillion) from Star Agritech International, citing the company’s failure to honor payment obligations.

Failure to comply with the demand will result in civil proceedings and criminal prosecution against the company’s directors.

The outcome of this case may have significant implications for Malawi’s economy, particularly the tobacco industry.

A favorable resolution could boost investor confidence and demonstrate the government’s commitment to enforcing contracts.

DPP Denies Allegations of Manipulation in Afrobarometer Report

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DPP Denies Allegations of Manipulation in Afrobarometer Report

By Twink Jones Gadama

In a strong rebuttal to recent claims made by Thomas Kachali of the Maravi Post regarding the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), party spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has categorically denied any involvement in attempts to manipulate the findings of the Afrobarometer report.

The allegations, which suggest that the DPP conspired with academics from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) to distort data for political gain, have been dismissed as unfounded and malicious.

Namalomba



Namalomba stated, “This is not true at all. We don’t have any reason to interfere with the work and findings of a credible research institute. No one ever contacted me or any senior member of the party.” He emphasized that the DPP remains committed to upholding democratic values and respects the integrity of independent research.

The Afrobarometer report, released on November 7, 2024, has sparked controversy, with some interpreting its findings as a reflection of the ruling Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) waning popularity.

However, the DPP asserts that such interpretations are a misrepresentation of the data and an attempt by the MCP to distract from its governance challenges.

Political analysts and civil society organizations have expressed concern over the potential politicization of academic research, warning that any manipulation could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

However, Namalomba argues that the DPP is not involved in any such activities and that the party is focused on presenting its policies and vision for the future to the Malawian people.

Namalomba further criticized the allegations as a desperate attempt by the MCP to deflect attention from its own shortcomings. “These claims are the work of desperate MCP thugs who are having sleepless nights as they face growing dissatisfaction among the populace,” he added.

As Malawi approaches the 2025 general elections, the DPP is determined to engage with citizens on the issues that matter most to them, rather than getting embroiled in baseless accusations.

The party calls for a focus on constructive dialogue and a commitment to democratic principles, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the truth and integrity of research.

The DPP’s firm stance against the allegations serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining academic independence and integrity in the face of political pressures.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties to respect the role of independent research in fostering informed public discourse.

Ekhaya abattoir opens in Blantyre

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Ekhaya abattoir opens in Blantyre



By Chisomo Phiri

Ekhaya Group of Companies on Thursday officially opened its state-of-the-art Ekhaya Abattoir at Mpemba in Blantyre.

Group’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO),Anabel Mpinganjira,assured Malawians that the facility will provide quality meat products, emphasizing that they have met all requirements and regulations, prioritizing health, quality, and standards in their processes.

Mpinganjira at the opening ceremony



Principal Secretary for Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture,Engineer Geoffrey Mamba, acknowledged limited private sector participation as a significant challenge to the slow growth of livestock production in the country.

He however,commended Ekhaya for the substantial investment, noting that such initiatives align with national investment goals under the 2063 Agenda, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

The facility, which spans 2.1 hectares of land, was launched in 2021 and can accommodate approximately 150 to 200 live animals at once.

Ekhaya Farms has been in operation since 2019, and commercial operations began in 2020.

The company is a cattle and goat farm situated in Chikwawa and Njuli, with an intensive feedlot that can accommodate 3000 head.

Reserve Bank of Malawi maintains policy rate at 26%

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Reserve Bank of Malawi maintains policy rate at 26%


By Chisomo Phiri

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of Malawi(RBM) says it has decided to keep the Policy Rate at 26 percent.

The policy rate is a short-term reference rate set by a central bank.

In a statement released on Friday, RBM Governor Wilson Banda says the decision was made during MPC meeting on November 4,2024.

Wilson Banda



Banda also reveals that the Committee has chosen to maintain the Lombard rate at 20 basis points above the policy rate and the Liquidity Reserve Requirement (LRR) ratio at 3.75 percent for foreign currency deposits.

He has however, said the Committee has decided to increase the LRR ratio for domestic currency deposits by 125 basis points to 10 percent.

According to Banda, the Committee believes that inflation will slow down in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to favourable base effects.

Says Banda:”Despite this, money supply continues to grow rapidly, posing risks to the inflation outlook.

“To address this, the MPC has decided to tighten the LRR ratio for domestic deposits, which will slow down money supply growth pressures and enhance the inflation deceleration process in the short to medium term.”

Parliamentary committees praise progress of state-of-the-art computer lab at Ndirande Hill secondary school

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Parliamentary committees praise progress of state-of-the-art computer lab at Ndirande Hill secondary school



By Chisomo Phiri

The Parliamentary Committees for Education and Media, Information, and Communication have expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the construction of the state-of-the-art computer laboratory at Ndirande Hills Secondary, courtesy of the Connect A School (CAS) project.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the project in Blantyre on Thursday, Education Committee Vice Chairperson Ephraim Nayeja said the committees are impressed with the quality of work and the progress made against the project completion timeline.

“The quality of the infrastructure is of high standard and as a committee, we will continue to monitor the project to ensure that the quality is maintained up to the finishing,” he said.

Vice Chairperson for Media, Information and Communication in Parliament Ishmael Grant said based on the progress made in the construction, he is optimistic that the laboratory will be ready by next month.

He hailed Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for implementing the CAS project, saying it aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of providing students with the essential tools and skills needed to thrive in the digital era.

“This initiative does not only bridge the digital divide but also fosters an inclusive and forward-thinking environment, thereby laying a robust foundation for Malawi’s socioeconomic growth and ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital era,” he said.

Ndirande Hills Secondary School Head Teacher Wyson Phiri said the laboratory will ease challenges faced by the students in accessing modern tools, resources, and opportunities for studies and career development.

About 75 schools across the country are expected to benefit from the CAS project through the Universal Service Fund in its first phase of implementation, which will end by December this year.

Each laboratory built in the schools will be provided with 20 computers and each school will be connected to the internet for three years.

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