Mumba ‘Coming in Hot, Hot’ Against Cement Cartels: Reaches Deal with Zambia to Flood Market with Cheap Cement

In a bold move to protect Malawian consumers from exploitative cement price hikes by local ‘cement cartels’ allegedly aimed at influencing the upcoming elections, no-nonsensical Vitumbiko Mumba, Minister of Trade and Industry, has stepped up to challenge the so-called “cement cartels” manipulating the market.

Over recent months, local cement prices have spiraled wildly, causing alarm among ordinary Malawians. But behind the scenes, Mumba reveals a troubling pattern: major players in the cement industry repeatedly lobbied the government for protectionist measures — all approved under the banner of the “Buy Malawi Strategy” — that inadvertently fueled price inflation rather than curbing it.

The government, led by President Lazarus Chakwera, agreed to several cartel-backed demands, including:

• Imposing a 10% surcharge on imported cement to promote local products.
• Setting a 10.5% guiding value on imported cement, again to boost the Buy Malawi agenda.
• Restricting cement importation through selective issuance of import licenses.
• Requiring importers to secure letters from local producers certifying unavailability of cement locally — a rule introduced just last month.

Mumba questions the real intentions behind these measures, pointing out the irony: “We have seen cement prices rise willy-nilly, not because of market forces, but because some powerful players want to influence the outcome of our elections. This government will not allow cartels to hold Malawians hostage.”

He emphatically states that the Chakwera government will not tolerate cartel tactics that harm consumers in the name of protecting big companies.
“The so-called ‘Buy Malawi Strategy’ was meant to protect our local industries, not to inflate prices and punish consumers. We cannot protect big companies at the expense of the ordinary Malawian,” Mumba said.

Taking decisive action, Mumba, under President Chakwera’s direction, recently held talks with Sinoma Cement and Chilanga Cement management teams in Lusaka. The result: an agreement to supply Malawi with cement at a specially reduced price per tonne — below the prices seen before the recent spikes.

“Under the clear instruction of President Chakwera, we have taken firm action. We engaged our Zambian counterparts at Sinoma Cement and Chilanga Cement, and I’m proud to announce we have secured a special reduced price per tonne of cement for Malawi — cheaper than before the price craziness began,” Mumba announced.

This breakthrough will soon translate into tangible relief for Malawian consumers. Already, 12,000 bags of imported cement are en route to Malawi and expected to arrive by tomorrow.

“We already have 12,000 bags on their way to Malawi, and we will continue to work hard to bring relief to our people. Quarry producers should also brace themselves — we are coming for fair pricing everywhere,” he added.

Mumba also issued a stern warning to those engaged in economic sabotage: “To those involved in economic sabotage: be warned. We are coming in hot, hot, hot!”

On regional cooperation, Mumba expressed gratitude for Zambia’s support: “I want to sincerely thank President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister Chipoka Mulenga of Zambia for their partnership and support in ensuring Malawians can access affordable cement. This is a win not just for Malawi, but for the region.”

Mumba invites the public to tune into a special press conference on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on MBC and Zodiak radio stations, where he will officially announce the full range of measures taken to curb cement price inflation.

With the government’s swift and firm response, Malawi’s cement market looks set for a much-needed reset — safeguarding the interests of everyday citizens ahead of the crucial elections.

 

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