As we watch the conflict unfold in Ukraine, some 10,000 km away from Malawi, we are reminded of the importance of building trusted partnerships between nations, partnerships that ensure prosperous, peaceful and inclusive societies. This was the original project of the European Union over 60 years ago: to be united in diversity, united in values and united in peace.

The EU has been working in Malawi since 1976, and we have worked mostly on development cooperation since. But this is about to change. In its partnership with Malawi, the EU is guided by a number of strategic documents: a political and legal framework provided by the Cotonou agreement and its successor, but also the final declaration of the recent EU-AU Summit in February, the Paris Agreement and outcome document from COP 26. All provide a solid foundation for strengthening and deepening our partnership based on shared values and principles, and setting common objectives.

We see this partnership as a partnership of equals. But what does it mean?

It means that we can build on each other’s strengths and support each other’s priorities when they coincide. This is a more political and transactional partnership than we were used to in the past, where we aim to match EU and Malawi high-level interests. It also means that we can expect things from each other, we hold each other accountable for our actions and words. As a strategic partner for Malawi we also feel that it is important to share what we perceive as risks to the multilateral framework of actions from some of our strategic rivals.

Honorable Minister, dear guests,

Our new Multi-IndicativeAannual Programme – aka MIP - for the period 2021 to 2027, which is being formally launched today, is set in this new context. It is aligned with Malawi’s own development plan, Malawi 2063. For the period up to 2024, we have allocated 352 million euros. With the MIP we want to reinforce our cooperation in the following three priority areas:

• Green and resilient economic transformation.
• Democratic and economic governance
• Human development and social inclusion.

These are broad topics which our video touched on in more detail, but let me highlight a few points here.

• Green and resilient economic transformation: we want to see Malawi thrive in the agrifood business, but to do so we need to look at enhancing not only the profitability of the sector but also the environmental sustainability of it. The future is green and Malawi needs to jump on board, even if only to prevent climate change and an increasing number of extreme weather events to throw it off track in terms of agricultural outputs.
• Democratic and economic governance: Malawi is a beacon of democratic hope in Southern Africa, a unique model of African democracy and rule of law. We want to encourage initiatives that reinforces Malawi’s governance institutions, but also looks at the economic side of things. Malawi needs to attract investors to grow, and to do so it needs to improve its investment climate and business environmental. We can push for European investments to flow to Malawi, but only if investors see advantages to do so.
• Human development and social inclusion: last but not least we are on a mission to support the Malawi Government and related institutions to advance quality education and skills in the country. As Nelson Mandela famously said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” If Malawi wants to achieve its vision for 2063, education is critical. The other aspect of our work with the Government is around social protection. Because when societies grow economically, the risk is that inequalities grow as well, and we already know that Malawi’s track record in this respect can improve.

In line with the European Green Deal, the programme will work on climate action, gender equality and digital development as cross-cutting themes. The Green Deal is our blueprint to provide future generations in Europe with a good life by reducing net green house gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

Another novelty in our partnership, on top of the new strategic approach and the MIP, is the Team Europe approach. With the Team Europe approach we bring in EU AND Member States contributions to Malawi’s sustainable growth and development. This will maximise financial support and technical expertise for Malawi and the institutions we support through these initiatives.

The MIP, the Team Europe Initiatives and our new, more political partnerships neatly fits with two key elements that determine EU strategy as a global player: Global Europe and Global Gateway.

• Global Europe is the new financial instrument for EU external action for the period 2021-2027. Our priorities in Malawi are aligned with our global priorities.
• Global Gateway is our new strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links across infrastructures worldwide: digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education and research systems are concerned.

Honorable Minister, dear guests,

Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that the EU remains a reliable, trusted and we hope valued partner for Government. We strive to systematically ensure dialogue, consultation and advocacy for our mutual objectives which are based on shared values and in accordance with Malawi’s Vision 2063. This year’s communication theme for the EU in Malawi is « EU and Malawi: a Future-proof Partnership » as we continue to see the EU’s engagement in Malawi heavily focused on contributing to a brighter future for the country: climate action, youth employment and secondary and vocational education are just some of the topics where we both have much to gain from a strengthened collaboration.

I would like to close with John F. Kennedy’s definition of partnership: “Partnership is not a posture but a process – a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks”. Let us move away from the donor-beneficiary relationship and towards a more mature and equal partnership in which shared responsibilities, interests and solutions guide our decisions.

Thank you for your attention, zikomo kwambiri.