BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Some senior figures within the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are reportedly uneasy about the idea of awarding fertiliser supply contracts to businessperson Napoleon Dzombe, citing his perceived political sympathies.
According to party insiders, there are fears that giving a major government contract to Dzombe could indirectly strengthen the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) if the businessman were to support its activities.
“Look at what happened to Mulli Brothers, in the past,” Rosa Mbilizi, a senior DPP member, was eavesdropped saying on a phone. “Some business people believed to be sympathetic to DPP struggled to access government opportunities. We should be careful not to repeat the same situation in reverse.”
The remarks reflect growing internal debate about how government should balance political considerations with national economic needs.
DZOMBE’S FERTILIZER PROJECT
In December 2025, Dzombe announced that he is constructing a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Dowa. He said the facility is expected to produce about 40 tonnes per day and, at full capacity, could meet national demand within roughly five months.
If successful, the plant could help Malawi reduce imports, cut transport costs and ease recurring fertiliser shortages.
However, critics within the ruling party argue that concentrating such a strategic supply in the hands of one perceived MCP supplier could give him excessive influence, both commercially and politically.
GOVERNMENT POSITION
In his recent State of the Nation Address, Peter Mutharika spoke about plans to strengthen local production in areas such as fertilizer processing to save foreign exchange and improve value addition.
He did not specifically mention any arrangement regarding Dzombe’s fertiliser project. So far no government official has visited the project.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The debate raises a familiar policy dilemma: should procurement decisions be based strictly on capacity and price, or should political implications also matter?
As discussions continue, observers say clarity from government will be important to reassure both investors and the public.