President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has called on Malawians to demonstrate genuine patriotism by actively supporting efforts to grow the country’s economy, citing Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi as a shining example.
Speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe during the official launch of Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi’s new Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) production line, President Chakwera emphasized that patriotism should be seen in action, not just in words.
“True patriotism is not about what we say, but what we do. You cannot claim to love your country while contributing nothing to its progress,” said Chakwera, applauding Coca-Cola for investing in Malawi’s industrial growth.
He dismissed widespread perceptions that Malawi is poor due to lack of financial resources, stating that the real challenge lies in the mismanagement and misuse of funds by individuals.
“The problem is not that Malawi is poor, but that some people choose to misuse the little we have.
A true patriot is someone who uses even the smallest income to bring positive change to their family and community,” he added.
President Chakwera also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s position on the 2025 elections, declaring firmly that his government will not relinquish power following the September 16, 2025, polls.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba revealed that government is introducing deliberate investment policy to favor Malawians on the expense of foreign investors.
He said most local investors do not withstand competition on the market hence government’s discretion to promote and support them by regulating kind of investment to be done by foreign investors.
The commissioning of the new PET line by Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi is expected to boost local production capacity and create employment opportunities, contributing significantly to the country’s economic ambitions.