…..CDEDI introduces free-toll line on suspected corrupt practices in Malawi

…Simply dial 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is demanding accountability on the business venture between Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL) and Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia amid public funds abuse allegations.

CDEDI regrets “to inform the nation that during the previous Democratic Progressive Party regime government paid $5 million to Inosselia, an Israeli firm registered in Cyprus, to construct an intensive high value vegetable farm on some 30 hectares of land near Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. At that time, the cost of one green house was estimated at $100,000 at most.

“To date, Malawians may wish to know that only 16 fullyfledged green houses have been constructed while four others were constructed for training. But it is sad to report that the said training no longer takes place”.

Addressing the news conference on Monday, December 1, 2025, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says the grouping has written the Secretary to Treasury (ST) Cliff Chiunda and the Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, demanding an immediate recovery of the much-sought-after foreign exchange that is in the hands of Inosselia.

Namiwa adds, “Apart from the $5 million, the Malawi Government also pumped in K2.2 billion and K2.7 billion respectively, in respect of the beginning of what is known as the Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL), a purported joint venture between Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia.

“These funds pumped in the project, on 9th June 2021, through the then Acting GBA Chief Executive Officer Amon Mluwira, the Malawi Congress Party-led government signed an agreement with Inosselia, committing Malawians to what is known as management fees, pegged at $25,000 per month”.

The grouping observes further, “Despite that huge investment, the GBA, let alone the Ministry of Finance, has never been involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, and there has been no public declaration of sales from the farm.

CDEDI has invoked the Access to Information (ATI) Act, demanding the following information; GBIGL to make public its audited accounts for the six years it has been operational. GBIGL to make a detailed account of foreign exchange accrued from the vegetable exports declared to the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

“We want Malawi government to provide a detailed exit plan, including details on how the company will pay back Malawians’ money before leaving the country, since it is clear that Inosselia has breached its contract with the Malawi Government.

“Government to conduct a forensic audit of GBIGL in order to have a fair and clear view of how much Inosselia owes the people of Malawi. CDEDI appeals to government through the new Finance MinisterJoseph Mwanamvekha to review the greenhouses’ initial contract in order to serve the interest of Malawians,” appeal Namiwa.

Meanwhile, CDEDI has established a toll-free line that will enable the general public to participate in this noble initiative.

“CDEDI hereby informs the people of Malawi that it has embarked on a serious course to follow up on all monies and other resources that the country received in the name of its citizens in the form of grants, loans, royalties, fines, forfeiture and taxes.

“Well-meaning citizens are hereby advised that they can blow the whistle to anonymously report to us suspected corrupt practices, fraud, abuse of power or office, and violation of human rights by simply dialing 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks,” says Namiwa.

The Maravi Post