Renowned economic expert Milward Tobias has criticized the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s decision to revoke business licenses for second-hand clothes wholesalers and retailers, arguing that it will not resolve the country’s economic challenges.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe announced the revocation, stating that requiring businesses to reapply for licenses is the only way to curb price surges.

The move follows mass demonstrations in Lilongwe on Tuesday, where vendors marched to Parliament to protest the rising cost of essential goods, including second-hand clothes, amid worsening economic conditions.

However, Tobias warned that the decision could further harm Malawians, many of whom depend on the second-hand clothes trade for their livelihoods.