Agricultural development: USADF, Govt of Malawi renew US$ 7.5mln partnership
LILONGWE, February 14, 2024 – The U.S. African Development Foundation [USADF] and the Government of Malawi recently renewed a US$ 7.5 million strategic partnership to support the development of Malawian smallholder agricultural producers, cooperatives, farmer groups, small-scale agribusinesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to the press release, this commitment involves annual contributions of up to US$ 750,000 from both USADF and the Malawian government, individually, over a five-year period.
“Through this co-funding partnership, USADF aligns its country strategy with the development goals of the Government of Malawi, aiming to advance broad-scale, sustainable economic growth and enhance the living standards of marginalized populations in the country through grant investments in Malawi’s agricultural sector.”
Since 2008, this partnership has collectively awarded $ 5 million in grant funding, supporting 35 small-scale Malawian agribusinesses, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises, said the press release.
“This renewed partnership with the Government of Malawi reaffirms our commitment to enhancing food security, building climate resilience, and increasing revenue generation, particularly in underserved areas,” said Travis Adkins, President and CEO of USADF.
He added: “By investing in smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, cooperative groups, SMEs, and other contributors to the agricultural sector, the cornerstone of Malawi’s economic growth, we not only foster job creation and improved livelihoods but also actively contribute to Malawi’s overall economic development.”
This partnership renewal was commemorated with a grant signing ceremony at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, with representatives and officials from USADF, the Government of Malawi, and the United States Embassy in attendance.
Those in attendance included Malawi’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Gender Jean Sendeza, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Amy W. Diaz.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Malawi at the event, Banda acknowledged the challenges Malawians face in accessing financing and thanked the U.S. Government and USADF for their ongoing commitment to provide grant funding for small-scale SMEs.
Adkins emphasised the collaborative nature of this partnership, highlighting the joint efforts of the Government of Malawi and the U.S. interagency. He stated, “We work together, not only for the people of Malawi but with the people of Malawi to help elevate their standard of living.”
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