President Peter Mutharika yesterday challenged his newest Cabinet appointee Simon Itaye to hit the ground running by taking full charge of economic recovery and transformation.
In his remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, during the swearing in of Itaye as Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, the President said the entrepreneur and retired corporate executive has potential to contribute towards socio-economic transformation.
“You are joining Cabinet at a critical moment when the country is recovering from economic instability and there is no honeymoon for you because you must start working immediately,” he said.
Itaye, a former chief executive officer of Nampak (Malawi) Limited and served on boards of several corporate entities, was drafted into Cabinet on Friday to replace seasoned banker and economist George Partridge who was a week earlier appointed Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor. While roping in Itaye, the President also swapped Minister of Natural Resources Alfred Gangata with Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Patricia Wiskes.
Mutharika said Itaye’s appointment was based on his professional background as an entrepreneur and manager which he believes positions him well to deliver results in the demanding portfolio.
He cautioned that delays and complacency would not be tolerated, stressing that the industrialisation, business, trade and tourism sector holds significant potential to transform Malawi’s socio economic landscape.
In an interview after taking his oaths, Itaye said his focus will be on creating a conducive environment for business, trade and tourism to thrive as part of efforts to accelerate economic recovery.
He said improving policy implementation and working closely with the private sector will be central to achieving the ministry’s mandate.
Itaye said industrialisation is key to national development and pledged to work with technocrats and stakeholders to identify priorities and create a conducive environment for business, trade and tourism.
Mutharika also reminded the minister of his constitutional duty to serve the public interest, noting that all authority derives from the people and must protect their interests.
Itaye brings an industry-facing profile shaped by years in manufacturing and corporate leadership. While serving at Nampak Malawi, formerly Packaging Industries Malawi Limited, he led an operation closely exposed to foreign-exchange access, input costs, standards and logistics. He has also chaired Press Corporation Limited board, combining operational experience with boardroom oversight, among other directorships at some of the country’s biggest corporations.
Additional reporting by ROSALIA KAPIRI,
Malawi News Agency
