By Burnett Munthali
LUANDA, ANGOLA — At the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Malawi used the high-level platform to reaffirm its ambitions for economic growth, regional trade integration, and leadership in the green economy.
Vice President Right Honourable Justice Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah S.C., J.A. (Rtd), speaking on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, outlined Malawi’s vision for a stronger and more effective AU–EU partnership.
She highlighted the progress achieved over the past quarter-century, noting the tangible outcomes of cooperation between African and European partners.
“Malawi is determined to ensure this partnership is fully aligned with the AU–EU Joint Vision 2030 and delivers real benefits for our people,” Vice President Ansah told delegates.
The Vice President drew attention to the Global Gateway Investment programme, citing it as a key milestone for improving connectivity, trade, and investment across the continent.
She stressed that Malawi’s development strategy centres on agriculture and export-led industrialisation, with the country establishing strong value chains in commodities such as macadamia, cashew nuts, sunflower, soybean oil cake, rubber, and coffee.
These export chains, she noted, are critical to Malawi’s participation in regional and international markets.
However, she warned that access to global markets remains dependent on infrastructure and trade corridors. The Nacala Development Corridor, she emphasised, is Malawi’s primary route for exporting agricultural and mining products, as well as importing essential equipment.
“The corridor is not just infrastructure; it is a lifeline for our economy,” Vice President Ansah said, signalling her government’s commitment to attracting investors for its full development.
Turning to environmental and green priorities, she pointed out that Malawi possesses vital raw materials for green technology. The country is pursuing responsible mining practices to generate mutual benefits for citizens and investors.
To promote local industry and economic growth, Malawi has banned the export of raw minerals, focusing instead on domestic processing.
Vice President Ansah underlined that Africa’s development depends on partnerships based on fairness and mutual benefit, with diplomacy that advances both national and regional interests.
On the European Green Deal, she urged European partners to provide transition support, technical assistance, and capacity-building, ensuring that its implementation is predictable and sensitive to developing economies.
Malawi, she said, is a stable, peaceful nation ready to welcome investors. “As a new government, we are open for business,” she declared.
She concluded her address by thanking the delegates, leaving a strong impression of Malawi as a country positioning itself at the intersection of trade, green innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
