Ex-LL deputy mayor to attend US leadership programme

Lilongwe City Council former deputy mayor Akwame Bandawe is today leaving for the United States (US) to participate in the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) titled ‘US State and Local Government for Emerging African Leaders’.

US Embassy public affairs officer Edward Monster said the programme is for emerging African leaders who will learn about the US and Bandawe has been chosen to represent Malawi this year.

“Mr. Bandawe is a young resourceful leader who is full of potential. The trip will offer him a chance to learn more about political leadership and the American system of government. He will also be able to share and learn from other emerging political leaders while there. It is a great learning opportunity for him,” he said.

In his remarks, Bandawe described his selection for the programme as a great honour.

“To be nominated and selected from among many Malawian professionals to represent my country and be part of this prestigious programme is a great honour. It is an opportunity that will allow me to interact with leaders from all over the world. It will also deepen my understanding of the American culture and government system which will help me in my career,” he said.

While there, Bandawe will visit seven States on political learning visits.

Chosen by US embassies worldwide, participants include parliamentarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisation leaders, journalists, academicians and other mid-career professionals.

Each year, nearly 5 000 international visitors travel to the US on the IVLP.