2024 AGM: Key Highlights
From market access to China to the planned Security Stakeholders Meeting, dive into the efforts driving the sustainability and growth of the industry
The Malawi Macadamia Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 13th December 2024, at Ufulu Gardens. Key matters arising from the previous year's AGM were addressed, including the restructuring of membership fees, the relocation of the Secretariat Office to Lilongwe, and the granting of the RBM FCDA-to-FCDA permit.
Chairman's Report
The Chairman's report underscored the association's activities over the past year, including the development of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) focusing on marketing and sales, stakeholder engagement, research and development and extension, and data collection and sharing. Key achievements were noted, such as obtaining an RBM permit for USD payments, significant progress in establishing market access to China, and the commencement of the feasibility study for a macadamia cracking plant.
The report highlighted that the restructuring of the membership fee structure has ensured that the Secretariat is self-funding and that membership fees are more friendly and inclusive.
Efforts to address tariff and non-tariff barriers were also mentioned.
Secretariat Report
The Secretariat reported that efforts to gain direct market access to China continue, with the Malawi-China Macadamia Export Protocol expected to be signed by February 2025. The Secretariat also emphasized the association's success in building meaningful relationships with government officials which has helped with real-time updates on ongoing initiatives.
Further, the Secretariat addressed the worsening and alarming issue of macadamia theft and indicated that plans for a National Macadamia-Security Stakeholders meeting are underway. The Secretariat also reported on the macadamia cracking plant project, with project staff interviews commencing in December 2024, and reported that a Project Manager will be hired by January 2025.
Financial Reports
Mr. Mayamiko Fiwa from Chaula and Associates presented the auditor's report, highlighting trustees' responsibilities and confirming the Receipts and Payments statement for the year ending 31 August 2024 provides a true and fair view.
The Treasurer, Mr. Lowani Munkhondia, acknowledged that the association's financial position has improved significantly, and he informed members that the collection of scaled membership fees will be done as soon as the draft Data Policy document is adopted.
He also discussed membership fee withholding tax (WHT) requirements, suggesting that members use their discretion in applying WHT, and recommended that the Secretariat apply for a WHT Exemption Certificate.
The association's registration status was also addressed, with the Secretariat tasked with officially registering the association.
Special Thanks to Partners
Both the Chairman and the Secretariat gave special thanks to different partners that have been supporting the association's initiatives. Recognition was given to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade, MegaFarms Programme, GIZ, Malawi value Chains, USAID Growth Poles Project and TradeMark Africa.
