Zunaid Moti: Malawi’s newest “proof point” for a deal already unravelling in Botswana
Malawi's government faces criticism over a controversial infrastructure deal involving South African businessman Zunaid Moti, which was initially marketed as cost-free. Reports suggest the project is modeled after a similar, struggling initiative in Botswana that has seen significant cost overruns.
Why it matters
This highlights the risks of public-private partnerships in developing nations and the potential for financial mismanagement in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Malawi’s government has been accused of misleading the public over a scheme to build 450 schools, clinics and vocational centres, after officials described the project as costing taxpayers nothing — only for the fine print to suggest otherwise. Behind the deal sits Zunaid Moti, the South African businessman whose Moti Group is bankrolling the venture alongside Jindal Power Group.
At a glitzy launch in Gaborone on 6 September, Second Vice-President Enock Chihana announced Malawi would receive 300 schools, 100 clinics and 50 vocational centres from the African Hero Foundation “at zero cost to governments.”
But a brochure from the foundation itself says payments are simply “activated only after delivery” — meaning government pays later, not never.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in