In the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons in London, a vibrant and aromatic event took place, bringing together tea enthusiasts, traders, dignitaries and politicians of course. Sureena Brackenridge MP hosted the Malawi High Commission, in collaboration with the London Tea Exchange, to an extraordinary tea tasting event that showcased the rich, diverse, and unparalleled tea offerings from Malawi. The event was attended by the guest of honour, Honorable Abida Mia MP, Minister of Water and Sanitation.

Celebrating Malawi’s Finest Teas

The tea tasting event aimed to shine a spotlight on Malawi’s tea industry, an essential foreign exchange earner for the country. With a proud history of tea cultivation dating back to the late 19th century, Malawi is renowned for its high-quality teas, which are cherished by connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Some of the teas featured were the Revolver Co-operative brands of Malawian teas.

A Gathering of Tea Aficionados and Industry Leaders

The event attracted a diverse audience, from seasoned tea traders and investors to curious local politicians and tea aficionados. This mix of attendees created a dynamic atmosphere, where conversations flowed as freely as the tea. Participants had the opportunity to taste and compare different teas, engage in discussions about tea cultivation practices, and explore potential business opportunities. The event also provided a platform for Malawian tea producers to network with UK-based tea companies and traders, aiming to increase market access and visibility for Malawi’s teas in one of the world’s largest tea-consuming countries. 

Promoting Ethical and Sustainable Tea Practices

Beyond the delightful tea tasting, the event highlighted important ethical and sustainability issues within the tea industry. Mr. Sangwani Hara, the chairman of the Tea Association of Malawi emphasized the country’s commitment to fair trade practices, ensuring that tea producers receive fair compensation for their work. Attendees learned about the efforts being made to improve labor conditions, promote environmentally friendly farming practices, and support community development in tea-growing regions. These initiatives resonated with many participants, who expressed a keen interest in supporting ethical tea brands.

A Culinary Journey Through Malawian Tea

One of the event’s highlights was the guided tea tasting sessions where participants were offered a deep dive into the intricate flavors and aromas of Malawian teas. Attendees learned how to identify subtle notes of floral, fruity, and earthy undertones, enhancing their appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in tea production. The sessions also provided insights into the various processing methods used to create different tea varieties, from the delicate white teas to the robust dark teas.

The Future of Malawian Tea in the UK Market 

The tea tasting event marked a significant step towards strengthening trade relations between Malawi and the UK. By showcasing the exceptional quality and diverse range of Malawian teas, the event aimed to carve out a niche for these products in the competitive UK market. With growing interest in ethically sourced and high-quality teas, Malawian tea producers are well-positioned to meet the demands of discerning consumers. 

In conclusion, the tea tasting event in London was a resounding success. It celebrated the rich heritage of Malawian tea, fostered meaningful connections within the tea industry, and championed ethical and sustainable practices. As Malawi’s teas continue to gain recognition and appreciation, the future looks bright for this vibrant and essential industry.

The UK’s Minister for Development and Women & Equalities, Rt Honourable Anneliese Dodds, began her three-day visit to Malawi yesterday, 9 December 2024. During her visit, the Minister is focusing on driving economic growth, which is at the heart of the UK government’s new approach to development.

The Minister is seeing the fruits of the strong UK-Malawi partnership in spearheading education reform through a visit to a school on the outskirts of Lilongwe city. Rt Honourable Dodds is also engaging with partners on tackling the impact of climate change and environmental degradation in Malawi. She is seeing how the UK’s work is helping vulnerable communities tackle deforestation and climate change in a cost-effective, practical way and providing critical support ahead of the rainy season.

Rt Honourable Minister Dodds is also having bilateral meetings with several senior members of government to discuss how the UK and Malawi will continue to build together a long-term and modern partnership based on shared priorities like inclusive economic growth, tackling climate change, and good governance.

