Malawi will participate in the African Consultation Meeting for the 3rd United Nations Oceans Summit, also called the Blue Africa Summit, in Tangier, Morocco, on October 9, 2024. Vice President Dr Michael Usi and senior government officials are set to represent the country, underscoring Malawi’s commitment to maritime issues.
Dr Usi is expected to arrive in Morocco via Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport on 8 October 2024.
Malawi’s Charge d’Affaires in Morocco, Kennedy Lweya, articulated the summit’s significance, saying, “As a landlinked country, Malawi is positioning itself to benefit from initiatives like the Blue Africa Summit, which emphasises trade.”
Lweya noted that despite being landlinked, Malawi can form strategic partnerships with coastal African nations to boost trade.
“With over 90 percent of global trade moving by sea, Malawi’s participation in such forums allows it to explore import-export opportunities through neighbouring ports,” he said.
The summit is expected to advance Malawi’s engagement in the blue economy, opening access to funding and technical support for conservation efforts, especially in managing freshwater resources like Lake Malawi.
Lweya highlighted Malawi’s cooperation with Morocco on infrastructure projects, particularly the Nacala Corridor, which will improve access to maritime resources.
“The Moroccan Government has committed to help Malawi develop the Nacala Corridor, facilitating LPG imports from Mozambique,” he said.
The Blue Africa Summit will set the stage for the forthcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, positioning Malawi to shape policies on maritime development, climate action, and regional cooperation. The outcomes are expected to provide lasting benefits for the country’s trade and resource management.