Malawian visual artist Madalitso Paul Ziwaoh is in the African delegation of visual artists, painters and sketch artists participating in a cultural exchange programme ahead of the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit to run from May 28 to 31 2026 in New Delhi, India.
The event is a platform that brings together leaders, policymakers and creatives from India and African countries to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, culture and people-to-people exchange.
In an interview yesterday, Ziwaoh said he is honoured to represent Malawi at the summit, as it is an important opportunity to showcase his work internationally and connect with artists from different parts of the world.
“I am excited that I have been delegated to represent the country. It is an honour because there are many artists locally deserving such opportunities,” he said.
Activities during the programme will include mural work, live painting sessions, masterclasses and exhibitions, with some artworks expected to be displayed at galleries and at the Indian High Commission.
Ziwaoh said he intends to use the
platform to showcase the country’s identity while blending African and Indian cultural influences in his artistic style.
“I will also to come up with something that showcases Malawi as well as Africa while incorporating Indian elements. I will use my style from Malawi to guide my style and originality,” he said.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Department of Arts director Humphrey Mpondaminga said Ziwaoh’s participation is part of ongoing cultural cooperation between Malawi and India.
“This is part of collaboration efforts of cultural exchange programmes. It also reflects the memorandum of understanding between Malawi and India aimed at strengthening arts and cultural cooperation,” he said.
Mpondaminga said together with the commission, they are mobilising dancers who are expected to join the Indian delegation for performances at a music and dance festival running alongside the summit.
Department of Arts cultural standards officer James Thole, who previously led Malawian dance delegations to India, said such engagements are important in exposing artists to international standards and broadening their creative outlook.
“These exchanges are important because they allow artists to learn from others, understand different approaches to the arts and improve how we promote our own culture,” he said
