European Union member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Malawi Government in addressing pressing economic challenges and advancing long-term development goals.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a breakfast meeting hosted by British High Commissioner Rebecca Fabrizi in Lilongwe, attended by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha and several European diplomats.
Mwanamvekha appealed for urgent assistance to help the government tackle short-term economic pressures, including food insecurity, fuel supply, fertiliser shortages, foreign exchange stabilisation, and pharmaceutical imports.
“We are at a critical stage where a strategic partnership can help accelerate our development agenda. Europe has been a key partner, and we look forward to working together on inclusive growth,” said Mwanamvekha.
He also highlighted that the new administration is determined to stabilize the economy and safeguard the livelihoods of Malawians.
As one way of accelerating growth, the minister said the government plans to channel K5 billion to each constituency through local councils as part of its decentralisation drive, while also strengthening foreign exchange reserves and social protection programmes.
In her remarks, British High Commissioner to Malawi, Rebecca Fabrizi, commended Malawi’s renewed reform agenda under the leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, describing it as a positive step toward stability and inclusive growth.
“We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to reforms and pro-poor policies. Development partners stand ready to support Malawi as it works to rebuild the economy and deliver on social programs,” Fabrizi said.
She added that several development partners have already extended financial support, including the United Kingdom ($5.3 million), Norway ($4.5 million), the United States ($17.5 million), and Japan ($3.7 million), with additional funding expected in the coming months.
Other envoys present during the breakfast included German Ambassador Ute König and Norwegian Ambassador Anne Bjelland.
