Germany has pledged 68.8 million euros (about K130 billion) in fresh funding to Malawi to support programmes in health, governance and rural empowerment over the next two years.
German Ambassador to Malawi Ute König announced the commitment yesterday after a courtesy call on First Vice-President Jane Ansah, describing the funding as a sign of deepening bilateral cooperation.
“This funding underscores the growing partnership between Germany and Malawi,” she said.
König said Germany is already supporting skills development through an expert embedded at the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority, while expanding youth employment and rural income projects through the German Development Agency (GIZ).
Ansah welcomed the support, saying it will strengthen Malawi’s efforts to tackle hunger and poverty while improving access to healthcare, social protection and job opportunities.
“We will leverage Germany’s expertise to modernise training institutions and key industries,” she said.
The meeting also touched on Malawi’s decision to reopen investigations into the Chikangawa plane crash that killed former vice-president Saulos Chilima.
König said findings by Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) indicated it was an accident, but respected Malawi’s move to institute a fresh probe.
“It is a sovereign decision for Malawi to conduct another investigation,” she said.
President Peter Mutharika has since ordered the establishment of a new commission of inquiry following recommendations from the Ministry of Justice amid concerns over the thoroughness of earlier investigations.
The commission comprises representatives from major political parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi Congress Party (MCP), UTM Party, People’s Party (PP) and United Democratic Front (UDF), alongside independent members.
