Malawi is on course to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 16.9 on legal identity for all ahead of the 2030 deadline, following steady progress in the ongoing National Birth Registration Campaign, Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito has said.
Speaking after touring registration centres in Dedza District, Mukhito described the campaign as transformative, noting that it places Malawi among a small group of African countries likely to meet the global target early. “This exercise is a game-changer for the socio-economic development of Malawi,” the Minister said, expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far.
The Minister said the tour provided a clear picture of how the campaign is being implemented in Dedza and other phase-one districts, adding that the centres visited were strategically selected and well managed.
Despite observing a few operational challenges, he noted that the overall implementation was progressing well.
Mukhito expressed optimism that the campaign would meet its registration targets, particularly if mobilization efforts are sustained in the final days.
He urged district authorities and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) teams to continue encouraging parents and guardians to register their children.
He commended development partners for their unwavering support, saying their involvement demonstrated a strong commitment to helping Malawi fulfill its international obligations on legal identity and child protection.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government of Malawi’s commitment to prioritizing birth registration, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Malawian children and ensuring public resources benefit rightful citizens.
He also welcomed indications that partners such as UNICEF are mobilizing additional resources to support subsequent phases of the campaign, saying the government is ready to move forward with nationwide implementation once funding is secured.
