Malawi: Malawi has relaxed its ban on importing cement, to prevent local consumers being exploited. The price of cement in the southern region where cement is produced locally is higher than the central region where cement is imported from Zambia. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued licenses to some importers to enhance competition on the market, according to All Africa.
"The ministry will always commit itself to fight smuggling and give strong support to all stakeholders such as Malawi Revenue Authority and the Malawi Police Service in this fight," said Ministry of Industry and Trade spokesperson, Wiskes Mkombezi. The ministry is encouraging importers to pay import duty and has asked the public to help combat smugglers. The country introduced licenses for cement importers in early 2000 to regulate the local market and promote the local industry.