“Malawi is not poor” -Napoleon Dzombe cries!

Local investor Napoleon Dzombe has expressed concerns regarding the investment climate in the country, highlighting that local investors encounter obstacles that hinder project progress, as he seeks approval for his proposed fertiliser manufacturing facility in Dowa.

During his appearance before a joint Parliamentary committee today, Dzombe stated that the Mulalo Granular Fertiliser Production Factory is intended to tackle issues related to fertiliser accessibility, yet it has been impeded by extended administrative challenges.

Dzombe informed the committee that the loss of his title deed should not impact his ownership of the 26-hectare property, clarifying that it was surveyed in 1971 and the title deed was issued in 1979 before it went missing.

He also raised concerns about being required to pay K10 million in environmental assessment fees by MEPA, recalling his previous loss of K500 million from an unsuccessful international bus terminal investment.

The committee is currently examining the delays associated with the project and will hear submissions from MEPA officials and other stakeholders this afternoon.

Last week, Minister of Environment Patricia Wiskesi indicated that the delays were due to the failure to submit a revised environmental assessment report.