Forex Demand Takes Center Stage at Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with Minister of Finance in Mzuzu

Malawi: The high demand for forex in the country was a major concern brought up during a pre-budget consultation meeting held by Sosten Gwengwe, the Minister of Finance, in Mzuzu on January 13th, 2023, writes Tionge Hara.

The meeting was organized to gather input and ideas from northern region stakeholders and the media on what should be included in the budget.

Minister Gwengwe acknowledged the need to address the forex issue immediately and emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources.

He also encouraged farmers who grow tobacco to take advantage of the rainy season.

In addition to the forex concern, the finance minister discussed the imbalance in revenues, which have decreased by 7 percent.

The minister speaks to journalists in Mzuzu:

The consultation meetings, which began in Blantyre and Lilongwe, also included presentations from the Copyright Association of Malawi, Church and Society under the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, Mzuzu University, and MALGA.

These organizations asked the government to continue their efforts, particularly when it comes to the budget.

Minister Gwengwe expressed his impression of the outcome of the meeting, stating that he was impressed with the ideas presented by many of the attendees and that the ministry hopes to improve the 2023/24 budget with these brilliant ideas.