Government says it will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with its security agencies to start buying uniforms, safety boots and shoes from local manufacturers.

Speaking to YFM Minister of Trade and Industry Simplex Chithyola Banda said government has already engaged the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and will soon hold discussions with the Malawi Police Service as well as the departments of immigration and prisons.

Banda said the aim of the initiative is to promote the Buy Malawi Strategy and also management of much needed foreign exchange.

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) board chairperson Henry Tchete said there are local manufacturers such as the Malawi Enterprise Productivity Enhancement (MEPE) project located at Chatha in Chileka Blantyre which has capability to produce more boots.

However, Tchete said low demand for the product has been a challenge.