Malawi is set to participate in a new continental infrastructure initiative aimed at building schools, clinics, and technical colleges across Africa. On Saturday, Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana traveled to Gaborone, Botswana, to represent President Peter Mutharika at the official launch, according to Malawi24.
The initiative is spearheaded by the AGA ISAGO Development and Empowerment Foundation and funded by the Zunaid Moti Group of Companies, Malawi24 reports. The project focuses on designing, constructing, equipping, and maintaining public facilities in partnership with regional governments. Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko and South African businessman Zunaid Moti are leading the effort to address shortages in educational and healthcare infrastructure.
However, the project has faced significant scrutiny. Nyasa Times reports that Moti has repeatedly been linked to regional corruption and money laundering controversies. Furthermore, the Botswana Gazette notes that the initiative has sparked political debate in Botswana over a lack of government transparency regarding its funding structure and the decision to name the flagship project the Duma Boko School and Clinic.