Malawi and South Africa signed an agreement of co-operation in the field of tourism, on August 31.
The agreement aims to enhance mutual co-operation between the two countries in the tourism sector.
The signing took place at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on the sidelines of the Takulandirani 2017 Malawi International Tourism Expo.
Henry Mussa, Malawi’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, said the government of Malawi appreciated South Africa’s support in the tourism sector, according to Malawi 24.
Mussa said South Africa had assisted in the capacity building of grading assessors, restocking of wildlife species within protected areas, as well as training of wildlife personnel at South Africa Wildlife College.
He said the signing of the agreement was long overdue, having taken seven years for the two countries to eventually sign.
“Culturally we are one people and family; many tribes in Malawi have their origins from South Africa, the Ngonis are an example,” Mussa said.
The Minister said the agreement was a leap to strengthen Malawi’s relations with SA and that Malawi had a lot to offer SA in terms of business investment and tourism activities.
Tokozile Xasa, Minister of Tourism for South Africa, hoped that the signing of the agreement would grow and enhance people-to-people relationships.
