Chakwera: Belt and Road Initiative a "Dream Come True" for Malawi
Chakwera believes the BRI offers a solution to Malawi’s long-standing development challenges.
BEIJING, China — Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has praised China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vital tool for development, calling it a "dream come true" for developing nations, writes Winston Mwale.
Chakwera, speaking at a high-level meeting on the BRI following the opening ceremony of the 4th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), outlined his vision for Malawi's future, emphasizing the importance of this partnership.
“We have attended the 4th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), an event at which Malawi has reinforced its partnership with China," Chakwera said.
“During this triennial diplomatic event, what has emerged very clear is the fact that China has a forward-looking stance for sustainable investments on the continent.”
Chakwera believes the BRI offers a solution to Malawi’s long-standing development challenges.
"The Belt and Road Initiative is a fitting solution that helps us transition the people and nations in the global south from poverty to prosperity through revamped transport infrastructure development projects," he stated.
He pointed to the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key factor in unlocking Africa's potential as the next major market in global economics.
"With the ratification and adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Area, these projects will improve interconnectedness within the continent and unleash Africa’s potential and promise to be the next big market in global economics," Chakwera said.
Chakwera highlighted specific infrastructure projects as areas for potential Chinese investment.
"We have since pointed China towards ongoing and pipeline projects as potential areas of quick investment. These include rehabilitation of the railway line from Limbe to Beira and upgrading of the 272-km Rumphi-Nyika-Chitipa Road, which would enhance connectivity and open up agriculture, mineral, and tourism-rich districts, benefiting Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania," he said.
Chakwera’s remarks demonstrate a strong commitment to the partnership between Malawi and China, highlighting the BRI as a key component of Malawi's development strategy.