Malawi has won praise from the World Bank Group after the lender recognised the country as a leading example of climate-smart development.
The Bank said Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) has assisted nearly 300,000 households during repeated droughts, protecting food security, supporting recovery from disasters, and strengthening resilience among vulnerable communities.
World Bank Group Director for Climate Jamie Fergusson said the programme shows how climate-smart development can help countries respond to climate risks while delivering lasting economic benefits.
“Climate-smart development ensures investments in agriculture, transport, healthcare and infrastructure are built to withstand climate risks while delivering long-term economic benefits,” Fergusson said.
He said the World Bank provided US$50.8 billion in climate-related development finance during the last fiscal year, including US$33 billion for projects aimed at reducing emissions.
The government welcomed the recognition, with Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Government Spokesperson Dr Shadric Namalomba commending the World Bank for its continued support towards Malawi’s development and climate resilience efforts.
Namalomba described the partnership as vital to improving livelihoods and helping communities become more resilient to climate-related shocks.
He also appealed to development partners to sustain support for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, saying continued investment is essential to strengthening the country’s resilience.
Malawi has increasingly relied on climate adaptation and social protection programmes as recurring droughts and other extreme weather events continue to threaten food security, livelihoods, and economic growth.
