In a powerful declaration aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Southern Africa, newly inaugurated Mozambican President Daniel Chapo yesterday championed the urgent removal of trade barriers between Malawi and Mozambique. Speaking in Lilongwe during a crucial engagement with business leaders from both nations, Chapo stressed that frictionless trade is the key to attracting vital investments, creating jobs, empowering citizens, and igniting sustainable growth.
President Chapo, who took office on January 15 this year, invoked the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two countries, asserting that their citizens are “one family.” This familial bond, he argued, necessitates the dismantling of any impediments to trade for the sake of accelerated development and economic prosperity.
“We have the same names, the same culture, same language, so there is no need to have barriers,” Chapo declared, his words resonating with the gathered business community. “Let us facilitate business so that our countries can flourish in the area of infrastructure, transportation and communication. We also have huge potential in energy sector in Mozambique.”
Earlier in the day, President Chapo’s discussions with his Malawian counterpart, President Lazarus Chakwera, reportedly centred on fostering development corridors, and exploring collaborative opportunities in energy, agriculture, tourism, and mining. However, Chapo underscored that for such ambitious plans to materialise, robust public-private partnerships are indispensable. “It is our responsibility as the public sector to facilitate business,” he affirmed, laying down a clear challenge to both governments.
Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, echoed Chapo’s sentiments, emphasizing that strategic investment in cross-border trade and the eradication of existing bottlenecks are paramount to fostering economic growth in both nations. “In Africa, we are realising that trade and investment is the only path to economic development, not aid,” Mumba asserted with conviction. “If we focus on aid, we will never develop Africa but we must focus on trade and investment.”
Mumba seized the opportunity to call upon Malawian businesses to actively explore the myriad opportunities in Mozambique, including potential partnerships, highlighting Mozambique’s diverse sectors ripe for Malawian growth.
Weighing in on the imperative for closer collaboration, Wisely Phiri, president of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), urged both governments to fortify bilateral trade, actively facilitate joint ventures and business networks, and crucially, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and youth entrepreneurs. A conducive business environment, he stressed, is non-negotiable for economic expansion.
Phiri specifically advocated for significant investment in cross-border infrastructure, including roads, rail, energy, and telecommunications. “We advocate for infrastructure that connects Malawi to Mozambican ports,” he said, pointing to the vital arteries necessary for seamless trade.
With a shared border and a rich history of 50 years of partnership, the visit of President Chapo appears to be a pivotal moment, signalling a renewed commitment to leveraging their close ties for mutual economic upliftment and regional integration.
