Infrastructure conference to tackle Malawi’s financing gap

Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) says practical solutions to financing infrastructure projects are key to narrowing the country’s investment gap in the sector. In an interview ahead of the 12th International Conference on Infrastructure Development and Investment on Monday, local organising committee chairperson Professor Theresa Mkandawire of Mubas said stakeholders will explore innovative financing approaches and partnerships needed to accelerate infrastructure development. She said: “The conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, research dissemination and policy dialogue on emerging infrastructure challenges and opportunities.” A diagnostic study by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa found that Malawi has implemented public-private partnership projects worth about $1.2 billion (about K2.1 trillion) over the past two decades, despite having one of the strongest public private partnerships (PPP) legal frameworks, and urged authorities to package more bankable projects to attract investment.

PPP Commission chief executive officer Arthur Nanthuru earlier said improving project readiness and structuring stronger public-private partnerships will be essential to accelerating infrastructure delivery, enhancing service quality and supporting Malawi’s long-term economic growth. Meanwhile, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango is expected to preside over the opening of the conference, which will be held from August 10 to 12 at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre.