Malawis largest textile manufacturers, Mapeto (DWSM) have struck a multi-million kwacha deal with Mozambiques Frelimo to print and supply election campaign cloth for the governing party.Mapeto Chairman Faizal Latif confirmed the deal in an interview but referred Nyasa Times to my general manager, Martin Mpata for more details. Mpata was reportedly out of office to attend to private business at his home village. His mobile phone was out of reach.
But a senior manager at Mapeto who spoke on condition of anonymity said the textile manufacturers have made quite a killing in the deal and said management hoped to realise an unprecedented increase in total annual sales volume.
The companys average total annual sales volume ranges between US$10 million and US$50 million.
According to the senior manager, the dramatic swell in total sales volume may also be attributed to Malawis elections held in May this year where the company was for printed and supplied campaign cloths for almost all contesting parties.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), with state resources at its disposal, ordered the largest number of metres of campaign cloth, followed by the Malawi Congress Party and the United Democratic Front.
Campaigning officially got underway in Mozambique on September 13 Sunday for the October 28 elections, the fourth since the southern African country became a multi-party democracy 15 years ago.
President Armando Guebuza of the governing Frelimo party is being challenged by Afonso Dhlakama, long-time leader of the opposition Renamo, and Daviz Simango, mayor of Beira city and founder of a breakaway opposition group.
Seventeen parties and two coalitions are meanwhile in the running for seats in the Mozambican parliament, known as the Assembly of the Republic, and, for the first time, provincial assemblies.
Post published in: Economy