During a high-level meeting on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the 2024 Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Malawi’s President hailed China as the global leader in infrastructure development. The Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the New Silk Road, is a strategic global infrastructure plan launched by China in 2013. It aims to invest in over 150 countries and international organizations, focusing on six land corridors of urban development connected by road, rail, energy, and digital infrastructure, along with a maritime network through port development.
President Chakwera emphasized that the BRI offers the most suitable solution to the long-standing developmental challenges faced by Malawi.
He said:
“The Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious and noble endeavor to transition the people and nations in the global south from poverty to prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative is every developing nation’s dream come true that we must make every effort to realize in our lifetime by the allocation of funding to transport infrastructure development projects. In fact, I believe that this is one of the legacies China should aim to establish in Africa.
“The BRI aligns well with the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). Both programs advocate for the smooth movement of goods through efficient, safe, affordable, and reliable transport. We must take the necessary steps to make the AfCFTA a reality and a thriving free trade area for the mutual benefit of Africa and China. This process needs to happen now, not later.”
Speaking of what Malawi is doing in infrastructure development, Chakwera said that the Malawian Government is currently rehabilitating the Beira railway line and that it has already started the rehabilitation of 72kms of rail from the Mozambique border using local resources.
“The plan is to rehabilitate the entire 201 km rail from Marka to Limbe, making it operational again up to Beira port in Mozambique. Similarly, Malawi plans to upgrade the 272 km Rumphi-Nyika-Chitipa Road, which would enhance connectivity and open up agriculture, mineral, and tourism-rich districts, benefiting Malawi and its neighbouring countries of Zambia and Tanzania. Your Excellency Mr. President, by investing in the outlined critical infrastructure projects, we have the opportunity to bring about lasting economic prosperity for Malawi and establish a powerful legacy of the BRI that will benefit generations to come,” he said.
The President hailed China as a partner of choice in infrastructure development in the Global South.
