Titled Voice of Reason and Hope for a Better Malawi, the initiative aims to shift the national conversation towards a future of opportunity and sustainable growth.

Mark Katsonga Phiri, the PPM President and former Minister of Trade and Industry, addressed the media this, challenging the prevailing view that Malawi is a poor country. Instead, he highlighted the nation’s wealth of natural resources, such as platinum, gold, and vast freshwater lakes, as key assets that could drive the country's economic transformation.

During the press briefing, Katsonga Phiri stressed that Malawi’s prosperity is hindered by the underutilisation of these resources. “We have fertile soil, minerals, and abundant water resources. These are untapped opportunities that can secure a prosperous future for every Malawian,” he said.

Katsonga Phiri also turned his attention to the agricultural sector, which employs over 80% of the population. He noted that smallholder farmers, who make up about 20% of the agricultural workforce, have been neglected for decades. The PPM leader called for the restoration of support to these farmers, including improved pricing, better agricultural services, and storage facilities to protect their crops from market volatility.

In addition, he argued that Malawi’s development must move away from political divisions based on tribal and regional lines. Instead, the country should focus on harnessing its natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.

With Malawi struggling with challenges such as climate-related shocks and economic difficulties, the PPM’s new campaign aims to offer a fresh direction for the nation’s growth, with a focus on sustainable resource development and revitalising agriculture.

--ChannelAfrica--