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4 clusters · 5 sources · 34 days · First seen · Last updated

Zimbabwe and Malawi infrastructure and food security efforts

Overview

Zimbabwe and Malawi are implementing large-scale infrastructure projects to address food security and resource shortages. Zimbabwe aims to expand irrigated land on Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) estates from 2,500 to 25,000 hectares by 2030 to mitigate climate-related rainfall variability.

In Malawi, the government is addressing energy and food security through several initiatives. Energy Minister Jean Mathanga commissioned the first 10MW phase of the Salima-Nanjoka Solar PV Power Plant, part of a plan to reach 50MW. Further energy goals include the 358MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Project and joining the Southern African Power Pool via Mozambique to access an additional 50MW. To mitigate El Nino impacts, Malawi has invested K16 billion in agricultural resilience, including 800 solar-powered irrigation systems to support 8,000 farmers and target 100,000 metric tonnes of food production.

Malawi also faces a severe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) crisis. Minister Mbilizi stated the nation requires K555 billion annually to meet WASH targets, noting that inadequate services have “violated the dignity and rights of women and girls.” In response, the Presidential WASH Compact was launched to increase the sector’s national budget share from one percent to five percent. Additionally, the Constituency Development Fund has been increased to K5 billion per constituency for local projects.

To offset a projected decline in international donor support, Malawi has launched a Social Protection Financing Strategy. Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha stated the initiative aims to mobilize local revenue through restructured fuel levies, mining revenues, and pension compliance to protect social safety nets. This follows concerns from Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes regarding the need for predictable climate finance to meet the country’s $7.06 billion climate action goal.

Entities

Malawi · Joseph Mwanamvekha · Mpatamanga Hydropower Project · Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) · Salima‑Lilongwe Water Supply Project

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Malawi seeks domestic funding to offset climate and aid gaps

    Malawi is implementing new domestic financing strategies to address a multi-billion dollar gap in climate action funding and to protect social welfare programs amid a projected decline in international aid.

  2. 29 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Malawi faces water crisis and infrastructure funding challenges

    Malawi faces critical infrastructure needs, including a K555 billion annual requirement to resolve a water and sanitation crisis that disproportionately affects women and girls.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Malawi launches energy and agricultural projects to combat shortages

    Malawi is launching major energy and agricultural projects, including solar power plants and K16 billion in irrigation investments, to combat power shortages and El Nino-related food insecurity.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Zimbabwe and Malawi Roll Out Major Water Infrastructure Initiatives

    Zimbabwe plans to increase irrigated land to 25,000 ha by 2030, while Malawi seeks $200 million to complete a water supply project for 1.5 million people by 2027.

Sources

malawifreedomnetwork.com · maravipost.com · mbc.mw · mwnation.com · nyasatimes.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history