By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday, 29th July, 2023 told the nation that the establishment and growth of Cooperatives in the country is very important in creating wealth and jobs for Malawian citizens leading to development of the country.
Speaking during the 29th International Day of Cooperatives celebrated at Civo Stadium in the capital Lilongwe, Chakwera said his government is so committed to support the economic transformation of the country through Cooperatives especially in the rural areas, adding that his focus remains to ensure that as Government there is conducive policy, legal and regulatory environment for the Cooperative Sector, thereby encouraging Malawians to be part of it.
“My hope is that you are part of each of a Cooperative for the development of Malawi. Imagine if every working adult, from the President down, was part of a Cooperative with other Malawians creating wealth and jobs together. It is that kind of seriousness that will turn things around for our country economically.
We need to transform from a country where only Government and Private Sector are doing things that impact the economy. We need to become a productive country where every able-bodied Malawian is part of some enterprise with other Malawians, and Cooperatives are the way to go” Said the President while urging Malawians to use the day as an opportunity to gain awareness of the potential roles that Cooperatives can play to positively transform the nation.
However, President Chakwera admitted challenges surrounding Cooperatives in the country, like access to reliable markets, but he was quick to commend Minister of Trade and Industry, Simplex Chithyola Banda for efforts that has led to agreements with Malawi Defence Force and other stakeholders to address the challenges, adding that Government is also working with neighbours in the SADC region to improve the situation regionally.
