Advancing a Shared Vision: AEA’s Strategic Engagements in Malawi and South Sudan

The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) has embarked on a series of high-level engagements across the continent, aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting a shared vision of development rooted in faith. The first two stops of this mission were Malawi and South Sudan, where the AEA delegation led by General Secretary Dr. Master Mathalope, together with Mr. Ray Kuntz President of Deo Volente, met with national and church leaders to explore avenues for collaboration.

Malawi: Laying the Foundation

On 12 July 2025, the delegation visited Malawi, where they were received at State House in Lilongwe by First Lady Her Excellency Monica Chakwera. They were joined by the leadership of the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), including General Secretary Rev. Francis Mkandawire and President Archbishop Mark Rice Kambalazaza.

This visit marked the launch of a growing partnership between AEA and Deo Volente, anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding focused on initiatives in health, education, agriculture, and support for women and children. The team also assessed the country’s readiness to implement these programs and engaged with local leaders on strengthening evangelical unity.

Dr. Master & Raymond visit Malawian First Lady Monica Chakwera at State House

South Sudan: Faith and Leadership in Action

From Malawi, the delegation proceeded to Juba, South Sudan, arriving on July 20, 2025. Their three-day visit began with a televised interview on National Television, where Dr. Matlhaope commended the country for the leadership of The Most Reverend Engineer Elias Taban, AEA Executive Board Chairman and President of the Evangelical Alliance of South Sudan.

Dr. Matlhaope also emphasized that one of the key priorities of their vision is to shape the Africa that God envisions. He shared that the formula for Africa’s progress is simple: Peace and Stability equals Development (D=P+S). This principle forms the foundation of AEA’s prayers for South Sudan.

On the second day of the visit, Dr. Matlhaope and Mr. Kuntz met with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Matlhaope remarked that South Sudan was born out of Christian prayers, and as Evangelicals, we will never forget the country. He also stated that AEA stands ready to offer support—through human resources, networks, and partnerships—to advance South Sudan’s development.

The delegation identified several areas for potential collaboration, including trauma therapy and relief efforts, as well as leadership coaching in governance. Mr. Kuntz highlighted potential projects in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Archbishop Elias Taban accompanied the delegation throughout the visit.

The following day, Dr. Matlhaope and Mr. Kuntz visited South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, to engage in discussions centered on peace and stability. One key takeaway from their talks was the understanding that, as Africa continues to democratize, it is essential for the people to have the freedom to determine their own destinies. However, they stressed that freedom without strong virtues leads to chaos and destruction. In this context, the foundation of virtue is faith—specifically, the Christian faith.

They also discussed how the national alliance of men and women, who hold central roles in South Sudan’s democratization process, could play a significant part in fostering peace and stability. It was agreed that peace and stability are essential for attracting investment, and thus it is the solemn responsibility of every leader to ensure these conditions are met.

South Sudan is fortunate to have leaders like the First Vice President, who deeply values the role of faith in building a stable society. Dr. Mel expressed his enthusiasm for AEA and its partner Deo Volente to collaborate with the government in key areas, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.

As a symbol of goodwill, Dr. Matlhaope had the honour of gifting Dr. Mel with a bag from Africa International University (AIU). Currently, AIU has about 80 students from South Sudan, the majority of whom are supported through the university’s founder’s sponsorship.