Workshop on screening of prospective investors and investment proposals Lilongwe, Malawi, 26-27 September 2017

Investment screening by governments can be a cost effective way to promote responsible investment and, at the same time, avoid negative impacts of agricultural investment. Proper investment screening helps to discourage non-viable investments. However, the encouragement of desirable investments can be an equally important function of the process. These two processes run in different directions, and therefore combining them in screening requires a balancing act. Indeed, while screening provides an opportunity to consider how proposed investments fit with national and local development goals and needs, they also require strong institutional frameworks and processes.