Salima Sugar Company Resumes Operations, Raising Hope for Sugar Supply
The company, under the Green Belt Authority, halted sugar production in November, contributing to soaring prices nationwide in recent months.
SALIMA, Malawi— Salima Sugar Company has resumed production months after halting operations, raising expectations that the availability and pricing of sugar in Malawian markets could stabilize, writes Henry Mlelemba.
Minister of Industry and Trade Sosten Gwengwe presided over the commissioning of the 2024 production season on  Tuesday.
He expressed hope the restart could help reduce scarcity and escalating sugar prices.
"There is a need to expand the capacity of Salima Sugar Company so that the market is flooded with sugar," Gwengwe said.
"We can even take the production to 100 metric tons so as to stabilize sugar availability."
Salima Sugar Company Chairperson Wester Peter Kosamu said the company is committed to scaling up production to meet market demand but needs more resources.
"Already we have earmarked 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of land which we have decided to cultivate, but we are looking forward to more funding for this to be achieved," Kosamu said.
The company, under the Green Belt Authority, halted sugar production in November, contributing to soaring prices nationwide in recent months.
Gwengwe said boosting Salima's output could help flood the market with supply and ease shortages.