AGI PROJECT WINDING UP IN MALAWI ON MUTUAL AGREEMENT

We would like to put the record straight regarding the support that Her Excellency the State President Dr Joyce Banda’s office has been receiving from the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) since July 2012. AGI’s mandate was to help build systems in the President’s Office and to support government’s effectiveness. At the inception of the partnership, Government and AGI agreed that in view of the May 2014 general elections, AGI would plan to accomplish their work by January, 2014.

In view of this initial arrangement, AGI is winding up its work in Malawi at the end of this month based on this mutual agreement and understanding. The AGI team has been on holiday for Christmas and New Year and returns to Malawi in a week’s time and will have end-of-project meetings with all stakeholders and wrap up of its project.

There is, therefore, no question of Right Honourable Tony Blair quitting as President Joyce Banda’s advisor as alleged in the January 5, 2014 Sunday Telegraph of the United Kingdom and as picked up by the media in Malawi on January 6, 2014. In addition, there is no link whatsoever between AGI’s winding up and the looting of government coffers as alleged by the media. It is also not correct to say the AGI team was helping the President to run this nation. As already stated, the AGI’s mandate was to help strengthen systems in the President’s office and support towards government effectiveness.

As stated in our press release of 20 December, 2013, Government is grateful to AGI for its support and would be pleased to continue working with it after the elections. AGI also stated in its recent press statement that it is ready to come back to Malawi after the elections if invited.

State house press office