British High Commissioner to Malawi Leigh Stubblefield has reiterated that the United Kingdom (UK)’s focus of its diplomatic relation with Lilongwe is trade and investment-centric.
This, Stubblefield said, is for the two nations’ mutual benefit.
She was speaking at her residence in Lilongwe last week during commemorations marking King Charles III’ 77th birthday.
In her address, Stubblefield said Malawi and the UK had enjoyed decades of sound diplomatic relations, spearheading growth and development.
She said, in recent years, the approach to diplomatic relations had tilted towards enhancing trade and investment, and not only debt and aid.
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“As the world changes, so too does our partnership with Malawi—from donor to investor, from aid to expertise—but what remains constant is our shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient future together,” Stubblefield said.
She said British companies were among key and largest investors in Malawi, especially in agriculture and mining sectors.
Figures she provided show that the UK gives about £40 million to £50 million each year to Malawi through the World Bank, Global Fund and other organisations. The UK Government also supports health and agriculture sectors as well as climate-related programmes.
According to the British Department of Business and Trade’s Trade and Investment Factsheets, in 2025 alone, total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Malawi was £57 million in the four quarters, a decrease of 31.3 percent or £26 million in current prices from the corresponding period a year before.
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Of the amount, total UK exports to Malawi amounted to £33 million—a decrease of 44.1 percent or £26 million in current prices.
Total UK imports from Malawi amounted to £24 million in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025, a change of less than £1 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024.
Malawi was the UK’s 173rd largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025, accounting for less than 0.1 percent of total UK trade.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister George Chaponda hailed the UK for what he rated as long-lasting support to Malawi.
He described the relation between the two countries as cordial.
“Malawi values its enduring and warm partnership with the United Kingdom, and we look ahead with confidence to continued collaboration that supports our national priorities and shared aspirations for sustainable development,” Chaponda said.
