President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ready to provide essential support to mitigate fuel shortages in Malawi through the newly amended Government-to-Government fuel procurement system.
Dr Chakwera expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of his meeting with the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other government officials.
He mentioned that the UAE’s support extends beyond fuel procurement, with a strong interest in areas such as agriculture and trade.
The President also added that UAE relies on food imports due to arable land scarcity, a development that presents an export market opportunity for Malawi.
The developments in the UAE have excited the Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola, who says they are aimed at improving the lives of Malawians.
In the visit to UAE, Dr Chakwera also met with Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Through the Fund, UAE has pledged $20 million to support the construction of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, highlighted that the road’s completion will be a boost to tourism, agriculture, and mining in the region, aligning with the country’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining strategy.
UAE’s support reflects strengthened ties between the two nations.
President Chakwera, since his election as President of Malawi, has re-energised Malawi’s bilateral ties with other countries both within Africa and beyond.
By Jackson Sichali, Abu Dhabi, UAE
