‘Malawi and Mozambique don’t just share a border, we share history, culture, trade routes and most importantly aspirations for prosperity’

MCCCI president Dr. Wisely Phiri addressing the high profile gathering

* Said MCCCI president Dr. Wisely Phiri when hosting visiting Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo at Malawi-Mozambique Business Community Initiative

* This forum is not just a meeting of minds — it is a bold step towards deepening economic integration and catalysing bilateral investment opportunities between our two lovely nations

By Duncan Mlanjira

At the Malawi-Mozambique Business Community Initiative held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe — attended by visiting Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo — Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MCCCI) president, Dr. Wisely Phiri impressed on the guest of honour, that “Malawi and Mozambique don’t just share a border — we share history, culture, trade routes and most importantly aspirations for prosperity”.

He described the Malawi-Mozambique Business Community Initiative as a significant milestone in the two countries’ shared journey — which uniquely marks ‘50 years of enhancing Malawi and Mozambique relations and cooperation for shared prosperity’.

“And what better way can we demonstrate that than through collaboration of the private sector who are the anchors of economic growth,’ said the MCCCI president, who is the founder and managing director of the country’s leading ICT services provider, SPARC Systems.

“This forum is not just a meeting of minds — it is a bold step towards deepening economic integration and catalysing bilateral investment opportunities between our two lovely nations.”

In sharing trade routes, Phiri gave an that that in recent years, “we have witnessed encouraging developments in cross-border infrastructure, such as the rehabilitation of the Nacala Corridor and the operationalisation of the One-Stop Border Post at Mwanza/Zobue and the Dedza/Calomue.

“These are more than logistical upgrades — they are enablers of regional economic transformation. As the private sector these are critical in facilitating continued collaboration and partnership.”

Tomorrow, Chapo and his host, President Lazarus Chakwera, will jointly launch of the Dedza/Colamue One-Stop Border Post which Minister of Trade & Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba described as proof of the commitment between the two countries, adding that “Malawi and Mozambique are strengthening their bilateral trade relations to promote cross border trade”.

The MCCCI president further said the gathering at BICC “serves as a platform for dialogue and partnership and provides an opportunity for businesses to explore new markets, create value chains that span borders, and forge partnerships that can respond to the needs of our growing populations in between the two countries and our continent, Africa.

“I therefore urge members of the business community from Mozambique and Malawi to leverage on these platforms and strategise how we grow together as we strive to grow our economies.

“At MCCCI, we firmly believe that the private sector is the engine of economic growth. But for this engine to perform, it requires an enabling environment policy that encourage entrepreneurship, frameworks that facilitate trade, and infrastructure that connects our economies efficiently.

“To this end, we appreciate the opportunity provided today for engagement between the private and public sector of both countries.”

He went on to make the following calls:

1. Strengthen Bilateral Trade Agreements: We acknowledge the efforts made by respective governments to review and implement trade agreements that eliminate unnecessary barriers such as the “simplified trade regime” and harmonise standards and regulations — let us continue in building and refining a rules-based trade framework that benefits both countries and implementing policies that enhance trade;

2. Invest in Cross-Border Infrastructure: Roads, rail, energy, and telecommunications are critical for business. We advocate for continued investment in infrastructure that connects Malawian producers with Mozambican ports, and Mozambican goods with inland markets in Malawi.

To this end I would like to appreciate the increased efforts in security allowing for safe passage which has been of great concern to the business community;

3. Facilitate Joint Ventures and Business Networks: We encourage businesses from both countries to explore joint ventures. MCCCI, in collaboration with our Mozambican counterparts, stands ready to facilitate business matchmaking forums and sectoral dialogues to continue our engagement;

4. Empower SMEs and Youth Entrepreneurs: As we strive to continue our collaboration, let us not forget the role of small and medium enterprises and young entrepreneurs. They represent the future of our economies. We must provide them with the tools, skills, and capital to innovate and compete.

“The path to prosperity is not walked alone — it is walked together through partnership, trust, and vision. Let this initiative be a continuation of our growth path building on the foundation of the last 50 years to achieve measurable progress.

“In conclusion, I commend the organisers of this important event, and I thank our partners in Mozambique for their unwavering commitment to regional cooperation, CEAR, Standard Bank for continued partnership — together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economic future for our people.”

In his remarks, President Chapo urged Malawi and Mozambique business community to continue investing in both countries to support the economic growth of the two countries and also emphasising that Malawi and Mozambique hold good relations — hence the need to facilitate business in various sectors of development.

He said for meaningful development to take place, government should work together with the private sector to attract investors: “Malawi and Mozambique need to attract foreign and local investments that can speed economic development in the two countries. We need to iron out barriers that hinder smooth trade activities.”

Among the guests were Mozambique’s Ministers of Economy Basilio Zafanias Muhate; of Transport & Logistics João Jorge Matlombe; Malawi Ministers of Trade & Industry Vitumbiko Mumba; High Commissioners,Her Excellency Alexandre Merculanio Manjate (Mozambique in Malawi); Excellency Wezi Moyo (Malawi in Mozambique); Chief Operating Officer, Nacala Logistics—Malawi and Mozambique, P.B. Awasthi, MCCCI Council members and distinguished members of the business community from both countries.