Minister Ben Phiri touts China’s economic playbook as blueprint for Malawi’s industrial future

Minister of Local Government Dr Ben Phiri has held up China’s rapid economic transformation as a model for Malawi to draw from, following a presentation delivered during his ongoing study tour at Peking University in Beijing.

In a statement on his study tour, Phiri said the programme had offered valuable insight into the development models pursued by the People’s Republic of China since 1949, and how Malawi could apply similar lessons to chart its own path forward.

He noted that in just 77 years, China had transitioned from a peasant-based agrarian economy into a heavily industrialised global powerhouse, a transformation that lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.

Delivering a presentation themed “My Country and My Perspective on Communist Party of China (CPC)’s Governance,” Phiri said proper utilisation of land for increased productivity, together with the effective harnessing of human capital, were central to unlocking Malawi’s own economic fortunes.

He linked the message directly to government policy, saying the approach aligns with President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s agenda of transforming Malawi from a largely subsistence and import-dependent economy into an industrialised, export-driven one.

While acknowledging that Malawi and China operate under very different political systems, Phiri argued there was still much to learn from China’s discipline in building thriving industries, creating sustainable jobs and growing national wealth.

He also stressed the importance of involving Malawi’s youth in nation-building efforts, saying the country owed its “youth dividend” the seriousness needed to ensure young people play an active role in development, as has been the case in China.

Pitching Usisya to Chinese investors

Phiri also used his time at Peking University to make a direct pitch for investment closer to home, presenting the tourism and agricultural potential of Usisya, a lakeshore area in Nkhata Bay district, to the gathered investors and academics.

He described Usisya as a place of natural splendour, boasting pristine beaches along Lake Malawi, dramatic mountains and fertile farmland, and argued the area is crying out for serious investment to unlock its full potential.

Phiri said his time in China, where land has been strategically harnessed to lift millions out of poverty, had opened his eyes to the possibilities sitting largely untapped back home.

“Malawi can create great economic opportunities through investment in tourism and agriculture,” Phiri told the gathering.

“We have witnessed how China has been transitioning from poverty to prosperity since 1949. The same can happen with Malawi.”

The minister also pointed to Malawi’s youthful population as a key asset, arguing it could supply the manpower needed to drive the kind of development he envisions.

In a direct appeal to his audience, Phiri didn’t hold back: “When I see you, I see you not only as fellow scholars but tourists and investors. So I welcome you to Malawi,” he said.

Phiri’s passion for the area dates back to his first visit to Usisya during last year’s election campaign, since which he has become a vocal advocate for improving road access to the remote lakeshore community.

He has thrown his support behind the proposed Mpamba–Chikwina–Usisya road, arguing the project would significantly ease the movement of people and goods between Usisya and the rest of the country.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :