Malawi Government has disclosed that seven companies that held discussions with the Malawi delegation at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, have declared their interest to investment in the country.
Malawi’s Presidential press secretary Steven Nhlane in a statement dated May 10, 2013 identified the companies as Cargill – cotton; Bunge – sugar and legumes; Unilever – oil seeds; Monsanto – seed production; United Phosphorous – fertiliser manufacturing; Feed Crop Manufacturing and Agico- farm equipment.
He said the seven companies are among the 27 private sector companies that Malawi mobilised and engaged on specifics of their interest in the country.
“President Dr Joyce Banda, who attended the forum and has since returned to Malawi, described the forum which pooled together African Heads of State and Government, business captains, members of the academia and civil society, as highly successful,” said Nhlane.
The forum reflected on a wide range of economic issues affecting the continent including how to accelerate economic diversification; boost strategic infrastructure, unlock Africa’s talent, promote governance on the continent and develop new business models for agriculture.
“On trade, the Malawi delegation participated in a number of trade and investment related forums where they shared the country’s vision of a private sector-led growth, and improvements Malawi is making to make it a more favourable destination for doing business,” said Nhlane.
“In this regard, we shared what we are doing in reviewing existing laws and policies in order to better facilitate trade and investment in Malawi.”
He added that President Banda participated in the high level forums on Grow Africa and the Leaders Council Meeting as preparation for Malawi to become a partner in the G8 New Alliance For Food Security and Nutrition. This announcement will be made at the G8 meeting in London on June 8, 2013.
On women’s leadership, the President, Nkosazana Zuma-chairperson of the African Union Commission and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the Minister of Finance for Nigeria, took the opportunity of the forum to bring the issue to the table.
Other Presidents that attended the forum were Jacob Zuma, Goodluck Jonathan, Boni Yayi and Jakaya Kikwete.
Former presidents Joaquim Chissano and John Kuffuor ; former Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and representatives from the G8 countries notably UK Secretary of State for DfID Ms Justine Greening, USaid administrator Mr Raj Shah also attended the forum.
