The Malawi government announced that the country will connect to Mozambique's power grid in the upcoming quarter, adding 50 megawatts to the national supply, according to Nyasa Times and The Nation. Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Justin Saidi, confirmed the interconnection during the 60th Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) Executive Committee meeting held in Lilongwe, describing the development as a milestone for regional integration.
In diplomatic developments, the French diplomatic network covering Malawi, South Africa, and Lesotho has officially launched "Project Ubuntu" to champion women's rights and address professional challenges in the foreign service, Diplomacy SA reported. The initiative recently became the first French embassy project to receive France's Fonds pour l'Egalite Professionnelle award, with organisers hoping it will serve as a replicable model across international relations.
Update: Continuing regional relief efforts following severe floods, Zimbabwe delivered its third consignment of humanitarian maize to Malawi, APAnews reports. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda received the 330-metric-tonne delivery in Lilongwe, which brings Zimbabwe's total pledge to 1,000 tonnes as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs coordinates distribution to affected households.
Update: Expanding on earlier research into the impact of international donor withdrawals on Malawi's education sector, York University announced that researcher Rachel Silver has received a $500,000 grant from the Spencer Foundation to broaden her ongoing study. According to YFile, the three-year collaborative project will examine how Malawian educational institutions are responding to foreign assistance cuts by shifting to alternative financing models and transferring decision-making power to local organisations.