By Suleman Chitera
The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Malawi, Leigh Stubblefield, has underscored the importance of macroeconomic stability and a conducive business environment as the United Kingdom implements its new Africa strategy, which prioritises investment over traditional aid.
Stubblefield made the remarks on Monday in Lilongwe after presenting her letters of credence to President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace.
She said the UK’s revised approach places strong emphasis on supporting African countries to create stable economic frameworks capable of attracting sustainable private sector investment.
“Macroeconomic stability and a predictable, investor-friendly business environment are essential if Malawi is to unlock its full economic potential,” Stubblefield said. “The United Kingdom is keen to work closely with Malawi to advance shared interests and deliver long-term, mutually beneficial growth.”
According to the High Commissioner, the UK is already collaborating with the Government of Malawi to promote investment opportunities and attract more British companies to operate in the country, particularly in sectors with high growth potential.
President Mutharika welcomed Stubblefield to Malawi and expressed optimism that her tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations between Malawi and the United Kingdom.
The UK’s shift in policy was formally launched in December last year by the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, marking a strategic move from a donor-recipient model towards a partnership anchored on trade, investment, and private sector-led development across the African continent.
