The Malawi High Commissioner to UK Bisika and his counterpart to Malawi Stubblefield at the dialogue meeting
* UK High Commissioner to Malawi Leigh Stubblefield reaffirms the UK and Malawi’s long-standing partnership
* As Malawi’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Thomas Bisika assures Malawi is committed to creating a competitive and attractive investment environment
By Frank Humphreys, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
The UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce (UKMCC) announces that it will establish its first permanent office in Malawi — marking the most tangible step so far in a renewed effort to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.
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The announcement came at a high-level UK-Malawi Business Roundtable in London on Tuesday that drew business leaders, investors, policymakers and development partners — along with UK High Commissioner to Malawi, Leigh Stubblefield, and Malawi High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Thomas Bisika.
Stubblefield reaffirmed the UK and Malawi’s long-standing partnership, which she described as built on mutual respect and shared ambitions.
“I am encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the private sector and look forward to seeing today’s conversations develop into meaningful commercial partnerships,” she said.
On his part, Bisika said the turnout reflected rising investor confidence in Malawi, adding the country “is committed to creating a competitive and attractive investment environment”.
“We welcome UK businesses looking to invest, trade and build long-term partnerships,” Bisika said. “The strong level of engagement at today’s event demonstrates growing confidence in Malawi’s economic potential.”
The high level meeting
UKMCC chairperson, Edgar Chibaka said the roundtable had assembled exactly the right mix of decision-makers from government and business adding that the Chamber’s role is to create opportunities, build trusted relationships and help businesses navigate both markets.
The Chamber’s chief executive officer (CEO) Hannington Gondwe said the new office signals a shift from talk to action: “Our objective has always been to move beyond dialogue towards delivery,” he said.
“The establishment of our office in Malawi will strengthen our ability to support investors, facilitate partnerships and help businesses identify opportunities in both markets.“
The Chamber said it would follow up the roundtable dialogue with sector-specific investment webinars, business delegations and investor introductions in the coming months — building toward the Malawi office’s official launch.
Businesses have been invited to sign up as founding members ahead of an inaugural launch event in Malawi.
The meeting talks centred on expanding commercial ties in agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare, tourism, financial services and technology sectors, which both governments have identified as priorities for growth.
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Meanwhile, the Malawi High Commissioner reports that as per tradition, The Evensong at Westminster Abbey was dedicated to the Republic of Malawi in recognition of Malawi National Day that was celebrated on Monday, July 6.
Each year, the Westminster Abbey — as a royal peculiar with strong links to the Commonwealth countries — prays for member nations throughout its regular pattern of daily services.
And High Commissioner from the Commonwealth countries are invited by the Dean to evensong on their National Days or close to their Commonwealth day.
The high commissioner would read the New Testament lesson and the Abbey community prays for the peoples of that national country.
The Malawi High Commissioner reports that he read the Second Lesson which was taken from the third chapter of the letter of Paul to the Colossians.
They also pray for that country’s leaders as well. This is what they say: ‘Almighty God, who hast given to the peoples of Malawi, a special place and responsibility in the life of the Commonwealth; grant wisdom, discernment and integrity to her leaders; peace, prosperity and faith to her citizens, that they may be united in one fellowship; and strengthen the nations of our Commonwealth in one bond and community, to the honour of thy Holy Name, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen’.
The special Prayers session was attended Malawi diaspora, Malawi Honorary Consuls, staff from Malawi High Commission and many friends of Malawi living in the United Kingdom.—Additional report by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
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