Minister Ben Phiri Calls Maritime Sector Key to Malawi’s Trade,Economic Growth…..Opens Regional Shipping Workshop

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Malunga Phiri has pledged government’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s maritime and shipping sector, describing it as a key driver of trade, regional integration and economic growth.

Phiri made the remarks in Lilongwe when he officially opened a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on the status and critical importance of shipping and maritime transport to Malawi.

The workshop was organised by the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa at the Bingu International Convention Centre.

In his address, Phiri said Malawi values its partnership with MOESNA, noting that the organisation provides an important platform for regional cooperation in maritime and logistics systems.

He explained that although Malawi is land-linked, its economic prospects depend heavily on efficient transport corridors and strong regional partnerships that connect the country to international markets.

The minister said Malawi’s accession to MOESNA coincided with its membership in the Central Corridor Transit and Transport Facilitation Authority, demonstrating government’s recognition of the link between maritime transport and inland logistics systems.

Phiri said effective access to seaports must be supported by well-coordinated inland transport networks to reduce trade costs and improve competitiveness and called on the private sector, including shipping agents, freight forwarders, transport operators and investors, to take advantage of opportunities in the maritime sector by investing in modern vessels and logistical services.

He then appealed to development partners to support initiatives aimed at improving maritime trade facilitation, strengthening maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable blue economy opportunities.

Secretary General of the Maritime Organization for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa, Kassim Mpaata, said Malawi’s membership in the organisation is a strategic step towards strengthening the country’s participation in regional maritime trade.

He noted that although more than 90 percent of Africa’s international trade is transported by sea, many countries on the continent continue to face challenges such as high freight costs, weak maritime connectivity and limited participation in vessel ownership.

Mpaata said Malawi’s decision to join MOESNA will help strengthen cooperation with regional partners to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transport costs and enhance connectivity to international markets.