Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Minister Simon Itaye has assured the private sector of the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment. He made these remarks after touring the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Malawi factory in Lilongwe City on Tuesday. The visit was aimed at addressing bottlenecks facing local production. Itaye emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Itaye said the government is engaging small and medium entrepreneurs to venture into producing materials needed for manufacturing, supporting the import substitution drive. Large manufacturers, such as CCBA, face forex challenges due to reliance on importing raw materials. The minister's visit is part of the government's efforts to address these challenges. He stressed that moving closer to the private sector demonstrates the government's desire for an enabling environment.
CCBA General Manager Neil French said the company is committed to increasing local production. Addressing challenges will enable the company to utilize its invested capacity fully and create greater value for its people, customers, communities, and Malawi. French emphasized the importance of working with the government to find practical solutions for sustainable growth, investment, and job creation.
In 2025, CCBA reinforced its long-term commitment to Malawi with a $14.9 million investment in a state-of-the-art production line in Lilongwe. This investment demonstrates the company's confidence in Malawi's economy and its commitment to growth. The production line is expected to enhance the company's operations and contribute to the country's economic development.
Itaye's pledge to address challenges hindering local production is a significant step towards increasing export volumes. The government's engagement with small and medium entrepreneurs is expected to boost the production of materials needed for manufacturing. This move will support the import substitution drive and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
The partnership between the government and the private sector is crucial for Malawi's economic growth. CCBA's commitment to increasing local production and investing in new technologies is a positive development. The company's efforts to work with the government to find practical solutions will contribute to sustainable growth and job creation.
The government's efforts to create an enabling environment for investment are expected to yield positive results. The private sector's confidence in the government's commitment to addressing challenges will encourage further investment. Malawi's economy is expected to benefit from increased investment, job creation, and growth.
Key points
- The government has pledged to address challenges hindering local production to increase export volumes.
- CCBA has invested $14.9 million in a state-of-the-art production line in Lilongwe.
- The partnership between the government and the private sector is crucial for Malawi's economic growth.
