Malawi has taken a bold step forward in regional integration and trade with the successful launch of the Inaugural Lilongwe-Entebbe Flight, a milestone event co-facilitated and supported by the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC).
The historic launch, held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, was graced by the Honourable Feston Kaupa, MP, Minister of Transport and Public Works, alongside Mr. Bisa Namarika, Director General of MITC, and Mr. Solomon Bekele Debay, Chief Executive Officer of Malawian Airlines. Senior representatives from government institutions, agencies, and the private sector also joined to mark this transformative occasion.
The new Lilongwe-Entebbe route is more than just a flight; a strategic trade corridor reduces distance, time and the cost of doing business. By linking Malawi directly to Uganda and the wider East African Community, the flight positions Malawi more competitively within regional value chains.
MITC coordinated the participation of several Malawian businesses on this inaugural flight. Over a four-day programme, these businesses did the following:
· Engaged in B2B meetings
· Undertook site visits
· Participated in strategic discussions
These activities were designed to foster concrete partnerships, inform investment decisions, and open doors to new buyers, suppliers, and distribution networks across East Africa.
This milestone marks an important step in Malawi’s economic growth trajectory. With improved access to regional markets, Malawian businesses are better positioned to attract investors, expand their reach, and strengthen their role in East Africa’s dynamic trade ecosystem.
MITC remains committed to supporting businesses as they explore partnerships, participate in trade missions, and leverage opportunities within the Uganda–Malawi corridor.
The launch of the Lilongwe–Entebbe flight is more than a transport achievement—it is a gateway to prosperity, a symbol of Malawi’s ambition, and a catalyst for deeper regional collaboration.