Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda on Wednesday called on Malawians to come together and discuss the nation’s development opportunities and challenges as the country celebrates 50 years of independence.

Banda made the remarks on Wednesday in Lilongwe at the national Consultative conference organized by the High level Development Council.

Malawi will be celebrating a jubilee on 6th July this year. Commemorating 50 years of independence. I believe this provide an opportunity for Malawi as nation to come together and reflect on our past, draw lessons and inspiration on what the 50 years  have offered us as a nation”, she said.

President  Banda further said that Malawi was in transition with moment of hope and the two years she had been in power have taught her few lessons.

“Our country was at the verge of total collapse but we have been able to recover from such catastrophe despite  the challenges we are facing. Today, we can easily boast of more than two months’ import cover. Today, we can boast of a stable availability of foreign exchange”, she added.

The council comprises of members from different sectors and the Vice President Khumbo Hastings Kachali was also in attendance