The Malawi government has introduced a new financing plan to replace its reliance on international donor aid with local funding for social welfare programmes. On Friday, Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha launched the Social Protection Financing Strategy in Lilongwe, according to Nyasa Times and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. The policy aims to secure predictable domestic revenue for safety nets such as the Social Cash Transfer Programme and school meals. The shift in strategy comes as key foreign partners are expected to reduce their funding significantly after 2030. Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Mary Navicha stated that establishing an independent funding mechanism is necessary to prevent future shortfalls when foreign assistance declines, Nyasa Times reports.
In regional trade and diplomacy, Malawi is urging neighbouring countries to establish joint agricultural supply chains. Speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Minister of Industry, Business, Trade and Tourism Simon Itaye outlined a cooperative trade effort with Tanzania, according to Nyasa Times. He suggested that Malawi could supply raw materials to Tanzania for processing into animal feed, which would then be imported back to support Malawian poultry farmers. This initiative aligns with broader regional goals set by the Southern African Development Community. Nyasa Times notes that regional authorities are currently working with both nations to implement a Simplified Trade Regime at the Kasumulu-Songwe border to reduce customs barriers for small-scale traders.