Blantyre Curios Market (BCM) to empower local Youth

By Orchestra Kamanga

President for Blantyre Curios Market (BCM) Frank John Malunga which is working together with Indigenous Business Association of Malawi (IBAM) and Cross Boarder Association has said the main objectives of curious Market are to create job opportunities to Malawians especially local Youths.

Speaking in an interview, Malunga said hand craft contribute 60-70 percent in tourism sector and assists country’s economy growth and foreign earner (foreign exchange).

“Apart from boosting country’s economy, we also help in conserving environment by planting trees,” he said.

He therefore urged the government through Minister of Labour, Vera Kamtukule to provide them loan. This was said during a consultation meeting held at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Malunga also urged government to remove restriction billboard which was mounted at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe which barred tourists (especially the whites) from buying Malawian curious.

Reacting to the concern raised by hand Craft and Textiles industry (Nzika Arts) Minister for labour  Vera Kamtukule assured them that the government is eager to assist Small Scale and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) by proving loans and searching market for them to ease challenges they are facing.

IBAM President Mike Mlombwa said the more concern SME’s are facing is capital so that their business can grow.

Mwai Namaona of Nzika arts said their focus is also to empower the youth in job creation opportunity through producing Covid-19 materials like masks.

He also urged government to provide loans to purchase the equipment for Textiles Industry