Chakwera enthusiastic about Unga trip gains

President Lazarus Chakwera has described as meaningful his trip to New York in the United States (US) where he attended the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Unga).

Speaking on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe yesterday, he said Malawi stands to benefit through his engagements with multiple investors and cooperating partners.

In his address monitored on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Television, Chakwera said: “The discussions we had with various investors were fruitful which gives hope for Malawi.

“The discussions were not limited because we touched on all sectors including agriculture, education, health, energy, youth and sports and the like. We touched on every sector to ensure that as a country, we should forge ahead together.”

He said the discussions were meant to benefit Malawi and that no political party should claim ownership or brag about the outcome.

The President said there is need for Malawians to have a common clear vision for the benefit of everyone and further stressed that it would be imperative for people to desist from being negative, as it brings shame to the country.

Chakwera was initially scheduled to arrive on Monday, but his arrival was shifted to yesterday following bilateral discussions he had with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Bin Zayed Al Nahyah.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated in a statement that Chakwera’s plane would land at KIA at 11am, which was later changed to 4pm.

The President said his discussions with Al Nahyah offer a glimpse of hope in ending the current prolonged power blackouts that have been worsened by the non-availability of Kapichira Hydro Power Station that resulted in loss of 129 megawatts (MW) in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ana.

He said the Government of the UAE has offered to send representatives within two weeks or so to come and assess how they can invest in the energy sector amid the continuous power blackouts.

In July, Parliament also approved a World Bank financing for the rehabilitation of Kapichira which was due to start in September this year.

Chakwera said Malawi can only forge ahead if people unite for a common goal to develop the nation.

“Malawi has what it takes to generate its own resources. But we need to unite and move forward to develop because that is what is needed,” said the President.

Speaking prior to the President’s address, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Eisenhower Mkaka, wearing the hat of Malawi Congress Party secretary general, hit back at critics who were calling for Chakwera’s return from the Unga trip.

He said the President’s trip was beneficial and that Malawians will start to see positive results soon.

Chakwera left Malawi for New York on September 12 2022. En-route to the US, the President attended the swearing in ceremony of Kenya’s President William Ruto.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Chakwera held discussions with different investors and donor organisations. He also signed the long awaited $350 million compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The President also addressed the General Assembly on September 22 2022 where he appealed to the world’s major lenders to consider forgiving Least Developed Countries their debts.

This was Chakwera’s first physical attendance of the General Assembly having previously attended virtually.

The President was welcomed at the airport by Vice-President Saulos Chilima alongside other top government officials.