Outgoing British envoy tips Malawi on how to grow economy: ‘Take politics out of private sector’

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Malawi, Michael Nevin, has told the government to depoliticise the private sector if the country’s economy is to grow.

Nevin, who is heading to Iceland on another diplomatic tour of duty, said the economy has potential to grow at a higher rate only if the government takes politics out of its dealings of the private sector.

He was speaking on Saturday in Blantyre during the celebrations marking the 90th birth day of Queen Elizabeth.

“The private sector should operate without political interference,” he said.

There have been growing concerns that ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cronies and family friends continue to be favoured with government contracts which include the awarding of transportation of Farm input subsidy program inputs like fertilizer.

Nevin said depoliticising the government dealings with the private sector and creating a conducive environment for the private sector who grow the economy at a much faster pace than anticipated.

President of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Carl Chokotho said the government failure to release close to K300 billion in arrears to the private sector is choking the operations of the private sector dubbed engines of economy.

Government officials were not readily available for their comment.