VP Chilima: ‘I left Airtel job to pursue national duty’
Malawi’s new Vice President Saulos Chilima is one of the country’s most successful marketers. As Managing Director of Airtel Malawi he had one of Malawi’s best jobs but his decision to partner with 75-year-old Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika in the May 20 elections therefore surprised many.
Chilima said he decided to step in for new politics with Prof. Mutharika and help develop Malawi.
“I quit my job at Airtel Malawi to pursue this national duty and I am pleased God has responded positively,” said Chilima, the new second-in command of Malawi government chain of power.
He praised President Mutharika and DPP troops at all levels, saying they “put up a gallant fight to lead the party to victory.”
Said Vice President Chilima: “It is now time to focus on how to develop this country.”
Chilima assured that President Mutharika and DPP will fulfil its campaign pledges.
Chilima, a devout Catholic, said he was praising God “for his grace and the opportunity for me to serve my country.”
He also paid tribute to his boss, Mutharika for the “trust and confidence” he placed in Chilima to work with him “to drive the transformation agenda.”
The 41-year-old economist said he believes the youth under Mutharika rule will be fully incorporated in the national development agenda.
Chilima was the first local Managing Director for Airtel Malawi in the year 2010 and has over 18 years’ experience in various sectors.
“I held senior sales and marketing positions in banking and the fast-moving consumer goods sectors, namely the Leasing and Finance Company, Unilever Malawi and Coca Cola and Carlsberg before joining the telecommunications field.
“I have served on the board of Airtel Malawi since August 2009 and also on the boards of Indebank (Mw) Limited, Charter Insurance Limited and Momentum Health and I am also a trustee of the University of Malawi,” he said.
Chilima holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree and Master of Arts in Economics both from the University of Malawi. Currently, he is reading for a PhD with the University of Bolton, UK.
The State Vice President is married to Mary Chilima and they have two children.
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