OSAKA, JAPAN – Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko AZ Mumba, Pr Eng, has extended a compelling invitation to Japanese investors, urging them to capitalize on the “underutilized opportunities” abundant within the Southern African nation. The call was made during a Malawi-Japan Business Forum held last Thursday in Osaka, on the sidelines of Malawi’s Day Expo.
“Our goal is to build sustainable partnerships that can unlock the full potential of Malawi’s economy,” stated Minister Mumba. He painted a picture of Malawi as a nation ripe for investment, highlighting its “beautiful landscapes and abundant natural resources; a hard-working and trainable workforce; a peaceful and welcoming environment; a strong judicial system; and ceaseless investment and trade opportunities.”
The Minister’s sentiments were echoed by Christina Zakeyo, Secretary for Trade and Industry, who reaffirmed Malawi’s unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. She encouraged Japanese private sector players to view Malawi as a stable and promising destination for long-term investment.
Kruger Phiri, Director General of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), brought attention to the existing trade imbalance between the two nations, noting Malawi’s significant imports from Japan. He advocated for Japanese companies to establish local operations in Malawi, a move that would not only help bridge this gap but also foster mutual economic growth.
This engagement in Osaka forms a crucial part of Malawi’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and elevate its presence on the global economic stage. This overarching mission is guided by the Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing (ATM+M) Strategy, with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and energy identified as key catalysts for growth.
Malawi and Japan have a long-standing diplomatic relationship, established in July 1964. These ties were further solidified with the opening of Malawi’s Embassy in Tokyo in 1992 and Japan’s Embassy in Lilongwe in 2008, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries.
