By Prosper Kanyade Balirani

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) has urged the Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing sugar shortage in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Cdedi Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa criticized the government’s handling of the issue, citing negligence in allowing Illovo Sugar (Malawi) to continue exporting sugar without prioritizing the needs of Malawians.

Namiwa also raised concerns about security failures at the country’s border posts, which he said have enabled the rampant smuggling of sugar, further exacerbating the crisis.

In a statement released on Monday, Illovo Managing Director Kondwani Msimuko attributed the current sugar crisis in the country to rampant smuggling and adverse weather conditions that have disrupted harvesting operations.

In a social media post released the same day, Mumba acknowledged the presence of sabotage within the sugar industry but assured the public that his ministry is actively addressing the matter.