Malawi’s Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) is seeking to mobilise private-sector investment to support the development of major infrastructure projects across the country. The initiative follows an Infrastructure Financing and Partnership Forum held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, which brought together government ministries and agencies, domestic and international investors, commercial banks, pension funds, development finance institutions and development partners to explore financing opportunities for priority infrastructure projects.

Among the major projects presented at the forum were the proposed Fufu Hydropower Project, estimated to cost US$702 million, and the Kholombidzo Hydropower Project, valued at approximately US$500 million. The pipeline also includes the proposed Chilumba–Mbeya Railway, with an estimated investment of US$968 million, alongside opportunities in mining and public university infrastructure. Together, the three major projects represent a potential investment of approximately US$2.17 billion. These are proposed investments, and the announcement does not confirm that financing or construction contracts have been secured.

The forum aimed to connect public-sector organisations responsible for infrastructure development with private investors capable of providing long-term capital, technical expertise and project delivery experience. PPPC Chief Executive Officer Arthur Nanthuru highlighted opportunities across energy, transport, mining, education and agriculture, emphasising the need to develop commercially viable projects that can attract investment while protecting the public interest.

Malawi’s Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing the country’s infrastructure financing gap. Limited government funding and high borrowing costs have constrained the state’s ability to meet infrastructure needs through public resources alone. Other priority areas identified at the forum included roads, railways, industrial parks, export processing zones, airports and inland water transport. Proposed financing mechanisms include public-private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, infrastructure bonds and green financing.