Malawi envoy to UK urges disapora to invest back home
Malawi new High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Bernard Sande has called on Malawians in Diaspora to seriously consider investing some of their earnings into the Malawi economy especially in long term projects.
Sande was speaking on Saturday night at official Kwacha House in London when he addressed Malawians resident in Britain during a fundraising dinner and dance.
He assured the Malawi Diaspora that President Joyce Banda’s administration attaches great importance to Malawians working and studying abroad, saying the government appreciated their tremendous contribution towards the country’s economic growth.
“Government has priotised among other things Diaspora affairs. Government believes its time that the Diaspora is mobilised in order to contribute to economic development of the country,” said Sande.
He said Malawi mission in London will ensure they strengthen Malawi Association UK to “intensify” their engagement and strong collaboration with the Diaspora community.
Sande said Malawians abroad were an important resource of knowledge and experience required to move the country forward.
“Government believes that the Diaspora has an important role to play in the economic development of the country so long as they are mobilised and there is collaboration,” he said.
He cited countries such as Ethiopia which he pointed out have infrastructural development spearheaded by the Diaspora community .
Sande appealed to Malawians in UK to help promote Malawi as a safe and conducive investment destination.
“Members of Diaspora have connection with members of local community. You can promote your country, talk about investment, talk about trade, talk about tourism,” he said.
The diplomat also said Malawians in Diaspora should continue with their remittance, saying the forex they send home “play a key role” to the economy.
“In other countries Diaspora remittances constitute a very large portion of foreign exchange earnings,” he pointed out, urging the Diaspora to open foreign currency denominated accounts.
He also appealed to citizens to support the Malawi led charities.
“There are quite a number of them doing a good job like MAHECAS (Malawi Health Care Support UK),” he said, adding “If we can manage, lets organise our own charities to help back home.”
Sande said “ Orphans is a big problem in Malawi.”
The High Commissioner also informed that Malawi restored full diplomatic relations with the UK after a mutual expulsion of ambassadors during the late Bingu wa Mutharika regime.
“I am very proud to confirm to you that the relations were restored and are very good,” he said.
Speaking at the same function, Malawi Association UK chairperson Clement Chunga said the new government should recognise the potential of Malawians in Diaspora – not only material resources but skills, experience and exposure.
