The newly elected Member of Parliament for Mangochi East, Francesca Masamba Theula, who recently took over as chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Malawi’s International Relations, has pledged to work with renewed determination to help steer the country toward meaningful change.
Her appointment comes at a time when Malawi is redefining its role on the global stage and seeking stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Masamba told The Truth Publication that her focus will be on promoting Malawi’s self-reliance, a goal she believes is both achievable and urgent. She cited Burkina Faso as an example of a nation that has begun to take bold steps in charting its own economic policies, noting that Malawi could draw valuable lessons from such a model of assertive development.
According to the legislator, transforming Malawi will require more than political will—it will demand strategic planning, consistent implementation of policies, and deliberate efforts to empower local communities. She argued that the country must invest in systems that strengthen domestic production, improve economic governance, and reduce dependence on external support.
Masamba stressed that cooperation among government institutions, civil society, and development partners will be essential to realizing these ambitions.
She said that unity of purpose, especially within Parliament, will help accelerate progress on key initiatives that align with the country’s development agenda.
She further highlighted the importance of building strong international alliances that can support Malawi’s goals while also safeguarding the nation’s political and economic sovereignty.
As chair of the committee, she stated that she intends to push for partnerships that prioritize Malawi’s long-term interests and capacity-building.
Masamba also expressed confidence in President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision for Malawi, saying it provides a clear direction for national growth.
She believes that with collective commitment, the aspirations outlined by the President can be achieved and translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
In closing, the Mangochi East MP commended President Mutharika for championing the restoration of Malawi’s cultural identity, describing it as a constructive approach to strengthening national unity.
She said embracing cultural heritage will help build a stronger sense of belonging and pride, which she views as essential ingredients for sustainable development.
