The Japanese Government has approved a $3.050 million (about K5.3 billion) package for Malawi to support five projects under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) and El Nino response programmes.
Unveilling the package on Friday in Lilongwe, Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Oya said under Ticad, $1 million (K1.7 billion) will suppot Sesame export promotion while $500 000 (about K875 million) will go towards enhancing lakeside border security and regular migration into Malawi at key lakeshore points of entry in Nkhata Bay District.
On the other hand, El Nino response projects like food assistance to vulnerable families, supporting El Nino affected farming communities in the Southern Region and protection and assistance for vulnerable population at Dzaleka Refugee Camp have been allocated a total of $1 550 000 (K2.7 billon).
Said Oya: “Japan remains committed to supporting Malawi’s efforts to overcome food insecurity and foster sustainable development.
“By addressing immediate needs and investing in agricultural export capacity, we aim to contribute to a brighter future for Malawians.”
The package will be channelled through international organisations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agricultural Organisation, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR starting from March this year.
With the support, WFP will procure, transport and distribute 786 metric tonnes of maize, expected to reach 71 000 vulnerable people who face severe food insecurity due to consecutive climate shocks, including Tropical Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and El Nino-induced drought in 2024.
WFP Malawi interim country director Simon Denhere said: “This support reflects the strong partnership between Japan and Malawi. It will provide life-saving food assistance while also helping the country build long-term food security and economic opportunities.”
In a statement, IOM Malawi chief of mission Nomagugu Ncube hailed the Japanese government for the support, highlighting that a well-managed migration will enhance safe, orderly and regular migration and promote increased cross-border economic activity.
Meanwhile, Department of Disaster Management Affairs commissioner Charles Kalemba said government appreciates Japan’s support in strengthening its national response to food insecurity.
He said: “This timely gesture complements government’s efforts in providing much-needed relief to vulnerable communities affected by climate shocks while boosting our national food stocks.”
Under the Sesame export promotion, WFP is expected to partner the Malawi Bureau of Standards to improve certification, testing, and quarantine capabilities to meet international standards.
