Written by Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe January 24, 2024 MANA; The Unites states of America African Development Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Malawi have agreed to extend partnership with up to US7.5 million dollars’ commitment over next five years for Agricultural Development.

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the US African Development Foundation (USADF), Travis Adkins said the renewal of the funding partnership aims at improving broad scale sustainable economic growth and enhance the living standards of people in this country.

Adkins said the renewal of this partnership has targeted Malawian small holder agricultural producers, cooperatives, farmer groups, Small Scale agribusiness and Small and Medium sized enterprise (SME’s) because they are cornerstones of Malawian economic growth.

Speaking during the meeting Akins further disclosed that this is a five year US co-funding partnership which commits up to US$1.5 million a year in quest to alleviate Malawi citizenry living standards through SMEs, Malawian Small holder agricultural producers, small scale Agribusiness among others.

“This Partnership will benefit Small Scale Malawian Agribusiness, farmer groups, cooperatives and SMEs,” he said.

In his reaction after signed on the partnership, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda assured partnership by saying Tonse-led administration will use better this funding to expand Capital SMEs in order to increase export earnings, hence improving forex generation.

He however, urged recipients to use the funds with the intended purpose.

“Because we believe, with proper management we are going to make the difference and make Malawi better,” he said

Since 2008, this partnership has collectively awarded US$5 million in grant funding, supporting 35 small scale Malawian agribusiness, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises.