Drama in Parliament as Fertiliser Plant Delay Sparks Heated Exchanges
Parliament on Wednesday descended into heated exchanges as government and opposition lawmakers traded accusations over delays in granting an environmental certificate to businessman Napoleon Dzombe’s fertiliser manufacturing project.
The debate was triggered by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislator for Lilongwe Likuni, Calvin Mphande, who asked the Minister of Agriculture to explain why the proposed local fertiliser manufacturing company had not yet been cleared to begin operations.
Responding to the question, Minister of Agriculture Rosa Mbilizi said the delay was not caused by government but by the project developer, who took nearly nine months to respond to concerns raised during the environmental impact assessment process.
She explained that after the developer submitted the initial report, the ministry requested additional information because fertiliser production generates hazardous waste that requires proper management.
“We wanted a proper waste management proposal and plan from the developer, alongside other environmental requirements,” said Mbilizi.
The minister said the environmental assessment queries were first issued in July 2025 before the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed office, adding that the developer only responded after about nine months, forcing the Environmental Affairs Board to undertake a fresh review.
Mbilizi reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting local fertiliser production, expressing optimism that the project would receive the necessary approval after the board meets later this month.
“We are very hopeful that the board will make a positive determination when it meets this month,” she said.
She assured Malawians that the DPP administration would not politicise or sabotage the investment, stressing that the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade and Natural Resources are committed to ensuring the project succeeds while protecting communities and the environment in Dowa District.
However, Mphande accused the government of unnecessarily delaying the certification process, arguing that agriculture is the backbone of Malawi’s economy and that affordable fertiliser is essential to boosting food production.
He said the fertiliser plant would help reduce imports, earn the country foreign exchange, create employment opportunities for young people and increase government tax revenue.
“Many international companies begin operations within weeks after investing, but this local investor has faced unnecessary delays because of bureaucratic procedures,” Mphande said.
As the debate intensified, lawmakers from both sides of the House shouted at each other, forcing Speaker of Parliament Seemer Suleiman to intervene.
In his ruling, Suleiman reminded members that the delay originated in July 2025 during the previous administration and urged both sides to stop politicising the matter.
“What is important is that we work together as a country to ensure Malawi has its own fertiliser manufacturing company,” the Speaker said.
He directed the Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Industry, and Natural Resources to jointly examine the matter and report back to Parliament.
Despite the ruling, disorder continued after Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wisikesi rose on a point of order. With both sides refusing to back down, the Speaker adjourned the House until Thursday morning.
