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US envoy tips Malawi on development

Outgoing US Ambassador Jeanine Jackson has urged the country to pursue long-term development initiatives while attracting private sector investment.

Speaking at her joint farewell cocktail and United States independence celebrations in Lilongwe recently, Jackson also asked government to make strides in achieving open government and good governance.

Jackson: Attract investors
Jackson: Attract investors

“My observation is when we went to the African Leaders’ Summit in the US, the President and Cabinet members who accompanied him were very committed to one thing in particular, that is trade and investment, getting Malawi to a place where investors are interested in the country whether in agriculture, energy and minerals, tourism and then creating an environment that will make sure investors come here,” said Jackson.

Several western donors have suspended budgetary support to Malawi over concerns of financial management system following the Cashgate scandal, but United States, whose annual development aid hovers around $50 million, has continued with support.

Quizzed whether the aid envelope is at risk, Jackson said: “If Malawi continues on a path of good governance and investing in its people, the United States would remain a steadfast partner.”

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister George Chaponda has since hailed Jackson for helping the country benefit from almost all signature programmes for Africa initiated by US President Barack Obama.

Jackson, who has twice overseen smooth change of power in Malawi, previously worked in Iraq, Burkina Faso, Switzerland, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong after retiring from the military.

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