‘Young Malawian Chevening Scholars are the bedrock of our country’s future’—Malawi High Commissioner to UK Dr. Thomas Bisika

* As he welcomes the Malawian Chevening Scholars 2026 cohort  represented by Alpha Kishindo, Alfred Gadama, Mirriam Francesca Nkosi, Slyviah Chisi, Dr. Issac Yiwombe and Evans Kagwira

* The knowledge they acquire through prestigious programmes like Chevening Scholarships is an investment in Malawi’s growth

* Malawi is immensely proud of its international scholars and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact these scholars will have, both during their studies and upon their return home

By Duncan Mlanjira

Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Thomas Bisika hosted a thoughtful engagement with Malawian Chevening Scholars 2026 cohort in London, saying they are “the bedrock of our country’s future”.

Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening Scholarship is the UK’s prestigious global scholarship program.

Established in 1983, it offers fully-funded financial support — covering tuition fees, living allowances, and travel — for exceptional individuals with demonstrable leadership potential to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any accredited UK university.

Thus the High Commissioner recognising that the knowledge they acquire through the prestigious Chevening programme “is an investment in Malawi’s growth”.

The 2026 cohort is represented by Alpha Kishindo, Alfred Gadama, Mirriam Francesca Nkosi, Slyviah Chisi, Dr. Issac Yiwombe and Evans Kagwira and after they “thoughtful engagement”, Dr. Bisika observed that “their dedication to academics and their passion for Malawi’s future was evident in every conversation”.

“Malawi is immensely proud of its international scholars and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact these scholars will have, both during their studies and upon their return home,” he is quoted as saying  on Malawi UK Mission’s website.

The report highlights that the positive energy of the meeting was encapsulated in several memorable moments that included the presentation of a beautiful tote bag, personalised with the iconic logo; ‘Visit Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa’.

It was a gift that symbolised the scholars’ shared desire to promote their country and encourage tourism, highlighting the tourism slogan’s central message of warmth and hospitality.

“The Mission’s initiative to present the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ promotional material underscored the scholars’ proactive stance in promoting the nation’s identity and potential beyond academics,” says the website, adding that Malawi High Commission wished the scholars continued success in their academic endeavors and their future leadership roles. 

On his own official Facebook account, Dr. Bisika said: “I encouraged them to take full advantage of the education facilities in their respective universities.”

With a highly competitive global selection process, the Chevening Scholarship programme aims to empower the next generation of leaders, decision-makers, and opinion-shapers, connecting them to an influential global alumni network of over 60,000 professionals working to drive positive change in their home countries.

A fortnight ago, the British High Commission in Malawi hosted His Majesty The King’s Birthday Party that brought together government partners, civil society, alumni, and the creative sector to celebrate the enduring UK–Malawi partnership.

At the event, graced by Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Chiponda, the British High Commission recognised three outstanding young Malawians as Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) 100 Young Leaders Awardees 2026.

This is announced by The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The three, Chisomo Bridget Maliwa, Martin Masiya and Sarah Chisomo Msambira, were selected from thousands of applicants across the Commonwealth in recognition of their transformative work in food and agriculture, clean energy, and climate-smart farming.

Chisomo Bridget Maliwa is founder & director of Duwa Enterprise, that focuses on reducing post-harvest losses and building sustainable livelihoods for women and smallholder producers across Malawi.

Martin Masiya is founder & CEO of Sollys Energy, delivering solar power to over 2,500 rural households and businesses, creating jobs and improving lives since 2020.

While Sarah Chisomo Msambira is director of Agriculture at Small Farm Cities Africa, empowering over 2,000 smallholder farmers through tech-enabled, climate-smart agricultural programmes.

“We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive change they are creating in communities across Malawi and beyond,” posted the High Commission on its UK Malawi official Facebook account.

The British Mission reported that at a time of global change, the evening carried a strong and forward-looking message, the UK–Malawi relationship is evolving — placing greater emphasis on partnership, local priorities, and shared prosperity.

The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Leigh Stubblefield highlighted a shift in approach — from donor to investor, and from aid to expertise — reflecting a deeper, more collaborative way of working together.

“As the world changes, so too does our partnership with Malawi — from donor to investor, from aid to expertise — but what remains constant is our shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient future together,” the UK High Commissioner is quoted as saying.

For his part, the guest of honour, Foreign Affairs Minister George Chiponda, reaffirmed Malawi’s appreciation of this longstanding relationship and expressed confidence in continued cooperation to support the country’s development priorities.

“Malawi values its enduring and warm partnership with the United Kingdom, and we look ahead with confidence to continued collaboration that supports our national priorities and shared aspirations for sustainable development,” he was quoted as saying.

The report adds that the evening also celebrated people-to-people ties — from Chevening and Commonwealth alumni to vibrant cultural performances — demonstrating that this partnership is not only about policy, but about people, creativity, and shared values.

For the occasion, High Commissioner was dressed in Anazimbiri style, by Malawi’s renowned fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, who posted on her Facebook page that Stubblefield “proudly showcased Malawian creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural identity on this special occasion”.

“Moments like these continue to demonstrate how fashion can serve as a bridge between nations, cultures, and people while celebrating the excellence of Malawian design.

“Thank you your Excellency for the trusting us,” wrote Lilly Alfonso, who the previous week was in London following the successful Africa Day Fashion Show and paid a courtesy call on the Malawi High Commission.

This week, Dr. Bisika also engaged with Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution.

The BII is supporting Mpatamanga Hydro Power Plant in Malawi and also supports Affordable Inputs Programme (fertilizer procurement) through Ecobank.

On June 23, British High Commissioner Stubblefield met Minister of Natural Resources & Climate Change, Patricia Wiskies, in Lilongwe where they “reaffirmed the UK-Malawi partnership on climate action, including support for climate resilience, improved access to climate finance, and clean energy solutions”.

“The meeting also provided an opportunity to hear the Minister’s priorities and explore how UK technical assistance can best support Malawi in achieving its climate and development goals.

“The UK looks forward to continuing close collaboration with the Ministry and partners to deliver shared priorities on climate resilience, economic stability, and sustainable growth,” reported UK in Malawi.

Stubblefield also had a productive first meeting with Minister of Gender, Mary Thom Navicha, in which they discussed shared priorities including ending gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and harassment, advancing women and girls’ empowerment, and strengthening inclusive development across Malawi.

“The UK remains committed to working hand in hand with Malawi on these vital issues. We look forward to continued collaboration and a strong UK-Malawi partnership.”