UNDP Malawi

21/08/2026

Three young innovators. Three locally driven solutions. 🌱💧☀️

• Professor Banda – solar irrigation
• Melchizedeck Bula – water from air
• Pemphero Siliya – solar cooking & cooling

At UniPod Malawi, supported by UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, young innovators are turning ideas into prototypes that respond to real community challenges.

Explore their stories:
🌱 Irrigation: https://ow.ly/bo3n50ZBPK8

Water: https://ow.ly/ApMB50ZBPK3

☀️ Energy: https://ow.ly/yxNf50ZBPKe

20/08/2026

“A good election is not the end of the journey. It is a foundation upon which we must build.”

With these words, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja opened the Post-Election Review National Conference for the 2025 General Election in Lilongwe today.

The conference brings together electoral stakeholders to reflect on lessons from the election and identify practical reforms to strengthen inclusion, institutional effectiveness and public confidence ahead of future elections.

Looking towards the next electoral cycle, United Nations Malawi Resident Coordinator, Ms. Rebecca Addah-Dontoh, emphasised the importance of acting on these lessons early:

“A credible post-election review is not the closing chapter of one election. It is the opening chapter of the next.”

She also reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued partnership with Malawi:

“Guided by national ownership, inclusivity and impartiality, we remain committed to strengthening institutions, building public confidence, advancing human rights and promoting gender equality and inclusion.”

The conference is supported through the Malawi Electoral Support Project (MESP) Basket Fund implemented by UNDP Malawi and UN Women Malawi, with contributions from the European Union in Malawi, Ireland in Malawi, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi, U.S. Embassy Lilongwe and the UK in Malawi through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

20/08/2026

Day 2 of the National Youth Summit 2026 highlighted the power of youth-led innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership.

UNDP Malawi was proud to participate in several important conversations examining how young people can access opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s development.

The Creative Economy session explored how young people can transform talent in music, film, photography, and digital content creation into sustainable livelihoods.

Discussions covered branding, understanding audiences, storytelling, continuous learning and consistency. The session also addressed some of the realities young content creators face online, including cyberbullying, and the importance of navigating digital spaces safely and responsibly while building their brands and audiences.

We also joined discussions on Leadership, Volunteerism and Active Citizenship, focusing on how young people can develop the skills, values, networks and confidence needed to become active contributors and leaders in their communities.

Another important conversation focused on Delivering for Youth Entrepreneurs: Access to Finance, Incubation and Mentorship for Growth. Beyond financing and business support, the discussion helped demystify what it takes for young entrepreneurs to break into export markets, from understanding market requirements and preparing businesses for expansion to accessing the networks, mentorship and information needed to compete beyond Malawi.

UNDP was also involved in a session on Jobs, Skills and Investment: Building Meaningful Private Sector Partnerships for Youth, which explored how stronger collaboration with the private sector can create pathways to relevant skills, employment, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities for young people.

Across the discussions, one message was clear: young people have ideas, talent and ambition. Building the right partnerships and support systems can help translate that potential into jobs, businesses, leadership and sustainable livelihoods.

As the Summit continues today, we remain committed to working with partners to expand opportunities for young people to lead, innovate and thrive.

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

Today, we mark World Humanitarian Day by recognising the dedication, courage, and compassion of humanitarian workers who support vulnerable communities in times of crisis.

Across Malawi, humanitarian actors, community volunteers, local leaders, and development partners work tirelessly to ensure that people affected by disasters, climate shocks, displacement, and other challenges receive the support they need.

At UNDP Malawi, we are committed to strengthening resilience, supporting recovery, and helping communities prepare for future challenges. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind.

💙 Join us in thanking humanitarian workers and community responders who continue to make a difference every day.

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

Ever tried to find out which development projects are happening in Malawi? and who`s behind them? 🤔

Not easy right? Information is scattered across reports, spreadsheets and offices everywhere.

That’s changing...

Answering these questions is easier when information on development projects and funding is kept in one place.

This week, the Ministry of Finance-Malawi, with support from UNDP Malawi, is training Development Partner focal points to use the Development Cooperation Information Management System (DCIMS). And its not just a walkthrough – Development partners are learning how to capture real data on projects completed and those currently ongoing, building one full picture of development works across the country.

Why should you care? Because as DCIMS rolls out, this information won't stay locked in offices. You'll be able to look up projects planned, ongoing or completed in your own area - and compare what's on record with what you actually see on the ground.

So, the next time you want to see the value of development in your neighbourhood, this system, which is currently being rolled out will be the answer!

Are you a development partner? If your organisation isn't yet reporting through DCIMS, now is the time to get on board - reach out to the Ministry of Finance, Debt and Aid Office to get connected!

Fewer scattered spreadsheets. A clearer picture of development work across Malawi.

19/08/2026

The UN flag is at half-mast today in observance of , in memory of humanitarian workers who have given their lives so others could live.

This year’s global campaign, , focuses on legal obligations, accountability and the systemic failures that allow violence against humanitarians to persist. A specific focus is on the misuse of drones and other emerging technologies and the growing risks they pose to civilians and aid workers.

On this day, we:

🕊️Honour the courage and sacrifice of fallen humanitarians and their families in Malawi and beyond.

🕊️Reaffirm that civilians and aid workers are

🕊️Call on all parties to conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access, and end impunity for attacks on humanitarians and civilian infrastructure.

19/08/2026

Join us TODAY at the 2026 National Youth Summit for a powerful breakout session on: Lead the Change: Empowering Young People through Leadership, Volunteerism and Active Citizenship.

We will be unpacking what it really takes for young people to step up, serve, and shape Malawi’s future. Focusing on building leadership skills, to finding purpose through volunteerism, to understanding your role as an active citizen this session is all about giving YOU the tools to lead.

Featuring:
- Thandiwe Mchiswe - UN Volunteer, UNWomen
- Chido Chipudhra - Country Coordinator, UN Volunteers
- Baldwin Mkumbadzala - Principle Youth Officer, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture
- Wongani Mugaba - Country Director, CorpsAfrica
-Fenela Frost- UNDP Malawi Resident Representative
Come ready to learn, ask questions, and connect with leaders who are already making change.

19/08/2026

What does it really take to turn a good idea into something that creates impact?

Today at the 2026 National Youth Summit, young people will explore how to move beyond having great ideas to finding the funding, partnerships, skills and other resources needed to make them happen.

“Unlocking Opportunity: How Young People Can Navigate Resource Mobilization” will unpack where opportunities are, how to position yourself for them, how to build the right partnerships and what it takes to communicate your idea in a way that attracts support.

Hosted by NYCOM Board Chair, Ms. Patience Silungwe Khembo, the session will bring together Mr. Robert White, Mr. Frank Kasonga and Chifundo Robert Banda for a practical conversation on navigating the resource mobilisation landscape.

Catch the session today, August 19, from 15:00–16:30 in the BICC Mphiri and Kampheta Conference Rooms.