Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe, has raised alarm over what he perceives as suspicious security incidents impacting the nation's sugar manufacturing sector.

Gwengwe's remarks come at a critical juncture for the industry, as it has only recently begun to stabilize following a period of scarcity and subsequent market overpricing.

Speaking in an interview, Gwengwe highlighted the integral role of major sugar producers in the country, particularly Ilovo and Salima Sugar, which collectively account for a significant portion of Malawi's sugar output.

He noted that these companies typically engage in stockpiling due to seasonal production constraints, with production typically commencing after the rainy season.

Gwengwe assured the public that the current situation indicated a forthcoming surplus of sugar, leading to an expected decrease in prices as supply becomes more consistent.

However, he expressed concern over a series of security incidents plaguing key sugar manufacturing facilities across multiple locations simultaneously.

The Gwengwe pointed out incidents affecting Salima Sugar in Nkhotakota, the Dwangwa plant operated by Ilovo, and similar challenges in Nchalo.

He suggested that the occurrence of such issues concurrently raised suspicions of foul play, hinting at possible sabotage within the industry.

In response to these concerns, Gwengwe disclosed that relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Homeland Security, had been alerted and were taking proactive measures to address the situation.

“Security personnel, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), have been deployed to investigate and mitigate potential threats to investors and industrial operations.” – He reiterated

Highlighting the importance of ensuring a secure business environment, Gwengwe emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding investments in Malawi.

He underscored the need for investors to feel confident in the security of their ventures, stressing that the country aims to be perceived as a safe and attractive destination for business.