UK sees hope for Malawi recovery

The United Kingdom (UK) has said there is hope for Malawi’s economic recovery with the new programmes and directions that the government is taking.

British High Commissioner Michael Nevin was speaking at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe on Sunday when he welcomed into the country Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Scotland office David Mundell.

“There are sound macroeconomic policies that the country is using which will result in economic recovery. This new direction is a good sign of confidence,” said Nevin.

He also hailed the country’s recent peaceful demonstration, saying unlike  in 2011, they have shown that Malawi is in the right direction.

Mundell said he is pleased that Malawi’s relations with the United Kingdom have normalised.

He also said Scotland will this year celebrate David Livingstone’s bicentenary with some of the activities being held in Malawi.

“David Livingstone is someone who is highly regarded in both Scotland and Malawi for his great discoveries and achievements, including that of ending slavery. We want to make sure that his life is remembered in both countries,” said Mundell.

Born in 1813, David Livingstone first stepped   in the then Nyasaland in the 1850s and has several features named in his honour, including the city of Blantyre.

Mundell said he is expected to meet  President Joyce Banda to discuss the events that are taking place in Scotland and Britain to mark David Livingstone’s bi-centenary and organisation of similar events in Malawi.

“Besides David Livingstone’s commemoration, I am also here to discuss with the President opportunities of improving trade between Malawi and Britain, and reaffirm the good relations between the two countries,” he said.