One year ago the African Development Bank (AfDB) established an initiative known as Promoting Investment and Competitiveness in the Tourism Sector (PICTS). The project was funded by a $10 million grant from the AfDB, aiming at creating an enabling environment for investment in the tourism sector through enhanced capacity in planning and business management.

Forward to the present, AfDB has expressed its worries that Malawi has still not found a consultant for the project. AfDB Officer in Charge for Malawi, Eyerusalem Fasika, stressed that such delays have potential to put pressure in implementing follow-up activities. “We also note that disbursement remains low, hence it is important to closely monitor implementation of project activities and manage contracts more effectively once signed,” Fasika said.

Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister, Francis Kasaila, justified the delay to hire the consultant, saying his ministry was following legal procedures.