Deputy Mayor for Lilongwe City Council, Councillor Ruth Chingwalu-Njirayafa, has commended Chibuku Products Limited (CPL) for providing unwavering support to local entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving local economy in Malawi.
Chingwalu-Njirayafa observed that since its establishment, the company has endeavored to invest in local businesses and creating opportunities for SMEs thereby stimulating inclusive economic growth.
The deputy mayor made the sentiments on Thursday when she presented certificates of recognition to two highest performing CPL distributors in Malawi.
“CPL has relentlessly and demonstrated its commitment to supporting and investing in local businesses, creating jobs for thousands of Malawians at its factories, opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and fostering a thriving local economy. The company has achieved this through various strategies like sourcing raw materials from smallholder farmers, local businesses, and partnering with local entrepreneurs, providing mentorship and training, and providing direct support to small businesses,” said the deputy mayor.
Chingwalu-Njirayafa therefore appealed to the loafing youth to take advantage of the various business opportunities that CPL has created through sale and distribution of Chibuku beers to create jobs for themselves.
“Time is gone when every educated person would get a job in an office. We need to move towards creating jobs for ourselves and others through various entrepreneurships,” she emphasized.
In her remarks, the Life Executive Member of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malawi (NASME Malawi), Lucy Mandala, said by prioritizing raw materials and services from local businesses, CPL has helped in boosting revenue for the local entrepreneurs thereby contributing to the growth of the local economy.
“Collaborating with local entrepreneurs on projects or initiatives can create mutually beneficial relationships and expand market reach for both parties,” said Mandala who owns Jescal Enterprises, which produces Jescal Peanut Butter.
One of the recipients of the certificates and Managing Director of Manda wa Manda Chibuku Distribution Company, Kingsley Manda, thanked the company for lending him K170 million, which he is using to construct a modern tavern at Area 18 in Lilongwe.
Manda told the participants that he intends to use the facility to empower young people from Area 18 and its environs to gain entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.
“I will be offering mentorship programmes to those interested in joining this business. I have made it big in life because of this business and it is my wish that more Malawians should join if they want to economically emancipate themselves,” he said.
Meanwhile, CPL Operations Manager (Centre) Barter Chunga has disclosed that the company is planning to construct modern taverns across the country as one way of honouring its customers and giving them another experience of Chibuku drinking.
“Times are changing. And CPL is also moving with the changing times by improving the ambience of our taverns. We want to build taverns that give our customers ultimate respect and honour while they are enjoying our beer brands,” said Chunga.