Update: Following previous parliamentary scrutiny over delays at the Dowa fertiliser plant, the facility has officially received operational clearance from the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority, according to Nyasa Times. Napoleon Dzombe, founder of Mtalimanja Holdings Limited, confirmed that the manufacturing plant is ready to commence operations after Parliament intervened to expedite the approval process.
The legislative intervention occurred after concerns were raised regarding potential fertiliser supply disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran, Nyasa Times reports. Dzombe noted that equipment installation at the Dowa site is complete, and roofing works are scheduled to finish within the week. Initial raw materials, including zinc, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, have been procured from China, though the company plans to eventually shift to local suppliers.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 40 tonnes of fertiliser per hour. Agricultural expert Felix Jumbe advised Malawians to support the new local venture, although he cautioned that its full market impact may not be felt until next year due to its timing relative to the approaching rainy season, according to Nyasa Times.