President Lazarus Chakwera has hailed Malawi’s entrepreneur and philanthropist Napoleon Dzombe for defying stereotypes people have about investing in the tourism sector.
Chakwera was speaking during the official opening of Kalipano Hotel, which Dzombe has constructed in the area of Senior Chief Kayembe in Dowa.
The President noted that despite Dzombe being no stranger to performing wonders, it was safe to say that the feat he has achieved in the tourism sector deserves special attention.
“One thing that delights me the most about this investment is how it has defied so many stereotypes people have about investing in the tourism sector.
“And one such stereotype is how people do not consider Malawi’s rural area as a tourism asset worth investing in,” he said.
Chakwera expressed delight at the partnership the investment has established between the Malawi’s public and private sectors, saying although Dzombe is the developer, he has entrusted the management of the investment to Sunbird Tourism Limited.
He appealed to players in the tourism industry to embrace innovation, especially the kind that embraces local Malawians as consumers of the tourism services.
Sunbird Tourism Limited Board Chair Vilipo Munthali commended Dzombe’s vision, foresight and determination that culminated into the realization of the magnificent Kalipano Investment.
“This is a testament to possibilities and opportunities that strategic collaboration and partnerships can economically empower and transform communities,” said Munthali.
He said Sunbird was excited about the new venture that underscores its commitment to collaborate with local and inspiring entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, Dzombe said he came up with the vision for the investment after various international travels to countries like Dubai and China.
“There are desert areas in these countries but through creative thinking and hard work, the people there transformed the land and made significant developments.
“So I thought that we can do likewise in our country where we have fertile land and vast natural resources” he said.
Dzombe said he envisions, among other things, an international conference centre, a mega fish farm, and a rice irrigation scheme at the hotel in the near future.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule said government has put in place incentives to encourage investment in the tourism sector by, among others, removing duty on purchase of construction materials for specific tourist destinations.
She encouraged the private sector to partner with government in various investments and pledged government commitment in ensuring that such places are accessible.
Constructed at a distance of 17 kilometres from the main M1 road into the rural area, 86 km from the capital city, the multimillion kwacha Kalipano Investment boasts of a 54-room hotel and a man-made lake, among other facilities.
Reported By Stanley Nkhondoyakata
