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.

The Malawi High Commission in the United Kingdom warmly welcomes the forthcoming official visit to Malawi by Scotland’s First Minister, Rt Hon John Swinney MSP, scheduled for 14–20 October 2025.

“The Scottish Government has been supporting Malawi in many areas covering both development and humanitarian support." - His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika

This landmark visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Scotland–Malawi Cooperation Agreement, a partnership deeply rooted in shared values of friendship, equality, and mutual respect. It will also mark the First Minister’s first visit to Malawi since assuming office earlier this year.

“The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of. We have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges can have transformative impact on communities.” - First Minister, Rt Hon John Swinney MSP

Strengthening a Model Partnership

For nearly two decades, Scotland and Malawi have worked hand in hand across key sectors including health, education, climate resilience, and governance. The High Commission views this visit as a significant opportunity to renew commitments, celebrate progress, and explore future areas of collaboration that align with Malawi’s national development blueprint — Malawi 2063.

The visit will highlight the tangible results of the partnership:

• Improved health facilities and access to essential services;

• Enhanced education opportunities for young people, particularly girls and children with disabilities;

• Increased investment in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture; and

• Continued efforts to promote gender equality and community empowerment.

A Vision for the Next 20 Years

The Malawi High Commission applauds the Scottish Government’s enduring commitment to international cooperation through its International Development and Climate Justice programmes. As both nations look ahead, the Mission hopes the visit will strengthen institutional links between Malawian and Scottish organisations and inspire new partnerships in research, innovation, and sustainable trade.