…..Chikopa says President Mutharika’s MBC interview listed the problems but offered no solutions

The Economic Freedom Movement (EFM) says Malawi must build its own sources of foreign exchange through mining, commercial agriculture and tourism instead of relying on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to fix the economy.

EFM President Willie Precious Chikopa made the remarks while reacting to President Peter Mutharika’s interview on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on Sunday evening. Chikopa said the interview pointed out the plight of Malawians but gave no solutions to the problems they face.

He said hospitals are running without drugs, taps have no water, electricity is unreliable, forex is scarce, and the country does not have enough maize to feed a population that is in dire hunger.

Chikopa acknowledged that government is trying to make changes but said little is being done. He accused the administration of failing to come up with good policies that would attract worthwhile projects, such as mining.

He said intensifying mining, commercial agriculture and investment in tourism would bring forex into the country. Depending on the IMF and the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), he said, will not change Malawi’s fortunes.

“We need to generate our own ways of producing materials that can bring forex to our country. We need to come up with projects that are viable, that can employ youths and women in Malawi, because this age group has got a lot of energy,” he said.

In the MBC interview, President Mutharika said his government had made tremendous achievements in its first year in power. He admitted, however, that forex and fuel shortages remain among the country’s main challenges.

He said government is in talks with the IMF and the World Bank to revive the Extended Credit Facility to stabilise the economy.