As Malawi and the United Kingdom (UK) partnership officially clocked 60 years, the British Government says setting up businesses in the country would be easier if authorities work on reducing red tape.
UK High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie made the sentiments during a reception marking King Charles’ official birthday celebrations held on 14th November in Lilongwe.
Formerly Nyasaland, Malawi was a British protectorate with a lot of shared history with the UK and although the two haven’t always agreed on everything over the years, but the bond remains strong.
Last year, the Department for Business and Trade announced a change in the rules that made it easier for Malawians to access expertise, and saw preferential trading systems slightly improved for developing countries like Malawi.
Against a background of existing opportunities between the two and the UK open for Malawian businesses, the High Commissioner however acknowledged that it’s harder for small-scale Malawian businesses to compete internationally.
“I think perhaps the first step is it’s easier for British investors to invest in Malawi and then that builds up the relationship in a way that makes it easier to give directions. We have institutions that operate both in Malawi and the UK Chambers of Commerce that are there to support businesses.
“We do have one UK business it’s called Mkango Rare Earth; it’s a mining company and they recently signed a Mining Development Agreement with the Government. They’re very determined to do business in Malawi, but they also have a battery plant in the UK in Birmingham which is a symbiotic relationship where you can see benefits for both countries.
“But the more we can have UK investors experiencing less red tape, finding it easier to set up businesses that benefit both the UK and Malawi, the easier it’ll be for Malawians. Its’ not easy to be an exporter in Malawi at the moment; so that’s another one of those barriers that many businesses face. So it’s about finding the right opportunity and just keeping that dialogue going”
Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo said as Malawi celebrated the King’s birthday it is reminded of his numerous projects to serve humanity throughout life especially Commonwealth member States
She described His Majesty as an inspiration on climate change when he turned 21 especially on the dangers of plastic pollution when it wasn’t taken as a critical issue then.
Tembo hailed British inventions adding that UK became a major development partner in education, health, human rights and the financial support which has been tripled.
During the event, she assured of the administration’s commitment to ensure free fair and credible elections to produce a result that reflects the will of the people.
