Malawi has officially acceded to the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 15th African nation to join the treaty, according to a September 4 announcement by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The agreement aims to strengthen transboundary water management and build climate resilience across shared rivers, lakes, and aquifers. UNECE officials noted that these water systems are vital for agriculture, fisheries, and drinking water, particularly as the country faces increasing climate-related shocks like floods and droughts.
Update: As El Niño weather warnings persist for the coming farming season, the government has officially launched the 2026-2027 National Climate Outlook Forum. Speaking in Lilongwe on September 3, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes urged stakeholders to strengthen early preparedness to mitigate the risks of severe weather, reports Nyasa Times. Concurrently, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched a $110 million appeal on September 3 to protect vulnerable populations in Malawi and other nations from anticipated El Niño impacts, including extreme heat and flooding.