Confucius Institute Complex Officially Handed Over to KUHES and UNIMA

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, was in Lilongwe on Friday, 23rd May 2025, for the official handover ceremony of the new Confucius Institute complex located at KUHeS Lilongwe Campus. The facility was officially handed over by the Chinese Ambassador, Her Excellency Lu Xu.

The ceremony, which also included a tour of the new building, was graced by the Minister of Higher Education, Hon Dr. Jessie Kabwila. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for KUHeS, Dr. Belinda Gombachika; the Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya; the University Registrar for UNIMA, Mr. Martin Matululu; and Executive Deans from UNIMA.

In his remarks, Dr Madise reflected on the history of the Confucius Institute in Malawi, which emerged from a shared vision between UNIMA and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in China. He noted that this partnership is built on strong diplomatic ties between Malawi and China, established in 2007.

“The University of Malawi is here at KUHeS because this building is more than bricks and mortar,” said Dr. Madise. “It is the physical embodiment of a government-to-government partnership between Malawi and China—implemented through UNIMA and UIBE. What was once an intangible agreement has today become something tangible and lasting, just like the Parliament Building, Bingu International Conference Centre, MUST, Bingu Stadium, and other China-supported infrastructure.”

Dr. Madise also applauded the contractor for delivering such a magnificent structure in just under a year since the ground-breaking ceremony. “The building’s design and space utilization are truly impressive,” he added.

The handover also included a generous donation of four vehicles to support the Institute’s operations: two SUVs, one pickup truck, and a coaster bus.

The Confucius Institute in Malawi was established with an aim to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Malawi and China, with a special focus on promoting Chinese language learning and cultural understanding. Speaking at the event, Dr Kabwila emphasized the importance of the facility.

 “We must remember China is at the apex of trade at the moment,” she said. “For that reason, we need more Malawians able to understand the culture of China, to converse in Chinese, to trade, and to get our products out there.”

The new building will be jointly used by UNIMA and KUHeS, and it includes offices, classrooms, and learning spaces that will support academic exchange and cultural programmes