Government has intensified efforts to mobilise support from donor partners to address food insecurity affecting millions of Malawians, following the latest findings from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC).
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha told MBC that the current administration is determined to act decisively to mitigate the crisis — a challenge he said the previous government had failed to swiftly address.
“We are engaging with our development partners to ensure that no Malawian goes hungry,” said Mwanamvekha. “The situation is serious, but we are committed to implementing immediate and long-term solutions.”
According to the 2025 MVAC annual food security assessment conducted between June and July, about 4,009,537 Malawians—representing 22 percent of the country’s population of 18.5 million—will be unable to meet their annual food requirements during the 2025/2026 lean period, between October and March.
The statement says to cushion the most affected households, government and its partners estimate that 200,000 metric tonnes of maize will be required as humanitarian food assistance, valued at approximately K387.2 billion. This figure accounts for adjustments from the earlier estimate of 187,325 metric tonnes to accommodate delays in providing assistance. The food support will be needed for a period ranging between three to six months during the lean season.
Mwanamvekha has emphasized that government, in collaboration with local and international partners, is committed to providing both food aid and sustainable livelihood support.
“Our goal is not only to feed people during this crisis but also to strengthen household resilience against future shocks,” he said.
Government has since expressed deep appreciation to all stakeholders—including development partners, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector—for their continued collaboration in responding to the food insecurity challenge.
