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Malawi’s Trade and Industry Minister, Vitumbiko Mumba, has taken another decisive step against powerful cartels in the country, this time targeting the cement industry. His latest move follows closely after his recent battle with sugar monopolies that had kept prices artificially high for years, forcing ordinary Malawians to pay more for basic commodities.
Barely a week after dismantling sugar cartels and restoring steady supply of sugar to the market, Mumba announced the arrival of imported cement from Zambia. The new supply is priced at K26,000 per 50-kilogram bag, a significant drop compared to prevailing local market rates. The announcement is already sending shockwaves through cement dealers who had long dominated the industry under cartel arrangements.
Minister Mumba, in a statement shared on his official social media page, stressed that this intervention is a direct demonstration of President Lazarus Chakwera’s servant leadership. According to him, the move was based on the President’s directives to protect consumers and address exploitation in strategic sectors of the economy.
“On instructions and directives from His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, last week I assured Malawians that cement from Zambia was on its way. Today, MIJ FM confirms, it has arrived, and at a better deal for our people, K26,000 per 50kgs bag. Promises made, promises delivered. The President is building Malawi, brick by brick,” Mumba said.
The minister also reminded the public of his earlier remarks during a Public Lecture on the Code of Ethics in the Construction Industry, where he argued that “it is not the cement that is weak but the systems.” His statement was seen as a subtle criticism of the networks that had enabled monopolistic control of the market at the expense of ordinary Malawians.
Industry analysts say the arrival of cheaper cement is a potential game changer. For many years, Malawi’s cement market has been dominated by a few players accused of fixing prices, creating artificial shortages, and frustrating new entrants. The situation had left consumers, particularly home builders and small contractors, at the mercy of inflated prices.
Experts argue that the introduction of lower-priced Zambian cement will not only reduce construction costs but also encourage more Malawians to build affordable homes. It is also expected to force cartel-linked companies to review their pricing strategies, cutting into their profit margins and opening up competition in the industry.
Economist Henry Banda told a local radio station that the move will empower ordinary citizens. “Cement is one of the most important inputs in construction. When the price drops, the cost of building houses, schools, and hospitals comes down. This means more families can afford homes, and government can deliver more infrastructure projects within the same budget. It’s a direct blow to cartels that have been exploiting the people,” he said.
The latest intervention has also sparked debate about the future of monopolistic practices in Malawi’s economy. By confronting both sugar and cement cartels within weeks, Minister Mumba has built a reputation as a tough reformer who is willing to confront vested interests, even when they are politically powerful or deeply entrenched.
Some commentators have started describing him as the administration’s “bulldozer” against corruption, cartels, and corporate greed. His actions appear to reflect President Chakwera’s broader vision of cleaning up systems that have long been manipulated by a few individuals at the expense of national development.
At the same time, questions remain about how far these reforms can go and whether cartels will attempt to regroup under new strategies. Industry observers say sustained political will, stronger regulation, and greater transparency will be required to ensure that these market victories are not temporary.
For now, however, the entry of Zambian cement at K26,000 is being celebrated by consumers as a major relief. It is also seen as a symbol of the government’s determination to dismantle monopolistic networks and place ordinary Malawians at the centre of economic development.
As one construction worker in Lilongwe told a local paper: “We have suffered for a long time buying expensive cement. If this price stays, then finally we can build without fear. Government has shown us that things can change.”
The bigger question remains: how long can Malawi’s cartels survive when a determined government team, led by President Chakwera and Minister Mumba, is actively dismantling the systems that allowed them to thrive?
