The European Union (EU) joint strategy is set to invest €2 billion (approximately K4 trillion) in Malawi under the Global Gateway strategy.
The money, of which €1.4 billion is a grant and €600 million a loan, is set to be invested in energy, transport, health, education and research.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy Wednesday, EU Ambassador to Malawi Rune Skinnebach said working together leverages collective strengths and capacities to support Malawi’s development activities in a more effective and efficient way.
“These areas are aligned with Malawi’s national development strategy, the Malawi 2063 [vision], and are designed to support the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” Skinnebach said.
Speaking to The Daily Times after the launch, Skinnebach said the investment demonstrated collective commitment to supporting Malawi’s development and belief in the potential of its people.
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“The loan is sophisticated [and is meant] to help and uplift the lives of Malawians. We know that the government is committed to other loans and we are going to make sure that this loan serves its purpose and benefits the people of Malawi,” Skinnebach said.
On her part, Irish Ambassador to Malawi Kate Brady said the strategy would deepen the strong coordination and strengthen the overall impact and visibility of earmarked initiatives.
“Indeed, these also align closely with Ireland’s international development priorities, particularly our focus on the furthest behind first, addressing climate change, promoting gender equality and supporting good governance,” Brady said.
She further said flagship programmes on agricultural commercialisation, social protection, democracy advancement, human rights and the rule of law also reflected Team Europe’s objectives on the ground.
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Germany Charge d’Affairs Andres Hartman said Germany would continue to be Malawi’s partner in development.
“We know that countries are dropping support but we will continue to support Malawi, in terms of development,” Hartman said.
The member states in the joint strategy include Germany, Ireland and the Belgium region of Flanders.
This is the first Joint Strategy document for Team Europe actors in Malawi and covers the period 2024-2027, corresponding to the second half of the implementation period of the EU Multi-annual Indicative Programme for Malawi—2021-2027.