Commenting on the visit, British High Commissioner to Malawi, Ms Fiona Ritchie, said: “I am delighted that Minister Dodds is visiting Malawi to see for herself the fruits of the long relationship between our two countries. During her visit, the Minister is highlighting the UK government’s new approach to development, working in partnership with Malawi to tackle global challenges and drive inclusive economic growth.”

Dr. Thomas Bisika, the Malawi High Commissioner to the UK, also commented; “We feel greatly honoured, as a country, that Malawi is among the very few countries that the UK Development Minister will be visiting within her first year in office. This will give the Minister an opportunity to witness, first hand, what the UK-Malawi Partnership has been able to accomplish over the years.”

Rt Honourable Anneliese Dodds is a British Labour and Co-operative politician and public policy analyst. She has been serving as the Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities since July 2024. Dodds has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Oxford East since 2017 and previously served as the Chair of the Labour Party from 2021 to 2024. She was also the first woman to hold the position of Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from April 2020 to May 2021.

Captain Ian Finley, the esteemed Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has been bestowed with the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2023. This significant honor was presented to Captain Finley at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony held in London on December 2, 2024.

A Lifetime of Maritime Service

Nominated by the Government of the Cook Islands, Captain Finley has been an instrumental figure in shaping the global maritime landscape. His active participation in the development of safety, environmental, and legal regulations at the IMO since 1995 has left an enduring legacy.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised Captain Finley's unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions: "His passion for the maritime community and his commitment to advancing its goals have been instrumental in shaping the Organization's work."

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Upon receiving the silver dolphin trophy, Captain Finley expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the collective efforts of his colleagues: "I am truly honored to receive this Prize, which recognizes the work and commitment of so many who I have had the privilege to work with over the past three decades."

The Cook Islands Government's nomination highlighted Captain Finley's exceptional qualities: his tireless efforts as a delegate, his deep understanding of seafarers' challenges, and his unwavering support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

A Career Dedicated to the Sea

Captain Finley's maritime journey began in 1961 as a Midshipman with Alfred Holts, the Blue Funnel Line. He later transitioned to the Athel Line and the chemical/parcel tanker industry, rising to the rank of Captain. His career ashore included roles in ship operations, chartering, and senior management.

As a key figure in the maritime industry, Captain Finley has served as an advisor and head of delegation for Panama and has been instrumental in the Cook Islands' membership of the IMO. He has also held prominent positions in various international organizations, including the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC), and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Captain Finley's commitment to maritime education and training is evident in his role as a Governor of the World Maritime University (WMU), where he was honored with an Honorary Fellowship in 2023. His exceptional contributions have also been recognized by the United States Coast Guard with their Distinguished Public Service Award.

About the International Maritime Prize

The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by the IMO to honor individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the organization's goals. The award includes a silver dolphin sculpture and a financial prize.

On November 21, the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, hosted a diplomatic reception at Somerset House in London. This event provided an important platform for the First Minister to engage with ambassadors and high commissioners from across the UK, discussing Wales' future and opportunities for collaboration.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

The event allowed Eluned Morgan to outline her priorities and engage with the broader diplomatic community. She emphasized the Welsh Government's commitment to developing opportunities within and beyond Wales. Morgan highlighted the pivotal role that the diplomatic community plays in fostering closer relations with national and regional governments.

The Malawian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dr. Thomas Bisika was also in attendance and welcomed the Wales International Strategy and appreciated the First Minister’s insights on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to countries like Malawi.

Recent Investments and Future Plans

Morgan pointed to recent significant investments by multinational companies in Wales as evidence of the region's growing appeal as a business hub. She also praised the efforts of cultural and sporting ambassadors in raising Wales' international profile, encouraging both investors and tourists to view Wales as a prime destination.

Looking Ahead

Eluned Morgan announced the forthcoming publication of the Welsh Government's International Delivery Plan, set to be released early next year. This strategic document will detail the international activities aimed at supporting her four key priorities.

Conclusion

Morgan's clear message was that Wales is open for business. By seizing current momentum and showcasing what Wales has to offer, the Welsh Government is poised to attract new opportunities and strengthen international partnerships.