In the letter, FJC also expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Gambian leader in accrediting her as high commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to Malawi.
The full text is read as follows;
‘Your Excellency, Sir, please allow me on the outset to express my profound gratitude to you for affording me this opportunity to present the Letters by which His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, accredits me as High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Malawi. It is common knowledge that Malawi and The Gambia are known and respected on the international political scene for their strong democratic credentials, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Your Excellency, what brings countries together are the values they share, despite the long geographical distances that separate them.’
The letter further stated; ‘It is gratifying to note that Malawi and The Gambia have always maintained cordial relations, guided by the spirit of South – South cooperation and the lofty ideals of the Pan- Africanism.
Against such a rich backdrop of shared values, it should not be difficult to forge closer bilateral ties by exploring potential areas of cooperation, notably, in Agriculture, Tourism, Higher Education, only to mention a few.
Your Excellency, Sir as I begin my tour of duty in your beautiful country, I am confident that I can count on your support and that of your government in our common quest to promote even further, our bilateral cooperation.’
I thank you Sir.
Similarly, on the side of her presence, H. E. Dr. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay visited the Africa Center of Excellence (Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources) to meet with the management of the University as well as interact with the Gambian Msc students in LUANAR and the Business Community.
She was hosted by the revered Vice Chancellor of LUANAR Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda in a grand style.
It was a symphony of Academicians and Diplomats.
Potential Areas of Collaboration between Malawi and The Gambia
The Gambian High Commissioner to Malawi has a relatively small but growing Gambia community. Currently we have 10 students studying their post-graduate degrees at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Bunda campus.
We have two medical doctors doing their houseman ship, one leading a UN Agency, one with the Gates Foundation and two in the mining sector. I have no doubts that with its welcoming and friendly environment as the “Warm Heart of Africa” this number will increase.
The following are some of the potential areas of collaboration between the Government of Malawi and the Government of The Gambia, where Gambian private investors can participate and benefit from the opportunities in Malawi and thereby contribute to attaining “The Malawi We Want”
- Mining: Malawi has deposits of various minerals such as uranium, coal, bauxite, gemstones, and limestone. Gambian private investors can explore the opportunities in the mining sector of Malawi, which has a conducive legal and regulatory framework, and a stable political environment.
- Telecommunication: Malawi has a growing demand for mobile and internet services, and a liberalised market with four operators. Gambian private investors can invest in the telecommunication sector of Malawi, which has a competitive tariff regime, and a supportive infrastructure development policy.
- Agriculture: Malawi has a large potential for irrigation and crop diversification, and a favourable climate for various crops such as maize, macadamia nuts, cotton, and tea. Gambian private investors can engage in mega farming projects in Malawi, which has a strong agricultural research and extension system, and a vibrant agro-processing industry.
- Real Estate: Malawi has a housing deficit of about 1.3 million units, and a low rate of mortgage financing. Gambian private investors can develop affordable and high-quality housing units for civil servants in Malawi, which has a high demand for housing, and a progressive land reform programme.
