By Bishop Witmos

Mangochi, July 18, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has assured small-scale business entrepreneurs in Eastern Region of his support to cushion them from unfavourable conditions negatively impacting their businesses.

He made the statement on Thursday evening at Chikoko Bay State Lodge in Mangochi where he hosted the small-scale business community from Eastern Region.

Chakwera acknowledged awareness of external economic situations and climatic weather conditions that have negatively affected small-scale businesses across African region.

The President expressed excitement to be part of the gathering, inviting vendors to share challenges they face.

“I am excited to be amongst you here as I invited you in order to hear for myself challenges that you are facing,” he said,

“However, I am aware of some of these challenges. You may be aware that my government has plans to cushion these challenges and some are waiting for procurement procedures,” Chakwera added.

He said government programmes like the National Economic Empowering Fund, which would continue providing immediate solutions to vendors’ challenges.

The Malawi Leader asked people in the eastern region to continue supporting his government.

Vendors from Zomba, Ntaja, Machinga, Liwonde, Balaka, Nsanama, Mangochi Municipal and Monkey Bay attended the event.

The vendors raised issues like Tropical Cyclone Freddy and drought, which have left them destitute.

Chairperson for Zomba Vendors Union, Ayatu Chidothi expressed excitement for the opportunity to interact with the President, acknowledging previous lack of such access.

He observed the challenges small and medium entrepreneurs were facing due to climatic conditions but thanked the government for providing loans to cushion them from the shocks.

Chidothi requested for revision of the loan conditions to benefit business people and asked local government through councils to construct modern market shelters across the region.