14/08/2026
💧 Malawi Launches the Presidential WASH Compact
Today, WESNET joined Government, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders at the official launch of the Malawi Presidential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Compact, a landmark initiative that reaffirms Malawi's commitment to achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Launching the Compact on behalf of His Excellency the President, Hon. Roza Fatch Mbilizi, MP, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, described the Compact as the transition "from commitment to implementation," emphasizing that water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental to human dignity, public health, education, economic productivity and national development. She called on all stakeholders to translate the Compact's commitments into funded plans, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable actions that improve the lives of all Malawians.
The Compact is anchored on three strategic commitments:
💧 Scaling up access to sustainable WASH services;
🏛️ Strengthening WASH sector systems through improved governance, coordination and accountability; and
💰 Mobilising sustainable financing to accelerate investments in the sector.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Charles Chilambula, MP, emphasized that sanitation is not a luxury but a public health necessity, a matter of human dignity and an essential investment in national development. He noted that the Presidential WASH Compact sets an ambitious target of increasing access to basic sanitation from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030, and called for stronger coordination, increased investment, and collective action to ensure every school, health facility, workplace and community has access to adequate sanitation services. He further urged all stakeholders to move from commitment to action, from action to investment and from investment to results.
On behalf of development partners, UNICEF Representative Dr. Penelope Campbell congratulated the Government of Malawi on this important milestone, noting that the Compact provides a credible pathway for delivering climate-resilient WASH services, stronger sector systems and increased investment. She encouraged all stakeholders to move swiftly from commitments to implementation through a costed implementation plan, clear responsibilities and transparent reporting.
As WESNET, we warmly commend the Government of Malawi for demonstrating strong political leadership through the launch of the Presidential WASH Compact. This marks a significant step towards a more coordinated, accountable and well-financed WASH sector. We particularly welcome the emphasis on stronger partnerships, evidence-based planning, sustainable financing and accountability, which are all essential for achieving universal access to WASH services.
As the national umbrella network for organizations working in the WASH sector, WESNET remains committed to working alongside Government, development partners, civil society, academia and the private sector to support the implementation of the Compact, strengthen citizen engagement, promote accountability and advocate for equitable access to quality WASH services across Malawi.
Together, let us turn this commitment into action and ensure Water and Sanitation for All, Always. 🇲🇼💧
Below are some of the highlights.
