By Arkangel Tembo in Washington DC, USA

Washington DC, October 3, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has ended his working visit to the United States of America (USA) where he attended the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

While in USA, President Chakwera undertook several engagements including taking part in the General Assembly debate, the Malawi partners conference as well as meeting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank officials.

Speaking to journalists at the end of his tour, President Chakwera said the visit has been crucial, particularly in engaging potential investors in the field of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM).

Under the ATM strategy, Malawi prioritizes cooperation and investment in increasing productivity through commercialization and digitization, enhancing value through industrialization and promoting sustainability through climate-smart business practices.

He said to achieve food security, job creation, and wealth creation in the shortest time possible there is need to boost productivity in ATM strategy by bringing several investors.

“I am glad that I came here to represent the Malawi nation. Notable outcomes include discussing with investors, and taking part in the general assembly debate where I emphasized that climate change has heavily affected Malawi leading to food insecurity.

“On this, I said it will be difficult for countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This is where several other leaders complemented meaning that it is a global concern that needs to be addressed,” he said.

He further said that it is important for leaders to find solutions and resilient strategies as far as the effects of climate change are concerned adding that in Malawi over 5.7 million people are currently food insecure as a result of climate change.

He said: “All the meetings I have held with stakeholders and leaders look promising. Interestingly, this is my second time conducting Malawi partners conference on the sidelines of UNGA and the patronage has been very positive. We will continue to woo investors as one way of pushing our development agenda.”

Chakwera, therefore, emphasized the need for Malawi to break free from the shackles of poverty through strategic investments.

President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, commended Chakwera for his leadership saying he deserves some respect in as far as his governance style is concerned.