On Friday, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi, sought the support of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to establish a reliable and sustainable fuel supply for Malawi.
As part of his ongoing diplomatic mission, President Chakwera engaged in discussions with His Excellency Mohamed Hasan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Holdings, to explore potential partnerships in the fuel sector.
During these discussions, President Chakwera emphasized the critical need for collaboration with UAE-based fuel companies to ensure a consistent supply of petroleum. “Malawi aims to strengthen negotiations with fuel companies in the UAE to secure a steady and reliable petroleum supply. We also advocate for the establishment of fuel refineries within our borders to enhance energy security and stimulate local economic growth,” he stated.
In a bid to attract foreign investment, the Malawi leader announced that his administration would be submitting a comprehensive investor package to ADQ, one of the largest holding companies in the UAE. This package will outline various bankable projects designed to transform Malawi’s economy.
Among the initiatives outlined by President Chakwera are the establishment of a digital investment bank, logistics and mobility projects to improve the nation’s road and railway networks, and significant investments in key government enterprises. “The Government of Malawi is committed to pursuing partnerships that yield tangible results for our nation,” he said.
He expressed confidence that ADQ, with its extensive international experience and resources, would recognize the potential of these projects to generate financial returns while also uplifting the livelihoods of millions of Malawians through enhanced infrastructure and job creation.
The President conveyed optimism regarding the investor package, highlighting the strategic importance of these projects in unlocking Malawi’s economic potential. He reiterated that these proposals align with the government’s Vision 2063 for economic transformation.
In response, the UAE Minister of Investment expressed interest in the proposed initiatives, indicating a willingness to explore collaborative efforts that could significantly impact Malawi’s energy landscape.
President Chakwera is on this trip following an invitation from the UAE leadership, aimed at kick-starting negotiations for Government-to-Government (G-2-G) agreements concerning the procurement of petroleum products.
Additionally, the President took an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support from the UAE government, including capacity-building programs for health workers and the provision of medical equipment to Malawi.
