By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) national executive committee (NEC) member, Vitumbiko Mumba has expressed his unwavering support for President Lazarus Chakwera’s re-election bid in the September 16, 2025, elections, citing the president’s achievements in various sectors, including job creation.
Mumba who is also Minister of Trade and Industry, made the remarks on Sunday during a political rally he held at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre saying he believes President Chakwera is the only one who can liberate Malawi from her economic challenges.
Mumba highlighted President Chakwera’s efforts in creating jobs, despite facing numerous challenges during his tenure.
“President Chakwera is the leader who has shown unwavering commitment to the nation’s growth. The only one who can liberate Malawi from economic woes,” said Mumba.
“The president has created jobs in the country but some quarters choose to act as if they see nothing done by Chakwera. As a party, we will ensure that the president wins the presidential race. As I speak, other party officials are holding rallies in other districts across the country including our Secretary General [Honourable] Richard Chimwendo Banda and others who are in Ntchisi. We are united to reach every corner of Malawi campaigning for Chakwera so that come September 16, 2025, he wins the presidency.”
He attributed recent price hikes to sabotage by Chakwera’s enemies and claimed the government is working to reduce prices of essential commodities like sugar and bread.
“Recently, prices of goods were skyrocketing. This was a deliberate move by the enemies of [Dr.] Chakwera who were behind all these so that Malawians should get angry with Chakwera and come September 16 he got voted out of power. This will not happen because his government is addressing some of the challenges of high prices of commodities like sugar, bread and kaunjika m(second hand clothes) among others,” he explained.
Mumba announced plans to close over 20 businesses owned by foreign nationals, allowing Malawians to take over and promoting “real investors” in the country.
“It’s not right that someone should come from overseas to open a barber shop in our townships. We need real investors in the country. My ministry is working to address all these,” he said
Mumba urged Malawians to refrain from promoting tribalism, emphasizing the importance of unity in national development. He stressed that regardless of ethnic background, Malawians should work together to develop their nation.
“Whether one is Yao, Tumbuka, Lhomwe, Sena, Mang’anja, Ngoni, Chewa or any other ethnic group, one must know that we are all Malawians regardless of our diverse backgrounds. We have to love each other to develop our nation together. I am from Mzimba the Northern Region while my wife comes from the Southern Region. There is no need to hate one another at the expense of loving each other,” he said.
Despite facing internal party conflicts and disciplinary hearings, Mumba remains committed to campaigning for Chakwera’s re-election.
Mumba was recently appointed as Minister of Trade and Industry, replacing Sosten Gwengwe, and has vowed to use his experience to facilitate technical and vocational training, ensuring a high-quality workforce and promoting socio-economic development.
Other party officials who were present at the Blantyre rally included former deputy speaker of parliament Esther Mcheka Chilenje and seasoned politician Brown Mpinganjira.
