Speaking on the sidelines of the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Durban, Chief Economist Dr Andrea Mjuma said Malawi’s central position between Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia gives the country an important role in supporting regional connectivity. “In terms of infrastructure, remember Malawi is land-linked. We are bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. So we need quality infrastructure in terms of transport, in terms of energy, in terms of digital connectivity and indeed in terms of all facilities that are required to promote trade,” Mjuma said.
Mjuma said improved roads, rail networks, energy systems and digital infrastructure are critical to ensuring the smooth movement of goods across the region. “If Malawi cannot provide that quality infrastructure, then it means we are letting the region down,” Mjuma said.
Beyond infrastructure, Mjuma highlighted Malawi’s contribution to regional peace and security efforts, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique. “Malawi has been very instrumental in promoting peace, security and governance within the region,” Mjuma said.
Mjuma argued that peace remains a prerequisite for economic development and regional trade. “If trade is to be promoted, we need peace in the region for free movement of goods and services,” Mjuma said.
Turning to the broader SADC agenda, Mjuma called for greater focus on youth inclusion, noting that around 60% of the region’s population is young. “We need to deliberately bring youth into decision-making platforms,” Mjuma said.
Mjuma said future SADC summits should provide young people with a more direct role in shaping policy and development strategies.
Discussing infrastructure investment, Mjuma suggested member states need to move away from purely national approaches and focus more on regional priorities. “I think we’ve been so individualistic as member states,” Mjuma said.
“We should move from national development platforms to developing infrastructure that is actually speaking to regional infrastructure challenges.”
Mjuma welcomed Ramaphosa’s emphasis on trade corridors and cross-border infrastructure projects, saying investments should support not only individual countries but also broader regional development goals.
Mjuma also outlined Malawi’s own development priorities, including investments in digital connectivity, transport infrastructure and energy. “Currently Malawi is seriously investing in infrastructure. One of the key areas is digital connectivity,” Mjuma said.
Mjuma said stronger infrastructure, combined with peace, security and good governance, would help unlock trade opportunities and strengthen regional economic integration.
–ChannelAfrica–
