In Luanda, Angola, during the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, Malawi Vice Jane Ansah delivered a key statement on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
She conveyed Malawi’s firm commitment to deepening the AU–EU partnership, which she noted has yielded significant outcomes over the last twenty-five years.
The Vice President stressed the government’s determination to make the partnership even more impactful, ensuring it aligns closely with the AU–EU Joint Vision 2030.
She acknowledged the successes achieved so far, particularly highlighting the contributions of the Global Gateway Investment programme.
For Malawi, sustainable growth and prosperity, she emphasised, hinge on agriculture and the development of export-oriented industries.
Guided by the National Export Strategy, the country has built strong export value chains encompassing macadamia, soybean oil cake, sunflower, rubber, cashew nuts, coffee, and other commodities.
These value chains, she added, are pivotal to Malawi’s integration into regional and global markets.
Nevertheless, she underlined, Malawi’s competitiveness relies heavily on effective connectivity to international markets.
While recognising the twelve priority corridors under the Global Gateway, Vice President Ansah highlighted the Nacala Development Corridor as the country’s principal trade route.
She described the corridor as the most cost-efficient channel for transporting agricultural and mining exports, as well as importing equipment vital for mining, manufacturing, and agricultural commercialisation.
The Vice President asserted that the corridor is essential for driving Malawi’s economic prosperity.
She confirmed the government’s commitment to actively seeking investors to advance this critical infrastructure project.
Vice President Ansah further showcased Malawi’s role in the global green economy, noting the country’s possession of key raw materials for green technologies.
She explained that Malawi is pursuing responsible mining practices to ensure mutual benefits for citizens and investors alike.
To bolster local economic growth, she revealed that the government has prohibited the export of raw minerals, favouring domestic processing instead.
She argued that Africa’s path forward lies in forging mutually beneficial partnerships and engaging in pragmatic diplomacy.
Addressing challenges posed by the European Green Deal, Vice President Ansah called for adequate support, capacity-building, and technical assistance to ensure fair and development-sensitive implementation.
She reiterated Malawi’s willingness to collaborate closely with both the African Union and the European Union.
The Vice President described Malawi as a stable, peaceful nation offering abundant opportunities for investment.
She concluded by emphasising that the country, under its new government, is fully open for business.
Finally, she expressed her gratitude to the summit participants, stating simply: “I thank you.”
