Japanese Ambassador H.E. Yoichi Oya Bids Farewell To Malawi

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. T. Chaponda,M.P., bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Malawi, His Excellency Mr. Yoichi Oya, as he concluded his successful three-year tour of duty.

The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Japan for its steadfast partnership and tangible support during Ambassador Oya’s tenure. Under his leadership, Japan implemented and supported several impactful initiatives that contributed meaningfully to Malawi’s socio-economic development.

These included support to the health sector, notably through the provision of medical equipment and capacity building for public health institutions; education, through the construction of classroom blocks and the improvement of learning environments, including the upgrade of Domasi Technical College; and infrastructure development, highlighted by the construction of the new Lilongwe Bridge, alongside other community-level projects and public facilities.

Japan also provided significant assistance in agriculture and food security, particularly in irrigation development, rice production, and farmer empowerment, as well as disaster risk management and resilience-building initiatives. In the energy sector, Japan supported the rehabilitation of the Kanengo and Old Town sub power stations. Ambassador Oya further strongly championed the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) Programme, which has continued to strengthen people-to-people ties between Malawi and Japan.

The Minister commended His Excellency Ambassador Oya for his professionalism, humility, and deep commitment to strengthening Malawi–Japan relations, noting that his tenure has left a lasting legacy of friendship and cooperation.

As he departs Malawi, the Minister wished Ambassador Oya every success in his future endeavours and assured him that he will always find a second home in Malawi.