Malawi's economy, tourism, sports infrastructure will benefit from Five Regional Games-ministers

Malawi: Richard Chimwendo-Banda, Minister of Youth and Sports, has stated that Malawi is prepared to host the African Union Regional 5 Games, which will contribute to economic growth, tourism promotion, and the construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities that will benefit all Malawians.

During a press conference today in Lilongwe with the Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Gospel Kazako, the Minister said Malawians should prepare to provide high-quality services such as transportation, accommodation, catering, insurance, and security, which will promote tourism and bring in foreign currency.

Banda stated in his updates that Malawi has made significant progress toward meeting the set requirements in preparing for the games by, among other things, conducting stakeholder sensitization on the games, constructing the Griffin Sayenda indoor sports complex, which is at the roofing level, renovating local sports facilities throughout the country where some games will be held, and forming relevant committees.

On his part, Kazako said the Region 5 Youth Games, which will attract over 2,000 athletes from 11 Southern African countries, will accord an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products.

He has since called for Malawians to unite in order for the games to be held successfully in Lilongwe in December.

The tournament's total budget is $15 billion, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art Aquatic Complex, six tennis courts, and the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex, which will house basketball, volleyball, and netball courts.

The two ministers said funds will be raised through national budget allocations, sponsors, and participation fees paid by participating countries.

The games, which will be held in December 2022, will bring together over 2,000 participants from 14 African countries. Registration will be closed at the end of August 2022.