People’s Republic of China has given Malawi a $43 million (about K75.29 billion) grant to finance road infrastructure, notably upgrading of the M1 between Kanengo and Kamuzu International Airport junction in Lilongwe.
Part of the money will also finance government systems digitalisation.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha and Chinese Ambassador Lu Xu signed the agreement in Lilongwe yesterday.
The package comprises a new grant of 100 million yuan and a previously committed 200 million yuan, bringing the total to 300 million yuan, equivalent to $43 million.
Speaking during the signing, Mwanamvekha said the funds will accelerate key development priorities.
“I am pleased to have signed this grant agreement, which will be channelled towards the extension of the M1,” he said.
On her part, Lu described the agreement as another milestone in bilateral cooperation.
She said the funding falls under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac), aligning with Malawi’s long-term development strategy.
Lu said the two governments will sign and exchange notes to facilitate a feasibility study for the road project.
Mwanamvekha said China remains a key development partner, citing projects such as the Parliament Building, Bingu International Convention Centre and the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe as well as Malawi University of Science and Technology in Thyolo.
