The UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce (UKMCC) says there is a greater need for British and international businesses to leverage their strengths and explore new frontiers in trade and investments.
UKMCC chairperson Edgar Chibaka has urged British-based business-persons and organisations to explore Malawi’s ‘untapped Opportunities,’ saying the country is a haven for trade and investment and one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
Chibaka, a UK multi-award award-winning business leader and investor in his the keynote address recently in London at a colourful ceremony said that Malawi’s safe environment and political will, dynamic economy, rich in natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit, presents to the business world a wealth of investment opportunities for UK businesses.
Said Chibaka: “It is certainly not just a window but a big door of opportunities thrown open to investors all over the world, the United Kingdom particularly.
Chibaka said: “As business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and financiers, challenges being experienced in Malawi such as fuel and food shortages present a business opportunity. Unless one is an opposition politician, you can laugh at the problems, but to us gathered here, let us solve those problems.”
Malawi deputy High Commissioner to London, High Court Judge, Justice Agnes Patemba presiding the event as the guest of honour, said: “Malawi is truly a land of opportunities and this forum provides a unique chance to delve into the vast potential that awaits forward-thinking investors.”
Justice Patemba said the government of Malawi is committed to fostering deeper dialogue with investors, partners and stakeholders.
With its developing infrastructure, diverse market, and robust legal framework, Malawi offers numerous opportunities for foreign trade and investment seeking to germinate a business footprint in the south-east sub-Saharan nation.
The UK-Malawi Trade and Investment Networking Event, which was hosted by the UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce (UKMCC) in partnership with the Malawi High Commission, and held at the National Liberal Club in British capital, London.
The networking indaba brought together business leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening trade and investment between the two nations.
The event highlighted Malawi’s key growth sectors, including agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and tourism, and offered attendees actionable insights into navigating investment opportunities.
Key speakers at the event included Edgar Chibaka, Chairperson of UKMCC; Andy Jury, Group CEO of Mukuru; Hussein Vindhani, Director of Apex Cargo Limited; Andrew Emmott, Nutcellars; Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha, Global Tea and Commodities LTD.
A special recognition was given to Dr. Thomas Bisika, Malawi High Commissioner, and his deputy, Justice Patemba, Deputy High Commissioner, for their leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening Malawi-UK relations.
In his remarks Speaking UKMCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hannington Gondwe, said: “This event is a significant step in building partnerships that will drive economic growth for both the UK and Malawi.
“With a strong foundation now in place, we look forward to expanding these efforts through a series of events planned for 2025.”
Gondwe extended the Chamber’s gratitude to the networking event organising team comprising—Shakira Phiri, Dyson Banda, Violet Chakwera, and Alexander Sukali for their exceptional efforts in delivering a seamless and impactful event.
The event concluded with a lively networking session, which aimed at fostering meaningful connections and paving the way for future collaborations.
Gondwe said the UKMCC plans to host a series of events in 2025 to further support Vision 2063’s goals, including trade missions, business forums, and sector-specific investment initiatives.
During the event, Malawi High Commission in the UK made a thorough and in-depth presentation on trade and investment opportunities that are available in Malawi for investors – and the presentation was jointly held by trade attaché, Shakira Phiri-Mlenga and investment attaché, Violet Chakwera.
The UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce brings together key organisations and individuals in the UK engaged in business and trade with Malawi and it exists to support, facilitate, and develop business flow, create new investment opportunities, and integrate UK-Malawi co-operation in the global market.
“Malawi is truly a land of opportunities.”
Justice Agnes Patemba
Malawi Deputy High Commissioner to the UK