Ireland has assured Malawi that it will continue supporting the country despite other donor nations scaling down aid commitments globally.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Malawi News yesterday, Minister for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, said Ireland remains committed to Malawi because the partnership delivers meaningful results for both nations.
“It may feel very difficult when other donor countries are talking about withdrawing; it may make people very worried, and people are worried about El Niño, people are worried about a fertilizer crisis.
“Well, Ireland will always be there for Malawi because this is an investment for us that delivers a real return,” he said.
Richmond said Ireland and Malawi have enjoyed a strong relationship for nearly 20 years, with Malawi being one of Ireland’s 14 dedicated program partners in development cooperation.
- Advertisement -
He said Ireland invested more than €20 million in Malawi last year, an increase from previous year’s support, despite many countries reducing development assistance to Africa.
“We’re increasing our focus, and I want to come here to see with my own eyes the exact programs that we’re running in the field. A lot of them are with partners from the international space, Irish NGOs and historic Irish missionary groups,” he said.
Richmond said Ireland’s major focus in Malawi is strengthening food systems and health and education sectors, considering Ireland’s own background as a food-based economy.
“We are a food-based economy. Our greatest exports are known around the world in terms of our food and our drink. We think our real partnering with Malawi is really in the food systems first and foremost, but secondly, looking at the health and education systems,” he said.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
He added that Ireland’s priority is ensuring Malawi achieves food security while building sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
On youth development, Richmond said Malawi’s youthful population presents both challenges and opportunities.
He highlighted the importance of equipping young people with practical and vocational skills to help them become economically independent.
“The most important gift to give to a young person is the gift of education, particularly practical education.
“Malawi and the wider African continent actually have something that we’re very jealous of in Europe — a young and growing population. That presents challenges, but also huge opportunities,” he said.
He said Ireland supports programs targeting youth employment, entrepreneurship and vocational training, especially among young mothers and school dropouts.
“We work with programs that help young people gain tertiary and vocational skills so they can earn a living and reinvest in themselves and their communities,” Richmond said.
During the visit, he met with all Irish ambassadors representing the country across Sub-Saharan Africa for their biannual conference in Malawi.
“This was really important for us to bring them together to discuss the very real challenges they’re facing but also the opportunities, and where better to do it than the Warm Heart of Africa?” he said.
Richmond arrived in the country on Thursday and was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda.
