By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
The
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has undertaken
a preparatory mission in Malawi ahead of the 14th Conference of Ministers and
the 60th Governing Council meeting scheduled for November 2026.
The
delegation is led by Governing Council Chairperson Mr. Patrick Mucheleka, who
also serves as Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Lands and Natural
Resources, alongside members of the RCMRD management team.

During
the visit, discussions focused on logistical coordination and institutional
readiness for the upcoming high-level meetings, which are expected to bring
together ministers and technical experts from member states to review progress
and set strategic priorities for regional geospatial and land resources
development.
The
delegation was received by senior officials from Malawi’s Ministry of Lands,
Housing and Urban Development, led by Principal Secretary Mr. Amani Mussa, with
participation from the Surveyor General, Mr. Julius Brian Chisi, and other
government representatives, including the Director of the Land Information
Management System, Mr. Masida Mbano.

Engagements
centred on strengthening collaboration between RCMRD and Malawi’s national
institutions in support of land administration, geospatial data systems, and
sustainable natural resource management.
The
upcoming conference is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing
regional cooperation in mapping technologies, land governance, and
evidence-based planning across member states.