By Suleman Chitera

A delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is in Malawi on a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing key infrastructure projects expected to receive financing support, including the proposed Blantyre District Hospital and the Mangochi–Makanjira Road. The projects are part of government’s development agenda and are expected to commence in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

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The delegation is engaging with government ministries and technical teams to assess project readiness and align financing with national priorities.Malawi Freedom Network Crowns Joseph Mwanamvekha “Minister of the Year” for Exceptional Leadership

Saudi Fund signals commitment while reviewing Malawi priorities

Speaking to journalists at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, SFD Senior Loan Operations Expert for Africa, Ahmed Almaghyuli, confirmed that the fund is prepared to finance the two priority projects.

He also noted that the fund has requested Malawi’s broader development plan to help identify additional priority areas for future support, ensuring alignment with national development goals.

Blantyre District Hospital project progresses

The Ministry of Health says preparatory work for the proposed Blantyre District Hospital is underway, including the process of identifying a contractor to design the facility.

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Head of Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Sanderson Kuyeli, said the evaluation process is ongoing and is a key step before construction begins.

The hospital project is estimated at 32 million US dollars (about K55.7 billion) and is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery capacity in southern Malawi.Cash, Smear Campaigns, and Political Panic: The Plot to Undermine Mwanamvekha

Saudi financing commitment and government engagement

The Saudi Fund for Development has committed 20 million US dollars (approximately K34.7 billion) toward the construction of the hospital, according to government officials.

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Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka said the visit follows his earlier diplomatic missions to Gulf countries including Qatar and Kuwait, where he sought support for key economic sectors such as fuel supply, fertilizer access, and foreign exchange stability.

He added that such partnerships are critical in supporting Malawi’s development agenda and economic recovery efforts.

Mangochi–Makanjira Road development

The Mangochi–Makanjira Road project is also part of the planned investments and is expected to improve transport connectivity in lakeshore districts.Joseph Mwanamveka Urges Malawians to Trust DPP Manifesto Ahead of September Elections

Once completed, the road is expected to boost trade, improve access to social services, and support tourism development in the region.

Hospital expected within two years

The Ministry of Health says construction of the Blantyre District Hospital is expected to take two years once work begins.

Officials say the facility will help reduce pressure on existing referral hospitals and improve access to specialized medical services in the southern region.

Strengthening Malawi–Saudi cooperation

The engagement between Malawi and the Saudi Fund for Development reflects growing cooperation in infrastructure financing. Government officials say the partnership could unlock further investments in energy, transport, and social infrastructure in the coming years.