Local Government Minister Ben Phiri has pitched Usisya in Nkhata Bay to investors and academics at Peking University (PKU) in China.

Phiri said Usisya has beaches along Lake Malawi, mountains and fertile land that could support tourism, farming and other economic activities if properly developed.

Speaking at PKU, Phiri said Malawi needs to learn from China’s development experience by making better use of its land, natural resources and youthful population.

“We have witnessed China from 1949, moving transition from poverty to prosperity,” Phiri said.

He said Malawi’s youthful population could provide the manpower needed to drive economic development if given the right opportunities.

Phiri also used the presentation to invite investors, scholars and tourists to explore Malawi, particularly Usisya.

“When I see you, I see scholars, fellow scholars. But I see tourists, I see money, I see investors. So I welcome you to come to Malawi,” he said.

Usisya, which lies along the shores of Lake Malawi, has beaches, mountains and farming communities, with fishing also forming part of the local economy.

Phiri has previously identified improved road connectivity as key to unlocking the area’s potential.

He has been advocating for the construction of the Mzuzu–Usisya road, including a proposed 30-kilometre shortcut, arguing that better access would help farmers transport their produce to markets while making it easier for tourists and investors to reach the area.

He has also supported the proposed Mpamba–Chikwina–Usisya road, which he says would improve the movement of people and goods between Usisya and other parts of the country.

Phiri first visited Usisya during last year’s campaign and has since continued to push for improved access to the area.

He said better connectivity could help link the area’s agricultural, fishing and tourism activities to wider markets, creating more opportunities for local communities.

The minister’s pitch comes as he continues to draw lessons from China’s development experience, arguing that Malawi can similarly leverage its people and natural resources to create economic opportunities.

Phiri has also encouraged Malawians who have never visited Usisya to consider travelling to the area and experience its tourism and agricultural potential.