Sixty Years of Friendship - Malawi and Germany’s Commitment to Mutual Growth

On September 27, 2024, the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin hosted a milestone event to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic and development cooperation between Malawi and Germany. The celebration brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, and members of the business community to reflect on six decades of partnership and chart the path forward.

The event was organized in collaboration with BMZ, GIZ, and KfW, and kicked off with an exhibition, followed by welcome remarks and speeches from key dignitaries. Malawi's Ambassador Joseph John Mpinganjira and Minister of Agriculture Samuel

Dalitso Kawale highlighted the shared commitment to addressing challenges such as poverty and food security, underscoring the significance of Malawi's 60th Independence anniversary, which coincides with its diplomatic ties with Germany.

The event featured two panel discussions. The first explored Malawi’s development progress and the role of international partners like GIZ and the German-Malawian Association in driving positive change. The second panel, featuring government representatives and business leaders, focused on trade and investment opportunities in Malawi, showcasing initiatives such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) aimed at fast-tracking industrialization and boosting foreign direct investment.

The event unveiled in the following way:

4:00 p.m. – Open for Exhibition

5:00 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.

• Welcome Remarks by Mark Donfried, Director General – Academy for Cultural Diplomacy
• Remarks by H.E. Joseph John Mpinganjira, Ambassador of Malawi
• Speech by Hon. Samuel Dalitso Kawale, Minister of Agriculture

5:10 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.

• Keynote Address by Sarah Bernardy, Head of Division, Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa Union, Federal Foreign Office
• Remarks by Alan Walsch, Country Director, GIZ Malawi

5:25 p.m. - 5:35 p.m.

• Snack Break and Networking
• Cultural Interlude by Malawi National Dance Troupe

5:35 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.

• Panel Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges for Development Partners

Participants:

• Mattias Rompel, GIZ Regional Director Southern Africa
• Leni Nebel, Country Director, Hunger Project Germany
• Christiane Bertels-Heering, Chairperson, German-Malawian Association
• Moderator: Sabine Odhiambo, Secretary General, Deutsche Afrika Stiftung

6:20 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Snack Break and Networking

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

• Panel Discussion: Trade and Investment Opportunities in Malawi

Participants:

• Hon. Sam Dalitso Kawale, Minister of Agriculture
• Claudia Voß, Managing Director, Afrika-Verein
• Paul Kwengwere, CEO, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre
• Christine Chimangeni, Tourism Attache, Malawi Embassy Berlin
• Moderator: Josephine Mahachi Kruggel, Social Media Manager, Deutsche Welle

7:15 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.

• Remarks by Alex Kambiri, Chairman of the Malawi Diaspora Association

7:20 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Tasting Malawi Food, Cultural Performances, and Malawi Dance Music

Cultural diplomacy was a key element of the event, with performances by the Malawi National Dance Troupe, offering a vibrant display of Malawi’s rich cultural heritage.

The audience enjoyed a blend of diplomatic discussion and cultural immersion, with the evening concluding with a tasting of Malawian cuisine and music, celebrating the nation’s warmth and unique spirit. The celebration provided a platform for fostering future cooperation between Malawi and Germany, reinforcing the shared commitment to tackling global challenges and advancing development through mutual respect and collaboration.

The event emphasized Malawi's growing appeal as a destination for tourism and investment, with speakers highlighting the country's natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and government reforms aimed at accelerating economic growth. With an eye toward the future, the event served as a bridge for continued collaboration, ensuring that Malawi and Germany continue to thrive as partners in diplomacy and development.

• ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy