Malawi and China sign $80m agreement to construct judicial complex

To address a shortage of courtrooms in Malawi, which has long been a challenge in streamlining the country's judicial process, the governments of Malawi and China have signed an $80 million implementation agreement for the construction of a state-of-the-art judicial complex in the capital Lilongwe. This marks one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the country's legal sector in recent history.

The agreement is a result of the visit by Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera to Beijing in September 2024 to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. During the summit, Malawian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda, on behalf of his country's government, signed the financing agreement with China for the construction of a new complex in Lilongwe.

While officially handing over the agreement over the weekend, Lu Xu, China's ambassador to Malawi, said China appreciates the importance of the judiciary in maintaining peace and fostering economic development. She expressed hope for continued partnership and collaboration to ensure early completion of the complex, adherence to best standards, and commitment to deepening cooperation in agriculture, talent building, and infrastructure, among other sectors of cooperation.

Titus Mvalo, Malawi's minister of Justice, described the agreement as more than just a construction project and called it a monument to justice, progress and international solidarity. He emphasized China and Malawi's shared commitment to fostering justice as a cornerstone of development and highlighted that the complex would address several administrative challenges currently facing the judiciary.

"The $80 million commitment is a bold symbol of the deepening friendship between Malawi and the People's Republic of China. It reflects a shared vision for strong institutions, rule of law and development built on mutual respect," Mvalo said.

The complex is expected to significantly improve efficiency in Malawi's justice delivery, reduce delays in court processes, and provide a dignified working environment for judicial officers and the public. It is also a critical milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two nations.

Frank Namangale, spokesperson to Malawi's Ministry of Justice, said the state-of-the-art complex is estimated to be completed in 2028. It will encompass four key components, namely the Judiciary Headquarters housing the Supreme Court of Appeal, six divisions of the High Court, administration block, the chief justice's residence, sheriffs' warehouse, and the Judiciary Training Institute.

The construction of the complex is the latest in a number of critical infrastructure projects developed in Malawi through cooperation with China. Once complete, the complex is expected to stand opposite the Parliament of Malawi, which is another remarkable infrastructure renovated through a grant from China.