LILONGWE SEALS HISTORIC SISTER CITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CHINA’S DALIAN

‎Mayor Councillor Peter Alex Banda has signed Lilongwe’s first direct sister city agreement with Dalian, one of China’s major port and economic hubs, during the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos 2026.

The deal was witnessed by senior officials from both cities and Lilongwe City Council says it’s about real results, not just diplomacy. Through this new friendship, Lilongwe will tap into Dalian’s experience with smart urban planning, e-bus transport, fire services and waste management as the city keeps growing.

Technical Colleges in Lilongwe stand a chance to expand skills training, and there will be exchange opportunities for students, council staff and professionals

Speaking after the signing, Mayor Banda called it “practical, not symbolic,” saying Lilongwe can learn from Dalian’s growth while offering Chinese partners access to Malawi’s agriculture and consumer market.