LILONGWE, Nov. 24 — Malawi and Uganda have pledged to deepen trade collaboration, focusing on opportunities that benefit both countries.
Speaking on Saturday at the closing of the two-day Malawi-Uganda Business Forum and Exhibition in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Fred Mwesigye said Malawi stands to gain from a range of trade opportunities in Uganda across agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology.
Mwesigye highlighted Uganda’s establishment of a motor vehicle production plant, which manufactures both fuel-powered and electric vehicles with an annual capacity of 5,000 units, noting that Malawi could benefit from the growing automotive industry.
The envoy also expressed confidence that the two countries can effectively leverage regional and continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area to tap into larger markets, reduce business costs, integrate value chains, and create synergies for mutual benefit.
Sphiwe Mauwa, director of administration at Malawi’s Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade, and Tourism, said her country is committed to creating an enabling environment for Ugandan businesses as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
She added that the Malawi government will work to address challenges faced by international investors seeking to do business in Malawi.
Held under the theme “Exploring and Tapping into the Rich Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration,” the forum attracted government officials, regulators, investment promotion agencies, financiers, and transport and logistics players from both countries. Namibia Daily News / Xinhua
