|
Delegates to the first consultative meeting of the proposed Indigenous Businesses Association of Malawi on Friday resolved to support the National Economic Empowerment policy currently in draft form.
During the two-hour meeting convened and sponsored by businessman Mike Mlombwa in Blantyre, the estimated 65 business persons also mandated a working committee to lobby for an extension to the October 29 deadline for making consultations on the draft law so that they give their input.
Business consultant Mark Maleta said the draft National Economic Empowerment Policy is being developed by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and the economic think-tank, National Action Group.
Maleta said it is modelled along the lines of South Africa’s Black Empowerment Policy and tackles issues like access to capital and training for the indigenous entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, Mlombwa said when registered, the association will promote participation of indigenous Malawians in the social and economic development of Malawi.
“We want to encourage indigenous Malawians to own businesses that will equally compete with those owned by foreigners and promote partnerships among indigenous Malawian entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mlombwa also said while lobbying government to make deliberate policies that do not marginalise local Malawians in accessing capital, land and business opportunities, the association will also advocate joint ventures between indigenous Malawian owned companies and foreign investors wishing to invest in Malawi.
Most delegates to the meeting also shared the concern that Malawian businesses were being marginalised while foreigners have it easy both in terms of land ownership and accessing capital.
“We are not in control of our own economy because it’s foreigners who own land and banks also demand collateral from us,” said Aubrey Monjeza, co-convenor of the meeting.
Dzuka Publishing Company’s Iness Malemia, who was nominated interim secretary, said while the association is a welcome development, Malawian business persons should also change their approach to business by discarding selfishness and jealousy.
“We should do away with the pull him or her dfown syndrome. Have you ever wondered why it’s only our National Anthem which mentions envy?” Malemia queried.
This weekend, the convenors are expected to hold a second round of consultations on problems facing Malawian businesses in Lilongwe and Harvey Tile has pledged to sponsor the Central Region gathering.
|
