By Linda Kwanjana
Malawi Leader President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has arrived back home from Saud Arabia and Egypt where he attended the Saudi-African Summit and the 2023 Intra-Africa Trade Fair respectively.
Chakwera left Malawi for Saud Arabia on Wednesday.
Addressing the press at Kamuzu International Airport on his departure, President Dr Chakwera said Malawi desires and dreams to achieve a self reliant nation with an aim of seeing Malawi “grow, grow and grow”.
He said: “You look at what I am going to Saud Arabia for, primarily the Makanjira road, that area is extremely rich not just for agriculture; it can also be used for tourism and mining as well. We are talking about the ATM strategy, for immediate results, this is a significant roadmap helping us towards 2063.”
Chakwera said trade in Africa is extremely needed at this stage and that there is need to trade more so that the country does not rely on aid.
The summit held significant promise as it offered an opportunity for Malawi to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relations with Saud Arabia. This engagement comes at a crucial time when both nations seek to strengthen their collaboration in various fields.
During the meeting in Saud Arabia, the President signed and finalize a MK32 billion financing agreement for the Makanjira road project.
President Chakwera proceeded to Egypt where he attended an Intra Africa Trade Fair organized by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank) in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat.
The trade fair served as a vital platform for African countries to engage in discussions regarding the establishment of an integrated African market for goods and services.
During his return, due to a downpour at the Kamuzu International Airport, Chakwera did not grant an interview to the media. The President is expected to address the nation Wednesday evening.
