MW, Bridgin Foundation sign landmark US$ 6.8 billion funding deal

Bridgin Foundation, according to Chakwera, is collaborating with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) to implement projects under the Education component.

The agreement was signed by Sosten Gwengwe, Minister of Finance, and Pro. Tanko Mauhamadou.

Malawi: President Lazarus Chakwera presided over the signing of a historic Funding and Governance Agreement (FGA) and Purchasing Power Agreement (PPA) with the Bridgin Foundation for key projects in education, health, construction, and energy valued at US$ 6.8 billion.

Chakwera stated that there has never been a development programme like the one the country is embarking on with the Bridgin Foundation, and he issued a strong warning to those who have malicious intentions regarding this grant obtained through corrupt means, stating that they will not be spared.

"I will deal with anyone who tries to find ways for personalities to profit from these projects through corrupt means. The days of selfish people using government programmes to fund side projects are over. It is now time to work for Malawians' benefit. Period, "Chakwera stated.

Bridgin Foundation, according to Chakwera, is collaborating with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) to implement projects under the Education component.

An outline of some of the infrastructure projects under this agreement includes;

1- Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa University with high-tech Livestock Industrial Centre in Mzimba

2- Kamuzu University Teaching Hospital in Blantyre with satellites in Mangochi, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

3- High-tech Bio Science and Fertiliser Manufacturing Industrial Park at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar)

4- Mzuzu University Teaching, Learning and Research Facilities for geo-mining and the establishment of a business park.

5- Malawi University of Science and Technology High-tech and Engineering hub.

6- 25-storey Twin Towers at Capital Hill to provide office space for ministries, departments and agencies.

7- Development of Power generation facilities with a total installed capacity of 1000 megawatts and upgrading of the current electricity transmission infrastructure.

According to the president, this "phenomenal and bold investment package" is fully consistent with our development agenda guided by the Malawi Vision 2063.

Prof Tanko Mauhamadou, President of the Bridgin Foundation, stated in his remarks that they are here not only to support Malawi but also to support the West because there is an opportunity for the Western, USA, Israel, and Europe to implement projects in this country.

"We intend to bring technology, funds, exports, and all knowledge to Malawi universities," he said.

Bridgin Foundation is a philanthropic organisation based in Belgium.