Honourable Dr. George Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Malawi, was in London this week to participate in key Commonwealth engagements.

The Minister attended the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, which took place at Lancaster House. The meeting brought together foreign ministers from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on matters of shared interest and to strengthen cooperation among member states.

The Commonwealth remains an important platform for collaboration among its member countries. Through ministerial meetings such as CFAMM, foreign ministers are able to exchange perspectives on global developments, review policy priorities, and identify opportunities for collective action across the organisation.

Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation and advancing the shared goals of the Commonwealth. These engagements also contribute to preparations for future high-level meetings within the organisation, including the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

While in London, the Minister also attended the annual Commonwealth Day service held at Westminster Abbey. The service was attended by representatives from across the Commonwealth and was presided over by King Charles III.

Commonwealth Day is observed each year by the organisation’s member states and provides an opportunity to celebrate the shared values and principles that unite the Commonwealth’s diverse community of nations.

The participation of Malawi in these engagements reflects the country’s continued commitment to multilateral diplomacy and to the principles of cooperation, dialogue and partnership that underpin the Commonwealth.

Through its membership in the Commonwealth, Malawi continues to engage with other member states on issues of mutual interest, including sustainable development, economic cooperation and international collaboration.

On Tuesday the 20th January 2026, the Malawi–Scotland partnership was further strengthened when Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Honorary Patron of the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP), attended the Anthu Pamodzi photographic exhibition at Edinburgh City Chambers. The visit formed part of events marking the 20th anniversary of the Partnership, which continues to promote meaningful people-to-people links between Malawi and Scotland.

The exhibition visit was hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, and brought together contributors whose work reflects the depth and diversity of cooperation between Malawian and Scottish institutions. The Scotland Malawi Partnership connects schools, universities, churches, civil society organisations and communities across Scotland with counterparts in Malawi, supporting collaboration in areas including health, education, clean water, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods.

Malawi’s longstanding relationship with Scotland, which dates back more than 160 years, is rooted in shared history and enduring friendship. Since gaining independence in 1964, Malawi has continued to build on these ties through partnerships founded on mutual respect, solidarity and shared development goals.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness met with contributors to the exhibition and engaged with members of the Partnership, viewing photographs that showcase joint projects and community-level impact in Malawi. To mark the 20th anniversary, she was presented with a commemorative publication on the work of the Partnership, cut an anniversary cake, and received flowers from a Scottish student involved in a school partnership with Malawi.

Commenting on the occasion, SMP Chair Professor Jeremy Bagg highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the peoples of Malawi and Scotland and noted the continued support of the Partnership’s Honorary Patron since its establishment in 2005.

While Malawi’s High Commissioner, Dr Bisika commented:

“I appreciate the enduring people-to-people friendship that exists between Malawi and Scotland, and I thank Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for personally contributing to the Scotland Malawi Partnership Malawi Appeal during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The exhibition, titled Anthu Pamodzi—meaning “People Together” in Chichewa—celebrates the shared efforts and friendships that underpin Malawi–Scotland cooperation. First launched in Killearn in September 2025, the exhibition will continue to tour across Scotland, including stops in Edinburgh, Innerleithen, Inverurie and other locations, further raising awareness of Malawi’s partnerships and the positive impact of collaborative development initiatives.

The Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC) plc is proudly participating in the 2025 Investing in Africa Summit (AFSIC), one of the continent’s most influential investment events taking place in London. As part of its participation, MAIIC today hosted the Malawi Investment Summit at the prestigious Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, highlighting Malawi’s vast economic potential and growing attractiveness as an investment destination.

The summit was officially opened by His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika, Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who delivered an inspiring keynote message under the theme “Malawi is Open to Investment.” Dr Bisika emphasised the Government of Malawi’s unwavering commitment to fostering a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, positioning Malawi as a key gateway to business success in Southern Africa.

In his remarks, Dr Bisika highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening governance, and expanding infrastructure to support trade and industrialisation. He underscored Malawi’s strategic advantages as a peaceful nation with a youthful workforce, abundant natural resources, and strong agricultural potential.

“Malawi is open to investment. Our government continues to create an enabling environment for both local and international investors to thrive,” said Dr Bisika. “We invite the global business community to be part of Malawi’s growth story through sustainable partnerships that create value and shared prosperity.”

Closing the summit, Mr Donbell Mandala, MAIIC Board Chairman, expressed gratitude to all participants for their engagement and partnership. He described MAIIC as more than a financial institution — a strategic investment platform designed to unlock capital, drive innovation, and catalyse economic transformation.

Mr Mandala underscored that MAIIC’s success depends on collaboration between the private sector, development partners, and investors who share a vision of a prosperous and resilient Malawi.

“MAIIC represents a compelling opportunity to invest in high-potential ventures with measurable returns — financial, social, and developmental,” he said. “Let today mark the beginning of deeper partnerships, bold ventures, and shared prosperity. Together, we can build a future where industries thrive and Malawi’s potential is fully realised.”

He concluded by reaffirming MAIIC’s commitment to continued engagement with investors and partners, noting that each step taken at AFSIC brings Malawi closer to unlocking transformative growth.

The Investing in Africa Summit (AFSIC) attracts senior executives, investors, and policymakers from around the world who are keen to explore business opportunities across Africa. Malawi’s active participation this year reinforces its growing presence on the global investment stage and its readiness to embrace partnerships that deliver long-term, sustainable development.

The Malawi High Commission in London continues to champion trade, investment, and tourism links between Malawi and the United Kingdom, working closely with institutions such as MAIIC to position Malawi as an emerging hub of opportunity and innovation in Africa.