Malawi is implementing the second phase of the Regional Climate Resilience Programme (RCRP 2), a multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at protecting communities from the growing impacts of climate-related disasters.
The programme, funded by the World Bank, has allocated US$240 million to Malawi out of a total US$250 million regional grant, with the remaining funds earmarked for coordination at the African Union level.
Deputy Director for Economic Planning, who is also Deputy Coordinator of RCRP 2, Kumbukani N’gambi, says the programme comes at a critical time as the country continues to experience frequent and increasingly severe weather-related shocks.
N’gambi made the remarks during a media orientation of the project in Lilongwe.
He noted that Malawi remains highly vulnerable to climate disasters, with floods and cyclones increasingly destroying infrastructure, livelihoods and homes.
“A major focus of the programme is the recovery from Cyclone Freddy, which caused widespread devastation across several districts,”he said.
Under RCRP 2, the government is prioritising the construction and rehabilitation of bridges, culverts and road infrastructure to restore connectivity and reduce future disaster risks.
Beyond infrastructure development, the programme is also strengthening district-level climate resilience.
All 28 district councils are benefiting through a decentralised approach modelled on the Government-to-Entity Service Delivery (GESD) framework, implemented through the Local Government Finance Committee.
Authorities say the initiative is expected to significantly enhance Malawi’s capacity to withstand and respond to climate-related shocks, while safeguarding lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
By Mirriam Kaliza
