Malawi is currently hosting the three-day Malawi-EU Investment Forum in Lilongwe, which was officially opened by President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday.
European Union (EU)Ambassador Rune Skinnebach also spoke and emphasised that the forum is not just a platform for dialogue, but a catalyst for action, creating sustainable investments that stimulate economic growth. Find below the speech Skinnebach made. Excerpts:
Thank you for joining us for this historic occasion. The first-ever Malawi-European Union (EU) Investment Forum.
It is a privilege to address you as we embark on a journey of collaboration aimed at strengthening ties between Malawi and the European Union and driving transformative growth.
This forum marks a milestone in our partnership aimed at Growing Malawi Together (KukuzaMalawiLimodzi).
We aim at advancing the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in alignment with Malawi’s development priorities, unlocking investment opportunities that drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.
The Global Gateway Strategy is the EU’s flagship initiative to mobilise resources for large-scale development projects. By combining the expertise and financing of the EU, its member States and European financial institutions, it seeks to narrow the global investment gap while ensuring sustainability, competitiveness, and secure global supply chains.
In collaboration with the Government of Malawi, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, the EU is proud to co-host this forum, a platform to turn shared aspirations of growing Malawi together (KukuzaMalawiLimodzi) into action.
Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” holds a special place in the EU’s partnerships in Africa. Its natural beauty, immense resources, and untapped potential position it as a key partner in sectors vital to sustainable development.
The focus of this forum, agriculture, energy and tourism, reflects shared priorities that are central to Malawi’s growth and to the EU’s commitments under the European Green Deal and the Africa-EU Partnership.
They naturally echo with Malawi’s ATM strategy and Malawi 2063 aspirations. These sectors represent tremendous opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation.
Agriculture employs 80 percent of Malawi’s population and contributes 40 percent to gross domestic product (GDP), yet much potential remains untapped. Through the EU’s expertise in sustainable farming, technologies, and food systems, we can modernise agriculture and agri-food system.
By aligning with Malawi’s Mega Farms Initiative, we can enhance productivity, food security, and value addition, transforming agriculture into a driver of exports and growth.
Malawi’s renewable energy potential, solar and hydropower, offers exciting opportunities to meet domestic energy needs and establish itself as a regional energy exporter through the Southern African Power Pool.
The EU is committed to promoting clean energy transitions across the globe and sees great potential in supporting Malawi’s sustainable energy future.
Malawi’s unparalleled natural beauty, its wildlife reserves and Lake Malawi, and the warm hospitality of its people, offers significant potential for sustainable tourism. With strategic investments in infrastructure and eco-tourism, the EU can help Malawi position itself as a premier tourist destination while preserving its natural heritage.
This forum is a unique opportunity to translate ideas into concrete actions. It brings together policymakers, local entrepreneurs, international investors, financiers, and development partners to explore opportunities, address challenges, and forge durable partnerships.
Over the course of this forum, you will be able: to gain insights into Malawi’s regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and growth sectors; to engage with authorities and business leaders to explore collaboration opportunities and to identify pathways for entering the Malawian market.
The Malawi-EU Investment Forum is not just a platform for dialogue; it is a catalyst for action, creating sustainable investments that stimulate economic growth while advancing social equity and environmental stewardship.
The EU is committed to remain a steadfast partner in Malawi’s development. Through the Global Gateway, we aim to mobilise resources, foster innovation, and facilitate technology transfers to enable Malawi to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Our partnership is built on shared values: respect for human rights, commitment to sustainability, and a belief in the transformative power of trade and investment.
To the Malawian government and local entrepreneurs, we acknowledge your efforts in fostering an environment that encourages investment and innovation. (But I am sure more can be done).
To EU companies and financial institutions, I urge you to seize the opportunities presented today. Malawi’s immense potential is ready to be unlocked, and together, we can create mutual benefits for generations to come.
Let me now conclude; At the heart of today’s discussions is a shared vision of growing Malawi together (KukuzaMalawiLimodzi): a thriving Malawian economy, driven by sustainable growth, inclusive development, and investments that create jobs and opportunities.
As we open this forum, I encourage each of you to forge meaningful partnerships; explore innovative solutions and build a foundation for a brighter, shared future.
Together, we can turn ambition into action and vision into reality.
