The Malawian government has decreed a ban on the import of several locally available products, a measure aimed at protecting fragile foreign exchange reserves and stimulating domestic production.

According to a Radio MozambiqueAccording to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, from now on Malawi will no longer import corn flour, locally produced fruit and vegetables, fresh milk, rice, peanut butter, honey, popcorn, toothpicks and matches.

Also on the list of restrictions are sausages and other processed meats, mineral water, eggs, plastic utensils, wooden furniture, mops, Irish potatoes, garlic, ginger, onions and even safety boots.

Quoted in the same publication, Malawi's Minister of Industry and Trade, Vitumbuko Mumba, said that "the decision aims to reduce the country's excessive dependence on imported products that can be purchased or manufactured locally".

To this end, the Malawi Revenue Authority has been tasked with enforcing the ban at all borders and customs checkpoints and any individual or entity found importing banned products will face severe penalties.

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has consistently advocated policies aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and building a resilient economy.

(Photo DR)