Why I can’t invest in Malawi

This letter is not about the challenges of the kwacha or the high costs of borrowing. It is not even about the hostile business environment for start ups. This is a story about the human side of investment. A story which describes the reasons I am unable to invest in a business in this country

I arrived in Malawi three months ago with the intention of buying a well established business and investing up to $1 million (around K500 million). The business employs around 200 people and the local economy, indeed people’s lives depend upon its continued success and existence. Like any business in Malawi it has its challenges. However, despite these I feel passionately about the business and the incredibly skilful and dedicated people it employs.

I am unable to invest in Malawi because of my sexuality. How absurd is that? Malawi’s restrictive and punitive laws on homosexuality prevent individuals like me, yes I am gay, who would otherwise be able to invest in business in this country, from living freely without the threat of blackmail, violence, discrimination and deportation.

Why is it that because of an issue of biological diversity this country and indeed many countries on this amazing continent are unable to allow skilful and talented individuals like myself from existing openly and freely without fear and oppression? Where does this hatred and intolerance come from? It seems so out of keeping with the warmth, love and respect I have been fortunate enough to experience during my stay in Malawi.

If intolerance and hatred are being inculcated in people of this country by powerful and influential individuals as well as religious organisations then surely the problem lies there, not with individuals like me who do not choose to be gay and aside from their sexuality would otherwise be able to make a positive contribution to society.

In Europe I enjoy those freedoms and as a result Europe benefits from my talent and expertise. Malawi, a country in great need of the skills I possess, struggles to understand what it is I do in private and as a result it’s people and its economy continue to suffer.

I have met many gay Malawians. They are bullied and oppressed. They suffer psychological and self-esteem issues and are unable to access appropriate health care. They are unable to enjoy the love, acceptance and support of their families and friends are often forced into unhappy marriages with disastrous consequences. In churches and mosques they are cynically taught that God does not love them. This breaks my heart.

As gay men, we cannot choose to be straight; being gay is not a condition that can or needs to be “cured”. It just doesn’t work like that. As a result of this incessant and cowardly demonisation of gay men in Malawi, we find ourselves unable to express fully who we are and as a result we are prevented from realising our full human potential, which is surely our God given right.

Religion aside it makes sound economic sense to allow all citizens a right to be fully who they are. An individual who lives a fulfilled and happy life will be a productive and engaged citizen, proud of his country because his country is proud of him, and the economy and all of us would benefit

So I plead with anyone with any influence, intellect or compassion who is reading this letter to open your hearts and minds to a potentially talented, creative and hard working group of individuals, people like myself, who just want to be allowed the basic human rights enjoyed by others to fully be the people they have been created to be in a free and confident way.

And a final thought: just because something is not fully understood or cannot be explained on the grounds of biological determinism it does not necessarily follow that it is wrong!

Lead the way Malawi! Have the courage to fully love and embrace your brothers and sisters, they will embrace you in return. – MASUKO MBEKO