By Rahim Abdul

Malawi has stepped up its efforts to promote peace and regional integration by hosting a 27-member delegation of military students from the Zimbabwe Staff College, who are in the country for a week-long educational tour.

The visit is not only a diplomatic gesture but also a strategic move to foster regional security ties under the banner of SADC cooperation.

The delegation includes officers from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) defence forces, all united under the theme “Peace, an Enabler of Development.”

The tour provides a platform for cross-border dialogue on peacekeeping frameworks, counter-terrorism, and conflict prevention strategies relevant to the region’s evolving security landscape.

Welcoming the delegation during their visit to the Malawi Police Service Headquarters in Lilongwe, Commissioner of Police for Research and Planning, Mr. Dennis Chipao, emphasized the value of collaborative security frameworks.

“Peace and stability in the region depend on how well we share intelligence, build trust, and support each other’s security systems. Malawi remains committed to a united regional front in ensuring peace and sustainable development,” Chipao said.

The educational tour is being facilitated by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), with Lieutenant Colonel Luhanga acting as the host liaison.

Luhanga underscored the significance of military-to-military exchange programs in building mutual respect and understanding among the region’s armed forces.

“Such engagements promote not only professional growth but also solidarity among forces facing shared security challenges,” he noted.

Captain Shepard Poswo, who is leading the Zimbabwean delegation, commended Malawi for its enduring peaceful environment and the hospitality shown to the visitors.

“We are not only learning from Malawi’s security systems but also drawing inspiration from its people’s commitment to peace. This experience reinforces the belief that peace is possible when it’s collectively pursued,” Poswo remarked.

Beyond the police service, the students are expected to interact with various national security institutions, including the MDF headquarters, immigration services, and intelligence agencies

. They will also visit historical sites and civic institutions to better understand how Malawi’s sociopolitical history has influenced its security policies.

The visit comes at a time when SADC countries are ramping up joint efforts to address regional threats, including violent extremism in northern Mozambique and cross-border trafficking.

As the delegation wraps up their tour later this week, both nations are hopeful the knowledge exchange will translate into stronger bilateral and multilateral security collaborations.