JB secures K35 billion from EU to support Malawians

Malawian President Joyce Banda has secured a total of €98 million  (About MK35 billion) from the European Union (EU) through the signing of two Financing Agreements, to support the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach (ASWAP) and the social cash transfer programme.

The Social Cash Transfer Programme is a key component of the social safety net the government is putting in place to cushion the short term effects of the Economic Reforms currently underway.

President Banda: Working visit at EU headquarters

The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Brussels on the side-lines of the European Development Days (EDDs) and marks yet another milestone in the cordial relations that exist between Malawi and the European Union.

Banda has reiterated her commitment to ending poverty in the country, saying her government has put in place plans to make Malawi a regional food basket in the shortest time possible.

In his remarks, the EU Commissioner for Development, Mr.Andris Piebalgs, assured Malawi of EU’s continued support to ensure that Malawi achieves its development goal of eradicating poverty.

In her key note address on the last day of the European Development Days in Brussels, the Malawi leader stressed the need for practical and sustainable solutions to address hunger and other challenges facing Africa.

”I share a dream of a day when poverty is a thing of the past. Not j ust the poverty that is defined in incomes and economic opportunities, but also the poverty that affects millions in terms of lack of access to healthcare, to education, to political and social rights,” said President Banda.

In eradicating poverty, she said solutions that recognize the vulnerabilities and risks of climate change; embrace and incorporate “green” approaches must be adopted.

The President further said that her government is working to provide food support to nearly 2 million people who are facing food insecurity in Malawi.

The slashing of her salary by a third and instituting an economic plan have been hailed by the participating countries at the conference as a bold way for restoring a battered economy. ”Malawi cannot be simply about plans and ideas, we will translate them into results,” said president Banda.

President of the Republic of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba concurred with President Banda saying Africa should not only be looked upon on the natural resources, but as an emerging economy that needs effort and inclusiveness to manage.

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