Zone 5 games to boost Malawi’s economy- Govt

By Antony Isaiah Jr

The Malawi Government through the ministry of Youth and Sports has backed the African Union Region five games scheduled for 2 to 11 December, 2022 to have a positive impact on the economy and infrastructure of the country.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda and Minister of Information and digitalisation Gospel Kazako faced the press on Tuesday in Lilongwe to address the public on the progress that have been made on the preparations for the games.

Chimwendo Banda said Malawi has made huge feat towards fulfilling the dogmas set in preparing for the games.

Among others, Chimwendo said the government has managed to sensitise the stakeholders on the games and renovations of various facilities that are earmarked to host the games.

“Both the Griffin Saenda Netball Complex and the Aquatic Complex at Kamuzu Institute for Sports have taken shape and they will be ready in time for the games.

“The renovation of Civo and Silver Stadiums as well as Bingu National Stadium have commenced. We are optimistic that we will beat the October deadline given to us by the organisers of the games. This is the progress that we have made so far.

“A number of foreign nations are interested to patronise the games in large numbers which will be a source of foreign currency in the country”, said Chimwendo Banda.

Making his remarks, Minister of Information and digitalisation Gospel Kazako has urged the Malawians to prepare well to provide the demanded high quality of service for example transportation, accommodation, catering, and insurance among others which will, in turn, promote tourism and bring forex to the country.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Chimwendo Banda divulged that the government will cough a total budget of K15 billion which covers various co, sts, for example, renovation of the facilities.

He said the money is going to be raised through the national budget allocation, sponsors and hosting fees paid by the participating countries.

“We have the actual budget which is for the hosting of the games and then we have the infrastructure budget for the renovation and construction of the venues to host these games so the whole budget is MK15 billion divided into various categories, but we will earn some forex from the games through the fees that these athletes will be paying,” said

The Region 5 Games will attract about 3,000 athletes from Southern Africa.

Athletes will compete in sporting disciplines including football, netball, boxing, volleyball, basketball, athletics, judo and tennis.

Bingu National Stadium will host the opening and the closing ceremony of the Youth Games.