In a strategic move aimed at addressing concerns over foreign exchange expenditures, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi is set to embark on his tenth foreign trip this year with a significantly reduced delegation.
Chakwera will lead a team of officials to the United States of America to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Malawi Minister of Information, Hon. Moses Kunkuyu, has officially confirmed the trimmed delegation’s details to the Times Newspaper of Malawi. The high-level General Debate of the 78th UNGA session commenced on 5 September 2023, marking a significant moment on the global diplomatic calendar.
President Chakwera’s participation will culminate during the General Debate on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. In response to concerns raised by opposition politicians, analysts, and activists regarding the strain on foreign exchange reserves due to frequent foreign travel, President Chakwera has chosen to scale down the number of officials accompanying him on this diplomatic mission.
The delegation now includes representatives solely from key government departments, notably the State House, as well as the Ministries of Finance, Information, Trade, and Health, for a total of 35 people.
President Chakwera’s international itinerary this year has included visits to several countries, including Qatar, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the United Kingdom, Ghana, China, Tanzania, South Africa, and Angola. The decision to trim the delegation is seen as a proactive measure to address concerns surrounding the frequency of such trips.
As President Chakwera and his reduced delegation prepare for their upcoming journey to the United States, the spotlight will be on Malawi’s participation in the UNGA, where global leaders convene to address critical issues facing the international community.
