Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba has urged parastatals under his ministry to adopt innovative, revenue-generating strategies to reverse persistent financial losses.
The minister said it was unacceptable for institutions with significant infrastructure and market potential to remain heavily indebted, warning that the situation continues to affect service delivery.
He was speaking on Friday during visits to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Lilongwe offices and Lilongwe Post Office’s Mlambe One Stop Centre.
The minister said government is targeting loss-making institutions, including MBC and Malawi Posts Corporation (MPC) for turnaround reforms.
Said Namalomba: “MBC and MPC have been running at a loss for many years. Government cannot continue to sustain institutions that are not financially viable.”
He said MPC has the capacity to generate revenue, particularly through its courier services, if these are properly promoted and aligned to the digital economy.
Namalomba also indicated that leadership changes at MPC were being considered as part of efforts to restore the parastatal’s financial health.
At MBC, the minister urged staff to uphold professionalism and remain apolitical, saying political interference had previously compromised the broadcaster’s mandate to inform the public.
MBC regional controller (Centre) Takondwa Jumbe said the visit will motivate staff.
Last week, Postmaster General Angel Banda told Parliament’s Media, Information and Communication Committee that MPC has accumulated K11 billion in interest-related debt since its separation from Malawi Telecommunications Limited.
She said MPC continues to operate using outdated business models in a digital environment, adding that an unfunded turnaround strategy estimated at K17.8 billion is required to revive the institution.
