* I urge all workers to seek help where labour rights are violated. Our social economic development cannot be achieved if working conditions are not conducive
* Examples are lack of job security, receiving wages below the recommended rate, over staying without salary increment and compensation not received from injuries sustained at work
By Santos Zefania, MANA
Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba has urged employers from different companies and organisations to promote conducive working environment by respecting labour laws, saying it contributes to sustainable economic development.
Advertisement
The Minister made the remarks yesterday at Riverside Hotel in Lilongwe when he presided over a meeting on the promotion of decent work and compliance to labour rights and laws.
He said his Ministry has dedicated the month of May to the promotion of decent work and labour rights, in response to the call made by President Lazarus Chakwera during the 2025 Labour Day commemoration in Balaka where he highlighted the importance of respecting labour rights laws that are breached by employers in different working places.
“We have implemented this awareness campaign to impart the betterment of complying with labour laws where workers must be in good working conditions by ensuring that they attain safe working environment,” Dimba said.
“I urge all workers to seek help where labour rights are violated. Our social economic development cannot be achieved if working conditions are not conducive; for example, lack of job security, receiving wages below the recommended rate, over staying without salary increment and compensation not received from injuries sustained at work.”
The labour stakeholders at the meeting
Zantchito Skills for Job Programme, in coordination with government through Ministry of Labour, aims at creating an enabling environment for micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening labour laws for attainment of decent jobs and sustainable economic development.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade & Industry Vitumbiko Mumba yesterday launched the Malawi National Single Window (MNSW) — a digital platform designed to simplify and fast-track licensing processes for importers and exporters.
At the launch at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Mumba said the MNSW will allow traders to apply for and track import and export licenses online, eliminating the need for physical visits to multiple government offices.
Advertisement
“This is not just a platform; it’s a tool to simplify the way of doing business and about nice trade procedures,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t understand the cost of waiting in queues, driving, and following up. Those are hidden costs, and this system will help eliminate them.”
The digital platform is expected to reduce the licensing processing time from up to 14 days to just 72 hours and it will also enhance transparency and reduce face-to-face interactions, which government hopes will curb corruption.
“Today marks the beginning of the national single window operation life,” Mumba said. “Traders, please embrace this — start giving your feedback in an honest manner, and we’ll move forward together.”
Manager for Southern Africa Trade & Connectivity Project (SATCP), Douglas Ng’oma noted that MNSW is a key milestone in the ongoing regional initiative, saying 14 government agencies are involved and more will be added in phases.
The system, developed by Crimson Logic, is part of a broader US$7 million investment under the SATCP, supported by the World Bank — whose goal is to boost regional trade coordination, reduce costs and delays, and improve infrastructure and value chains across Malawi and Mozambique.—Additional reporting on trade by Rosalia Kapiri, MANA
Advertisement