During a conversation with my classmate and close friend, Mary Chilima, I was struck by her insightful perspective on Malawi’s development. We were discussing the nation’s future, and she remarked that as long as Malawi relies on primary industries, true economic development will remain elusive. Curious, I asked her to elaborate.

Mary explained that many countries have moved beyond exporting raw materials, which yield low returns, and have embraced value addition. This shift has significantly boosted their economic prosperity. She highlighted how the UTM’s 2019 manifesto emphasized transforming Malawi into a manufacturing hub.

The concept of Mega farms, she noted, was not just about producing subsistence food but also about empowering small-scale farmers. By turning raw commodities into value-added products, such as tomato sauce from tomatoes or crisps from Irish potatoes, the economic benefits could be substantial.

Listening to Mary, I became convinced that she is deeply aligned with Saulos Chilima’s vision, possibly even a co-founder of it. Her ideas embody the kind of leadership Malawi desperately needs.

As we mourn the loss of SKC, I can’t help but wonder if Mary Chilima should lead the UTM. Her deep understanding and co-creation of this vision make her an ideal candidate to bring it to fruition.