Andrew
ZIMBABWE and Malawi enjoy cordial relations. Our Correspondent Wallace Ruzvidzo (WR) sat down with Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mwayiwawo Polepole (MP) and discussed the 36 memoranda of understanding currently in place between the two countries and other issues.
******************************
WR: How would you describe relations between Zimbabwe and Malawi at present?
MP : The friendship between Malawi and Zimbabwe dates way back before independence during the pre-colonial days. You might recall this was one country which was Nyasaland and Rhodesia and the capital city was Harare. We share very close historical relations and geographical affinities. The relationship is actually very strong, including in trade, politically and economically.
Malawians feel comfortable when we are here and I am sure Zimbabweans feel the same way when they are in Malawi. President Lazarus Chakwera and President Mnangagwa share a brotherly relationship and regularly have good discussions. The two countries continue to enjoy the peace between Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Let me note that there are more than 6,5 million Zimbabweans of Malawian origin and we might go beyond that if we go deeper. More importantly, something very striking is that among the 16 official languages in Zimbabwe, there is Chichewa, which is the official language in Malawi, so that is why I feel that sometimes we should have maintained the same provinces, that alone talks a lot about the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries have a lot in common, but let me just summarise it by saying the relationship is excellent as exemplified by the official visit by President Lazarus Chakwera to Harare in September 2020 and the relations were further cemented with the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC), so the two countries continue operating within the framework of the JPCC.
WR: What areas of joint cooperation exist under the JPCC?
MP : There are 36 MOUs. Thirty-two of them are still under negotiation but four of them are already signed.
Most of these cover areas such as tourism, sharing information, agriculture, education, trade, energy, mining, labour, vocational skills, gender, disaster and risk management, prisons and correctional services, broadcasting and immigration. All things being equal, we would have had another JPCC meeting in December this year, so we will do it in the first quarter of next year.
WR: Recently, a number of Malawian companies participated at the ZimTrade Buyers Conference. Can we expect trade to increase between the two countries because of these initiatives?
MP : Yes, there is quite a lot that has happened. Some of the SMEs believe this is great and they promised that come this month, seven of them are coming back. This shows that they benefited from this relationship.
Some of the SMEs that participated in the exhibition have managed to find places here, with the example of the Eastgate Mall, where they have opened a shop.
I just had another business entity from Zimbabwe which is now penetrating the Malawi market. They are in the business of selling chemicals.
A company from Malawi will actually be ordering 60 000 litres of their product a month. These trade fairs have facilitated a lot between the two countries. More traders from Zimbabwe will be entering the Malawi market and vice versa.
WR: What are current trade figures between Zimbabwe and Malawi?
MP : Trade last year, as we were coming out of lockdowns, was hovering around US$50 million and US$55 million but now it is around US$66 million. According to statistics, in 2020, trade was around US$35 million, so you can see that now it has gone up. Majority of that was from edible vegetables like soya bean cake, cereals and sugar.
So, basically, that is where we stand but if we do a very good analysis, the figures could be more.
Our relationship is good and we are like cousins, so you will find that some people just go to buy from Malawi and get what they want without going through the normal channels and not because they are running away but, according to trade agreements under COMESA, you can bring in some goods without duty.
WR: President Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe is open for business. How is Malawi responding to this?
MP : President Mnangagwa has been living true to his word. You can bring a lot of products from Malawi without being taxed, so the environment is truly open for business. Apart from waiving that duty, they are also facilitating the process. Most businesspeople are taking advantage of that Zimbabwe is Open for Business policy. Indeed, Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none.
Online Reporter