Government to redesign AIP
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says his administration will re-design the implementation of the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) to benefit more people.
Dr Chakwera made the sentiments when delivering the State of National Address during the official opening of the 50th session of parliament and the 2023/2024 national budget meeting.
Whilst acknowledging the challenges the program has faced this year, President Chakwera said redesigning the program and consolidating all safety nets will help solve the challenges.
He however disclosed that so far 1.7 million people have redeemed their inputs representing 73% across the country.
The President says that the mega farms project is on track as so far two mega farms have been established in Mangochi and Chipoka in Salima while 6 billion dollars has been allocated for sugarcane Katunga- Maseya farm in Chikwawa district.
On economy, Chakwera said the country is facing a lot of challenges including external shocks with domestic revenue has been pegged at 1.6 billion kwacha which he said is not enough to change the living standards of many Malawians.
He disclosed plans to engage further in economic diplomacy, where Malawi’s foreign missions will be expected to proactively market the country to foreign investors and as a tourist destination.
However the President pointed out insufficient power supply as one of the key challenges impeding the growth of manufacturing industries in Malawi.
On justice the President says Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been more productive in handling cases and other administrative tasks.
Chakwera says a lot of corruption cases have been concluded despite what the ACB director has been going through.
On mining, Chakwera bemoaned lack of strict enforcement of relevant mining laws in sector therefore called for relevant authorities to address the issue.
Chakwera also revealed that Reserve Bank of Malawi has used 9.4 billion kwacha to purchase gold which he said the figure could be high only if all actors comply with the RBM act in the mining sector.
He then said his administration is prepared to take advantage of the presence of mineral deposits in the country for economic transformation through the establishment of the Mining Regulator Authority.
The president continued delivering the SONA amidst boos from the opposition benches.
Commenting, economic expert has said Malawians should brace for tough times ahead as government has no short-term solutions to current economic challenges.
Adil Chilungo said this to radio Islam as part of the reaction to President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of National Address SONA delivered on Friday at the opening of the 50 session of parliament.
In his speech, the state president admitted Malawi is facing economic challenges and that the situation is not going to change very soon.
Reacting, Chilungo said the state president could have come up with short-term solutions that would caution poor Malawians from economic challenges.
He then advised Malawians to intensify irrigation farming in cooperatives to curb the food shortage situation this year.
