Maize prices have risen in the four cities of Zomba, Mzuzu, Blantyre and Lilongwe and other districts, with prices ranging from K50,000 to K65,000 per 50 kilogramme (kg) bag.
Last month, an International Food Policy Research Institute report indicated that maize was selling at an average of K864 per kg, which, at the time, was translating to K43,200 per 50 kg bag.
In Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) depots, however, the price has not changed, with maize being sold at K790 per kg, which translates to K39,500 per 50 kg bag.
During spot-checks at Chinamwali, Mpondabwino and Songani markets in Zomba City Monday, The Daily Times crew established that a 50kg bag of maize was selling at K65,000.
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When we corroborated with our crews in Mzuzu and Blantyre cities, we established that a 50kg bag of the commodity was selling at an average of K50,000.
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In Lilongwe City and Mangochi Municipal Council, a 50kg bag was averaging K50,000.
Maize vendor at Chinamwali Market in Zomba, Leonard Phiri, said they increased maize prices following a surge in commodity prices in the Central Region, where they order the staple grain.
“We normally purchase maize from Dedza, Ntcheu and Lilongwe, where wholesale prices are now ranging from K42, 000 to K50,000. We incur transportation costs and, to realise profits, we had to settle for K65,000,” Phiri said.
However, consumer Isaac Malemba, whom we found buying maize at Songani market, lamented current prices.
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“The price of a 50 kilogramme bag of maize is exorbitant. Where can I get K65,000 for a 50 kilogramme bag?” he queried.
On his part, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito said the increase in maize prices during the lean season was expected considering the high demand for the product.
“In the month of November until time for harvesting, maize prices mostly go up since there is high demand compared to supply as people have consumed all they harvested in the previous season. There is no maize in Admarc depots, where people would have been accessing affordable maize. People should try food diversification by eating other types of foods in the absence of maize,” Kapito said.
He further urged consumers to be managing the food they have, warning that there was a possibility of food prizes rising in early 2025.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale has said his ministry, together with the Ministry of Trade, has been issuing import licences to traders to bring maize, flour and rice into the country without bottlenecks to ensure continued availability of maize and alternative foods on the market.
Usi’s absence during the hearing would have any bearing on the outcome or not, Njawala said the Summon letter sent to Usi last week was clear on what would happen if he failed to appear before the committee.
“The letter stated that his absence would be construed as a lack of defence and that the committee would proceed to enter a verdict against him without further ado,” Njawala said.
When addressing his supporters, who were clad in UTM regalia, at Mudi State Residence in Blantyre on Sunday, Usi said he would not appear before the committee that summoned him.
“I am not going [to the disciplinary committee meeting] because as far as I am concerned, they do not exist and they don’t exist because they are not legitimate for not following [provisions of] the [party] constitution [when organising the elective party convention that was held in Mzuzu City]. So, me appearing before them is akin to recognising them as legitimate leaders of UTM,” Usi said.
But commenting on the development, political analyst Wonder Mkhutche said Usi had to clearly come out on what rules were flouted in the course of holding the convention as he had been saying this way before the convention was held.
“Usi should think better. The people in UTM regalia following him will disperse in no time. He is simply using them as an audience to address UTM. But the people are not real supporters and, in no time, everything he is hanging on will fall asunder if he doesn’t tread well,” Mkhutche said.
Mkutche added that Usi also chose his political direction by not contesting at the convention.
“There is nothing he will gain politically from what he is doing. He is only further isolating himself from UTM.
“On the other hand, he has no future with the Malawi Congress Party as the party will likely go for someone of their own [as presidential running mate in the September 16 2025 Presidential Election] since Usi has no political capital,” Mkhutche said.
