By Shaffie A Mtambo
The sugar shortage in Malawi continues to worsen, with prices skyrocketing and consumers feeling the pinch.
Despite the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) calling for an emergency sugar indaba to address the issue, the Ministry of Trade claims it has not received a formal request.
CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa is adamant that the indaba is necessary, citing the persistent sugar scarcity in Malawi despite Illovo Sugar’s substantial profits.
However, Ministry of Trade spokesperson Patrick Botha asserts that the organization has not written to the government regarding the sugar conference.
Namiwa has expressed his dissatisfaction with the ministry’s response, threatening to expose the sugar cartel.
He argues that the same sugar is sold at a significantly lower price in other countries, and demands answers to key questions, including the agreement between Illovo Sugar and current sugar distributors, total tonnage produced, and quota allocations to local distributors.
The sugar shortage has led to a surge in prices, with Illovo Sugar Malawi recently adjusting its prices upwards.
A kilogram of brown sugar now costs K2300, while a kilogram of white sugar costs K2600 .
This has resulted in significant price hikes in essential commodities, including sugar (33%), cooking oils (57%), and soaps (70%) .
