Players in the Arts and Entertainment sector have faulted president Lazarus Chkawera for not showing interest in uplifting the industry.

According to Gift Sukez Sukali, President of the Film Association of Malawi, it was worrying that president Chakwera in his State of the Nation Address, did not tackle issues relating to how government is intending to promote the sector.

Sukali who is also Manager for HD Plus Creations said the industry is not growing due to under-funding, which is not only to the disadvantage of the players but also to the growth of the tourism industry.

“The Arts sector is lacking in terms of investment. If they say they want to improve the Tourism sector, first of all they have to have the things which can attract people.

Right now our music, our films, our poetry has never been promoted to the extent that someone can come to Malawi because of the same.” he said.

He has since said the SONA is a missed opportunity for president Chakwera to show that government is committed in promoting the Art industry which has the potential of positively contributing to the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Sukezi has said there is need for deliberate policies to act as catalysts for the growth of the industry a thing which will benefit the artists.