Speaker Questions Government’s Failure to Back Dzombe Fertilizer Project
By Suleman Chitera
Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has questioned why the government is failing to support businessman Napoleon Dzombe’s proposed fertilizer manufacturing plant, saying Malawi needs local production to strengthen food security.
LILONGWE — Sameer Suleman has questioned why the government has not supported businessman Napoleon Dzombe in his bid to establish a fertilizer manufacturing company in Malawi, arguing that the project could play a critical role in improving the country’s food security and reducing dependence on imported agricultural inputs.
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Speaking in Parliament, Suleman said he could not understand the government’s reluctance to facilitate Dzombe’s proposal, stressing that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens.
He urged lawmakers and the public to avoid politicising the initiative, saying Malawi stands to benefit significantly from having a locally owned fertilizer manufacturing plant.
According to the Speaker, domestic fertilizer production would strengthen the country’s agricultural sector, improve the availability of fertilizer to farmers, and contribute to national efforts to achieve sustainable food security.
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Suleman said investing in local fertilizer production is essential if Malawi is to reduce its dependence on imported fertilizer, improve resilience against global supply disruptions, and support long-term economic growth.
As debate over the proposal continues, the Speaker has directed the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture to convene and conduct a detailed review of the matter.
The committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders and examine the issues surrounding the proposed fertilizer manufacturing project before presenting its findings to Parliament.
The development comes amid growing calls for Malawi to expand local industrial production and strengthen value addition in key sectors, with agriculture remaining the backbone of the country’s economy.
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If approved and implemented, the proposed fertilizer plant could mark a significant step toward enhancing Malawi’s agricultural self-sufficiency while creating jobs and boosting industrial development.
