Lilongwe, February 19: An Egyptian investor has launched an executive bus service called Blue Bus that will operate between the cities of Lilongwe and Lusaka, Zambia for six days a week.
Transport and Public Works Minister, Francis Kasaila presided over the launch at Maula Mall in Lilongwe and outlined Government continued commitment to improving and ensuring sustainable transport services.
He said government recognizes the role of the transport sector in economic development and as such, government will support the sector to develop especially in road transportation.
“Most Malawians cannot afford air transport, so we need to develop road transport. Therefore there is need for good buses to operate between Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania and the surrounding countries.
“Zambia and Malawi remain very good friends and this bus service will boost our relations by providing affordable means of transportation between the countries hence promoting cross-border trade. As such, government wants more foreign investors in the transportation industry,” said Kasaila.
In his remarks, Egyptian Ambassador to Malawi, Maher El-Adawy said it is great that African countries are investing in other African countries and the bus service will do a great service to the two countries by boosting trade.
Zambia High Commissioner to Malawi Salome Mwanashiku also attended the launch. She said the Blue Bus service provides safe movement of people and will bolster socio and economic ties between Egypt, Zambia and Malawi.
According to Blue Bus service General Manager, Mohamed Nasr, one bus will be in operation between every day except Friday. Three more buses are expected before the end of the year.
