President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has today departed for Saudi Arabia to attend the first Saudi-Africa Summit which aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and African countries.

The summit, which will be held in Riyadh, will also provide an opportunity for Malawi to present its long-term development vision, the #MW2063 agenda, and its plans to boost agricultural productivity, market access and mega-farms.

President Chakwera will witness the signing of a loan agreement between Malawi and the Saudi Fund for Development for the construction of the Mangochi Makanjira road, which is expected to improve connectivity and trade in the southern region.

After the summit, President Chakwera will proceed to Egypt to participate in the Afrexim Bank Intra-African Trade Fair, which will take place in Cairo.

President Chakwera will use these platforms to promote Malawi as an attractive destination for investment and trade and to seek markets for Malawian products, especially in the agricultural sector.

In addition, President Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with various leaders to explore areas of cooperation and partnership that will support Malawi’s economic recovery from external shocks and the implementation of the #MW2063 development agenda.