Fairtrade Network has new office bearers

The Malawi Fairtrade Network (MFTN), the umbrella body for Fairtrade certified producers and processors, has ushered in new office bearers with Fadson Mandala, Satemwa Tea Estate human resources manager as the new chairperson.

Mandala takes over from Doreen Chanje, managing director of Foodsec Consulting Limited, who has been at the helm of the grouping for two terms.

Formed in 2008, MFTN’s objective is to promote and protect interest of Fairtrade in Malawi by being the voice of Fairtrade, leading advocacy, lobbying and negotiating activities, organising and participating in trade promotion activities and organising capacity building and skills development programmes for members.

“The network functions as an independent legal entity with structure, constitution and procedures consistent with Fairtrade Africa-Southern Africa Network and Fairtrade Africa’s constitution, and provides a framework for mutual accountability regarding payment of fees and other financial issues, governance of the organisation and the use of registered names, marks and logos,” said the grouping on its website.

At the annual general meeting (AGM) held in Blantyre last week, Charles Chavi of Kasinthula Cane Growers Association was elected the vice chairperson. The executive members are; Chanje, Lovemore Pemba (Mzuzu Coffee Planters Union), Hopson Waya (Mchinji Smallholder Farmers Association), Martha Lunji (Lakeshore Cane Growers) and Frederick Mkwapatira (Sukambizi Tea Association).

As at now, MFTN is the only country network in Malawi and has made tremendous achievements in developing partnerships and being a focal point for Fairtrade.

Malawi is a member of the board of African Fairtrade Network (AFN) Southern Africa board.

During the AGM, a detailed report on activities of the past year including financial report from the secretariat was presented by the network coordinator, Frank Olok.

A plan of activities for the next quarter and also the need to improve the network’s financial base were discussed during the annual meet.