It’s a pivotal time in history and Africa stands not just at a critical geographical position between Europe and Asia, Africa also stands at the precipice of a tremendous potential to become a world-class trading hub. Maritime trade in Africa has been consistently increasing, and in 2021, it amounted to 1.3 billion tonnes – a 5.6% rise over the previous year. In fact, some of the world’s most strategic sea routes – the Suez Canal & the Gulf of Guinea – already contribute significantly to global trading.

It is in this extraordinary environment that the growing economies of Africa are attracting and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, remarkable infrastructure, and innovative ideas. Malawi, a land-locked country in Southern Africa, shines as a beacon for prosperity with its visionary initiative to introduce the continent’s first ever smart city. Connected via river routes with major seaports, Malawi is on its way to becoming a logistics hub in the region.

Goshen City is actively disrupting how traditional operations and business processes take place. Dedicated to the vision of a futuristic Malawi – where new standards for innovation, sustainability, and opportunity are set everyday – this regional tour de force is transforming the B2G, B2C, AND B2B landscape to drive economic growth, vibrant collaborations, and unprecedented opportunities for economic growth.

“We have a big internal market – with over 18 million citizens. Last year, the economy of Malawi expanded at 5.4%, up from 3.8% in 2021. This is the fastest expansion in the past 4 years. We take immense pride in how this small land-locked country can lead the growing trade and maritime agenda for the region,” shares Dr. Shepherd Bushiri, President, Goshen City.

Goshen City stands as a shining example of how a smart city can be. It is driven by the utmost belief that bridging the digital divide is key to unlocking the economic and social gains in Africa. Subsequently, the goal is that this will ripple out onto the international arena to empower businesses and create a dynamic global environment for fruitful collaborations. Goshen City has already seen a remarkable 40% surge in domestic tourism, the creation of over 40,000 jobs, and a myriad of exceptional business milestones as a result of increased digital connectivity, data-driven insights, and solid partnerships.

From establishing credibility and trust with government entities to focusing on exceptional customer experiences and leveraging digital platforms, Goshen City is evolving into a sustainable ecosystem for innovative partnerships and investment opportunities amongst entrepreneurs, start-ups, and trailblazing professionals.

Moreover, the trade shipping ecosystem of Malawi will benefit other land-locked neighbouring countries, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Sudan. Accumulatively, there nations bring in an additional 45 million consumers into the picture, creating very favourable circumstances to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), create new jobs, and stimulate the market forces.

Further expanding its reach and economic collaboration in the greater MENA region, these African economies are actively promoting a dialogue and mutual cooperation with world-class trading partners such as the United Arab Emirates. In the last 25 years, UAE exports to Malawi have increased to $98.3 million and Malawi exports to UAE have grown 46.5% to $96 million in 2021.

UAE is the fourth biggest global investor in Africa as evidenced by a plethora of highly regarded trade agreements: Zimbabwe and UAE have signed trade agreements to promote freely remittable profits, returns, and investments; Zambia and UAE have also signed a $2 billion contract to build solar plants; and a new Red Sea port that the UAE will co-develop in Sudan is the latest maritime project planned by Emirati companies. UAE is especially interested in the smart city development and water transport system on Lake Malawi, and has expressed its commitment to providing ships to facilitate the maritime infrastructure in the country.

Goshen City is currently in the process of driving and attracting investments to a remarkable extent. The city has been recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation with the prestigious Brand of Impact Award in the MENA region. Additionally, Goshen City is actively working towards securing a substantial investment of $14.5 million while also pursuing a significant investment of $2.2 billion for Malawi. Overall, Goshen City is diligently working towards driving and attracting investments on a considerable scale.

At the recently concluded UAE Maritime Week (where Goshen City participated as a Gold Sponsor of the much-anticipated Closing Event), COP28 opportunities were in exceptional focus. “Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Goshen City’s DNA. Our holding company closely follows key SDGs, especially contributing to Goal 9 (industry, innovation & infrastructure) and Goal 11 (sustainable cities). An aspiration towards SDG compliance is also on our radar for our maritime sector with Goal 13 (climate action) on top of our agenda. As a new member of Emirates Shipping Association, we are committed to work hand in hand with our partners towards spreading this vision in the MENA region,” says Dorothy Pinyoloya, Group CEO & Vice President of Global Operations, Goshen City.

Such mutually beneficial collaborations, driven by sustainable and competitive factors, are crucial to stimulating the maritime trade activities in the region. Besides introducing cost-effective and state-of-the-art technologies to the region, such initiatives promote best practices, access to larger markets, and strengthen the confidence of investors in this growing business landscape.

“Goshen City, via its specialised arm Goshen Global Logistics, envisions increasing opportunities for maritime trade – vital to the overall economic development in Malawi and its neighbours. Whether it be the exchange of oil and petroleum products, fertilisers, grains, or construction materials that is facilitated by shipping and vital sea lanes, these are all critical building blocks of world-class economies. Empowered by digital tools and seamless connectivity, these elements level up the trade potential of countries in the region,” adds Dr. Shepherd Bushiri.

It is indeed an exciting time to witness the rise of an unparalleled hub of innovation in Malawi, Africa, and the MENA region that promises to enhance the future for everybody.

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	Issue 84 of Robban Assafina (March/ April 2023)