21st October, 2021- Serena Hotel, Nairobi

H.E the President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Lazurus McCarthy Chakwera today graced the Malawi Investment Forum held at Serena Hotel in Nairobi.

Under the theme, “Malawi, a Haven of Investment and Trade Opportunities“, the forum brought together the public and private sectors from both countries, to share their Investment opportunities.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry team and a number of its members attended this inaugural Malawi investment forum led by the 2nd Vice Chamber President (VCP) Ms. Fatma Elmaawy.

In his address, H.E Lazurus Chakwera highlighted that Malawi is a land of untapped opportunities including but not limited to generation of renewable energy and distribution.

The president called on Kenyan investors to take advantage of the limitless opportunities in Malawi, committing that Malawi is ready to accommodate Kenyan investors. This he said is possible because of the ease of doing business that is facilitated by the One Stop Service Centre-  at the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre that supports investors to obtain services at one go.

Ms. Fatma Expressed gratitude to H.E President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for choosing Kenya as a strategic business partner to foster joint bilateral cooperation through trade and investment. She indicated that the private sector plays a big role in supporting the economic recovery process and that the Chamber is an essential partner in the economic recovery process, and will continue to work with governments and other partners to support policy making that promotes economic response & recovery efforts.

“It is important that Kenya and Malawi work harmoniously to improve the business climate in order to advance each other’s economies by upholding the principles of mutual respect & benefits across all fronts”, said Ms. Elmaawy.

She therefore welcomed Malawian investors to work together with Kenya to support and realize the African Continental Free Trade Area  (AFCTA) dream.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Richard Ngatia who is the Chamber President and Chair of the Great Lakes Private Sector Forum, the 2nd VCP gave an assurance that KNCCI will support the private sector component in the pursuit of strong, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth that benefit all. She extended the Invitation to Malawi to join Kenya in the Great lakes investment conference to be held on 22nd to 24th November, 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Those who spoke at the event included the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Hon. Betty Maina, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Malawi Hon. Sosten Gwengwe, and CEO Kenya Private Alliance Ms. Carole Kanuki.

 

Others were, High Commissioner of Malawi to Kenya Amb. Agrina Mussa and Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade and Enterprise Development Amb. Johnson Weru.