Simon Itaye Appointed as Malawi’s New Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism
President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has appointed seasoned corporate executive Simon Itaye as the new Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, in a strategic cabinet reshuffle aimed at advancing Malawi’s economic transformation agenda. This move places one of Malawi’s most accomplished private-sector leaders at the forefront of the country’s efforts to drive industrialisation, trade expansion, and economic diversification.
Itaye replaces George Partridge, who has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi. This reshuffle reflects President Mutharika’s broader strategy to position experienced financial and corporate leaders in key roles to strengthen Malawi’s economic institutions and foster sustainable growth.
Simon Itaye brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having built a distinguished career in Malawi’s private sector. His professional journey is underpinned by a strong academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree from the University of Malawi and a Fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), one of the world’s most respected professional accounting bodies. He further enhanced his leadership credentials with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of West London.
Over the years, Itaye has held several high-profile positions in the private sector. He previously served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Packaging Industries (Malawi) Limited, widely known as Nampak Malawi. In this role, he gained hands-on experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, value addition, and regional trade competitiveness. His leadership extended beyond executive management, as he played a prominent role in corporate governance across various sectors.
Itaye’s governance portfolio includes serving as Non-Executive Chairman of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (Malawi) Limited and Chairman of Investments Alliance Limited, where he contributed to strategic oversight, asset growth, and long-term financial planning. He also served as Chairman of Marsh, focusing on risk management and corporate resilience. His boardroom experience spans institutions such as Easy Loans Limited and the Millennium Challenge Account Malawi, providing him with exposure to development finance, lending, and institutional accountability.
One of Itaye’s most notable roles was his long association with Press Corporation Limited, one of Malawi’s largest and most diversified conglomerates. After serving as a non-executive director for several years, he rose to become Chairman of the Board, offering strategic leadership across sectors including banking, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, and services. This extensive experience positions him as a key figure in driving Malawi’s industrialisation and trade agenda.
As Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Itaye is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Malawi’s economic transformation. His appointment comes at a time when the country is focusing on strengthening value addition, enhancing regional trade competitiveness, and diversifying its economy. Itaye’s background in financial discipline, strategic thinking, and corporate governance is widely seen as a boost to these efforts.
President Mutharika’s reshuffle, which also included other key appointments, is part of a broader strategy to revitalise his administration and improve efficiency in critical sectors such as agriculture, trade, and industrialisation. These sectors are central to Malawi’s economic growth and job creation goals. The reshuffle underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging private-sector expertise to drive public-sector performance and achieve long-term economic sustainability.
Simon Itaye’s transition from the boardroom to public service is being met with optimism, as stakeholders anticipate that his leadership will bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to Malawi’s economic challenges. His appointment is a clear signal of the government’s intent to prioritise industrialisation, private-sector growth, and trade expansion as key pillars of the country’s development strategy.
