By Edwin Mauluka
The Government of Japan has officially handed over the newly constructed Lilongwe Bridge to the Malawi Government, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Malawi’s road infrastructure and regional trade links.
Imafuku Takao, Director-General for the African Affairs Department in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the pledge Thursday during the handover ceremony and inauguration of Japanese Grant Aid for the Improvement of Main Roads in Lilongwe.
The 75-metre bridge over the Lilongwe River features a five-lane carriageway, sidewalks, a cycle lane and modern drainage systems. The project also included the construction of dual carriageways on both ends, linking Old Town to the city’s main commercial area.
Takao said the bridge and adjoining highway were constructed with precision and durability, drawing parallels with Japan’s earlier infrastructure support such as Kamuzu International Airport, built with Japanese assistance in 1983.
“Durable infrastructure is essential for economic growth,” he said. “Although it may take longer to build, Japan constructs to high quality standards with great care and precision to ensure long-term, safe operation.”
The bridge sits along the M1 Road, part of the strategic Nacala development route. Takao said the road will enhance connectivity between Malawi, Zambia and global markets through the Indian Ocean.
He noted that at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) last year, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Nacala Corridor, adding that the Lilongwe road project is the first symbolic infrastructure development completed since that pledge.
Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Yasushi Naito described the project as a milestone for Lilongwe and the wider region, saying it addresses long-standing congestion and safety challenges at the old bridge.
Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango said the bridge is a critical national asset as it lies on the M1, Malawi’s main artery connecting Tanzania and Mozambique.
He added that government plans to rehabilitate rain-damaged roads after the rainy season and welcomed Japan’s commitment to extend the dual carriageway from Lilongwe city centre to Bunda Roundabout to ease congestion.
The project was supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a US$22 million grant and implemented by Japanese engineering firms. It stems from the 2010 Urban Development Master Plan for Lilongwe developed with JICA support.
Japan and Malawi have maintained diplomatic relations for over 60 years, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, agriculture and human resource development.
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Photos by Edwin Mauluka
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