By Rosalia Kapiri

Lilongwe, September 12, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry Principle Secretary, Christina Zakeyo has emphasized the importance of increasing Fairtrade Africa (FTA) producers in Malawi to promote industrialization and boost the country's economy.

She spoke on Thursday during Malawi's Fairtrade Day celebration at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is a non-governmental organization championing the voice of all FTA certified producers across the continent.

Zakeyo noted that, as one of the 33 African countries registered with Fairtrade Africa, Malawi stands to gain significantly in terms of economic development, particularly through increased foreign exchange earnings.

"Fairtrade Africa has been an invaluable partner in supporting our agricultural sector, ensuring that our farmers and workers receive fair treatment and fair prices for their produce.

"We need to have more registered companies with Fairtrade. I am confident that the recently certified producers, NASFAM for groundnuts and HIMACUL for macadamia, will further diversify our Fairtrade product portfolio and open new market opportunities for our farmers," Zakeyo said.

Fairtrade Africa's Head of Southern Africa Network, Zinhle Ndlovu, commended Malawi's progress with Fairtrade.

"Previously, Malawi had five producers under Fairtrade; now there are eight. This shows improvement and indicates there is potential for further growth. Malawi can achieve even more," Ndlovu observed.

Currently, Malawian Fairtrade producers are exporting products such as tea, macadamia, sugar, and peanuts.