Government entities ordered to buy 30% local products
Government ministries, departments and agencies have been ordered to be buying at least 30 percent of their goods and services from local enterprises.
President Peter Mutharika said during the launch of the Buy Malawi Strategy in Lilongwe on Friday that procurement entities that cannot manage to implement the directive because of the nature of their business should give plausible reasons and seek a waiver from the Office of the Director of Public Procurement (ODPP).
The call comes at a time when local businesses have complained repeatedly of favouritism in terms of access to business in government entities.
Business operators have over the years said the government entities preferred buying goods from foreign companies.
Mutharika also directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to prioritise allocation of land to enterprises and investors that intend to manufacture goods and provide services in the country.
He further requested commercial banks to put emphasis on lending to enterprises that produce goods and services locally rather than only emphasising on enterprises that import finished products for re-sell.
Mutharika also asked hospitality facilities to set aside at least one day in a week to serve Malawian dishes.
“Let us be the pride of Malawi. And let me congratulate those that have already started implementing this initiative like Sunbird Tourism Limited,” said Mutharika.
“Let me also request all Malawians that we should be the first to patronise our tourism facilities. Let us be proud of our country,” said Mutharika.
He also said civil servants and public servants in all government ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals should, on Fridays, be wearing clothes produced in Malawi.
He declared that 18th March each year will be a Malawi Day when people will be expected to wear, eat and use Malawian products.
“During this day, Malawians shall celebrate our uniqueness and send a message to the whole world that we are Malawi,” he said.
