Some participants at a consultation meeting on this year’s budget at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe,  have urged government through the Ministry of Finance to increase taxes on items such as alcohol, tobacco, cosmetic nails, and beauty products.

The proposal aims to raise funds to cover examination fees for primary school learners administered by MANEB.

It was revealed during the meeting that many children fail to continue with their education due to a lack of funds to pay for these exam fees.

The consultation under finance minister Simplex Chithyola-Banda, is aimed at developing guidelines and action plans on how his ministry can revitalise economic activity, particularly during a low economic performance