Kasunda courts Chinese investors, reaffirms his 2030 Presidential bid

A Malawian studying International Relations in China, Jani Grey Kasunda, reaffirmed his intention to contest for the presidency in 2030 while calling on Chinese investors to consider opportunities in Malawi’s agriculture, mining, energy and digital sectors.

Kasunda made the call on Friday, March 15, 2026, in Guangzhou, China, during a keynote address on cross-border industry and cooperation, outlining investment opportunities tied to Malawi’s economic development.

He said Malawi’s agricultural sector needs investment in value addition to reduce reliance on raw exports and strengthen local processing industries.

“We need partners who will not merely buy our raw produce but establish processing facilities in Malawi,” he said.

Kasunda said increased investment in irrigation systems, storage facilities and rural infrastructure would improve production of crops such as soybeans and groundnuts for export markets.

In the mining sector, he referred to the Kasiya project, describing it as a major source of rutile and graphite with relevance to global demand for critical minerals.

He also referred to ongoing energy developments, including the $350 million Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project and government plans to expand electricity generation capacity to 1,000 megawatts by 2030.

The youthful Kasunda said internet access remains low despite growing demand for digital services.

“Only 18 percent of Malawians use the internet, and over 85 percent of schools have no access at all,” he said.

He said improved connectivity would support education, financial services and public administration systems.

On his political ambition, Kasunda restated his plan to run for the presidency in the 2030 general election.

“I stand before you not merely as a Malawian but as the leader of The People’s Revolution and a declared candidate for the Presidency of Malawi in the 2030 General Elections,” he said.

Kasunda said his long-term plan is to position Malawi as an attractive destination for foreign investment and industrial growth.