The World Bank has proposed US$1.2 billion in financing for Malawi over the 2027–2032 period to support economic transformation, with the possibility of increasing the package to US$1.5 billion through additional resource mobilisation.
World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, Abdu Muwonge, announced this during the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Conference in Mangochi, where he outlined priorities under the institution’s next Country Partnership Framework.
Muwonge said the framework would focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, supporting productive businesses, improving connectivity and investing in a healthier, better‑educated workforce. He stressed that Malawi must move from identifying challenges to finding practical solutions, with reforms translating into tangible results.
“My vision over my time in Malawi is really to work with each one of you in your respective agencies to see that we turn reforms into results,” said Muwonge.
He identified infrastructure particularly energy, water and transport as critical to transformation, citing projects such as Kapichira, Mpatamanga and the Shire Valley Transformation Project. However, he expressed concern over delays in project implementation, pointing to the Blantyre Water Board project, which has made limited progress despite being in its third year.
Muwonge also called for investment in railway infrastructure, especially the Nacala–Lilongwe connection, and greater use of the Nacala dry port to reduce transport costs and improve export competitiveness.
Other proposed priorities include agribusiness, tourism and economic resilience.
Meanwhile, World Bank Senior Country Economist for Malawi, Nelson Eduardo, said changing the country’s economic fortunes required a shift in mindset, stronger public institutions and effective policy implementation.
He noted that approximately 75 percent of Malawi’s population remains poor, making poverty reduction a central priority.
“Political stability should translate into economic development,” Eduardo said, calling for structural transformation and improved public service delivery.
He cited the Lilongwe Water Board as an example of how improved management, technical assistance and results‑based financing can strengthen institutional performance. Eduardo urged Malawi to promote merit‑based leadership, peer learning and stronger public‑private collaboration.
“Institutions are not the background to reform; they are what make and deliver the reforms,” he added.
Eduardo concluded that Malawi’s ambition of becoming an upper‑middle‑income economy by 2063 is achievable if the country strengthens its institutions and remains committed to transformation.
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