The Government of Japan has signed a grant agreement worth JPY 300 million (approximately USD 2.06 million) with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Malawi to provide maize to some of the country’s most vulnerable communities during the 2025/2026 lean season.
The funding will enable WFP to procure, transport, and distribute 1,970 metric tons of maize to more than 177,000 people facing hunger.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at WFP Malawi’s Country Office in Lilongwe, WFP Country Director Hyoung-Joon Lim said the donation comes at a critical time when maize production is below national requirements.
“Survival is not a privilege. Food is a human right. We must declare no empty plates, no hungry nights. We must leave no one behind,” said Lim.
He further explained that WFP will use its 16 field offices and established logistics network to ensure the maize reaches the right people, at the right time, with the right food.
In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, said the decision to support Malawi was prompted by reports of looming food shortages despite a better harvest compared to last year.
“We learned there is still a shortage of the harvest in this country. Because of that, our government decided to support Malawi, and I sincerely hope this support will reach all the vulnerable people who are in need,” said Oya .
He added that Japan is already planning future food security support.
On his part, Director of Preparedness and Response in the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Reverend Moses Chimphepo, described the donation as timely.
“This support is coming just as the government is preparing its response programme. We always start our interventions around October or November, so this gives us enough time to plan and procure,” said Chimphepo.
According to official estimates, Malawi produced 2.86 million metric tons of maize this year, well below the 3.7 million metric tons needed to feed the population. In some districts such as Chikwawa and Nsanje, households have already run out of maize.
Oya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Malawi in building long-term resilience.
“Human dignity and human security are key to our cooperation. My sincere hope is that every partner will ensure the most vulnerable, even in hard-to-reach areas, receive adequate assistance,” added Oya.
The donation aligns with Malawi’s National Lean Season Response Plan and WFP’s broader mandate to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of climate shocks.
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