We are delighted to announce the next in our series of sessions with FCDO Development Directors who are sharing more in-depth insights and understanding of their respective countries’ development priorities.
Join us as we host Olympia Wereko-Brobby, the Development Director in Malawi for the FCDO who will present the Government’s development priorities and programming for the country.
Located in Southern Africa, Malawi borders Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, is landlocked and hosts a population of 19.6 million (World Bank). The country ranks 171 out of 189 in the Human Development Index, with 70% of the population living below the poverty line.
Malawi’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, with 80% of its population employed in this industry. The sector is particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks and natural disasters, and in turn limits the economy’s growth potential.
Poverty levels have remained high in the country as a result of the impact of climate shocks on agricultural productivity, the impact of inflation and limited economic growth.
Malawi’s development is guided by a 5 year plan called the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) which aims to build a productive, competitive and resilient nation through a keen focus on “education, energy, agriculture, health and tourism” (World Bank). In order to achieve their development aims, there needs to be a significant investment in climate resilience, structural transformation to high productivity activities, and improved agricultural activity.
In order to address the challenges facing the, there is a need for private sector investment in a wide range of areas including increasing government accountability; humanitarian relief; climate change and building resilience in communities and infrastructure; education reform; and health.
For further information, please contact:
BEI Events Team | events@britishexpertise.org
