By Suleman Chitera
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has stepped up Malawi’s infrastructure diplomacy by appealing to the Government of Japan to support the upgrading of the busy Area 2 to 6 Miles stretch of the M1 Road into a modern dual carriageway—an intervention expected to dramatically ease traffic congestion and unlock economic efficiency in the capital, Lilongwe.
Mhango made the appeal on Monday in Lilongwe during a high-level interface meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Malawi, Naito Yasushi, who paid a courtesy call ahead of the official handover of the Lilongwe Bridge, a flagship symbol of Malawi–Japan cooperation.
The Minister praised Japan as one of Malawi’s most dependable development partners, describing the bilateral relationship as deep-rooted, strategic, and central to the country’s ambitious infrastructure transformation agenda.
“Malawi values its long-standing and cordial relationship with Japan. This partnership has delivered visible and lasting infrastructure, and we are optimistic that it will continue to grow, especially in supporting critical road projects that improve mobility, trade, and economic growth,” said Mhango.
He emphasised that upgrading the Area 2 to 6 Miles M1 Road into a dual carriageway would significantly reduce congestion, improve road safety, and enhance productivity in Lilongwe, which continues to experience rapid urban growth.
In response, Ambassador Naito Yasushi commended Mhango’s leadership and clear infrastructure vision, reaffirming Japan’s readiness to support Malawi’s development priorities.
“Japan recognises Malawi’s development aspirations and appreciates the strong leadership demonstrated by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. We are committed to working with Malawi in sectors that deliver tangible benefits to citizens and the economy,” said Yasushi.
On the proposed Area 2–6 Miles road expansion, the Ambassador disclosed that the Japanese government is already positively considering the request, with preliminary planning and research expected to begin in April this year—an announcement that signals a major boost to Malawi’s road infrastructure prospects.
Yasushi further indicated that Japan is also looking at supporting Malawi in completing the Nacala Development Corridor, a strategic regional route that is key to trade facilitation, export growth, and regional integration.
The meeting underscored the strength of Malawi–Japan cooperation, which recently delivered the Lilongwe Bridge project—constructed by the Malawi government with financial support from Japan amounting to US$21.5 million (approximately K37 billion).
The bridge now stands not only as a critical transport link, but also as a powerful testament to Japan’s enduring commitment to Malawi’s infrastructure development and long-term economic progress.
