Tanzania and Malawi Strengthen Ties Through Bilateral Talks

Senior officials from Tanzania and Malawi gathered in Lilongwe for the sixth session of the Joint Permanent Cooperation Commission (JPCC), an important platform aimed at fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and social relations between the two neighboring nations.

The meeting, which was co-chaired by Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, and Malawi’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mwayiwayo Polepole, provided an opportunity to review past agreements and explore new areas of collaboration.

Speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Mussa commended the long-standing relationship between the two countries and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in key areas that impact regional development. He pointed out that economic growth, security, and social well-being could only be achieved through genuine solidarity and joint efforts.

“It is important that we approach these discussions with a spirit of unity and commitment, as our shared progress depends on how well we work together in areas like trade, infrastructure, energy, and people-to-people engagement,” said Ambassador Mussa.

His Malawian counterpart, Ambassador Polepole, echoed the importance of the JPCC meetings, stressing that the session provided a valuable opportunity to discuss pressing bilateral matters for the mutual benefit of both nations.

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Discussions during the session focused on various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, security, trade, infrastructure, and social affairs. Officials from both governments explored ways to improve cross-border trade, enhance transport networks, and boost cooperation in energy production—sectors that are vital for economic growth in the region.

The meeting also served as a preparatory session for the ministerial-level JPCC meeting between Tanzania and Malawi, scheduled for February 26, 2025. This upcoming meeting is expected to solidify agreements reached during the technical discussions and pave the way for the implementation of key projects.

Tanzania and Malawi have a history of collaboration, notably through initiatives such as the Songwe River Basin Development Programme, which seeks to harness shared water resources for hydropower generation and irrigation. Such partnerships highlight the commitment of both countries to sustainable development and regional stability.