Sena Corridor to benefit from Japanese Aid

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assured Malawi that Japan will review the proposal on the development of the Sena Corridor to provide financial and technical assistance.

He said this was in response to the request by Malawi President Joyce Banda at a bilateral meeting that was held on Saturday in Yokohama.

The Sena Corridor project, which includes the construction of the Chiromo Bridge in Nsanje, is a very important corridor for Malawi as it promotes regional integration, linking Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the nature of the project, Malawi will, however, have to identify a co-financier to partner the Japanese Government as the cost of rehabilitating the Sena railway line and the construction of the Bridge will be high.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister stated that Japan stands ready to support Malawi in its development endeavours such as the development of its infrastructure.

In this regard, he expressed happiness with the bold decisions that the Joyce Banda administration took soon after assuming power which made it possible for the Malawi economy to start showing signs of recovery.

The Prime Minister also assured Banda that Japan will provide support to the President’s Safe Motherhood which is aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates which is an MDG indicator No. 4.

In addition, the Prime Minister also confirmed Japan’s commitment to continue supporting Malawi in all relevant sectors of the economy such as education, water and irrigation, energy, environment and climate change and private sector development. This will be done within the TICAD strategy on Green Growth and Climate Resilient Development.

This will involve implementation of infrastructure projects such as roads and railway rehabilitation, renewable energy technology projects involving hydro, solar, geothermal and wind power.

On other matters, the Prime Minister requested Malawi to support Japan’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

In her remarks, Banda thanked Japan for all the support it is providing to Malawi. She expressed gratitude with the promise of continued support to Africa during the next five years within the Ticad agenda.

Continuation Heading: Japan to support Malawi in all relevant sectors.