Vendors in Lilongwe have asked President Lazarus Chakwera to facilitate access to huge loans to cushion their dealings from the prevailing economic hardship and compete with foreign business operators. 

The vendors made the plea yesterday at Kamuzu Palace on the sidelines of a roundtable they had with the Malaŵi Leader.

Whilst acknowledging the concerns, President Chakwera promised the vendors that there will be follow-ups with relevant authorities on the raised issues.

Said Chakwera: “I wish to see that all kinds of businesses are progressing as it is one of the things that drive our economy, but that is only possible if we work together as one.”

In an interview, Used Car Dealers Association of Malawi General Secretary Aubrey Teputepu has lamented increased rates on imported goods saying it is negatively affecting their businesses.

“We are too worried with the current budget, we were expecting that after some consultative meeting with the ministry of finance, we could have had good feedback, but we haven’t been included in the current budget,” said Teputepu.

Meanwhile, local government, unity and culture minister Richard Chimwendo Banda has described the engagement as progressive way towards turning around the country’s economic fortunes.

He said: “We are very grateful for the President to invite the vendors, speak their challenges, for us this is great we don’t take that for granted and issues that have been raised by the vendors are pertinent issues, issues that must be worked on.”

This is Chakwera’s second interface with indigenous business operators after having a similar interface with Blantyre vendors last month at Sanjika Palace.

The Lilongwe interface saw close to 1, 000 business operators taking part in the presidential meeting.