Malawi received an $11.2 million drought insurance payout from the African Risk Capacity (ARC) on Friday, August 2, 2024, bolstering the country’s ability to respond to climate-related disasters.
President Lazarus Chakwera, speaking at the Mzuzu State Lodge, emphasised the need for collaboration in addressing climate challenges.
“There’s need to support people and strengthen food production in the country,” Chakwera said.
Finance Minister, Simplex Chithyola Banda, praised the ARC initiative, assuring citizens of their safety.
“This means a lot to the country in such a way that the money will help the country to build community resilience in responding to risks and natural disasters,” Banda said.
Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale urged farmers to insure their farms against emergencies.
“Farmers should insure as people with cars and other things do because by the end of the day farmers will be helped,” Kawale said in an interview.
UNHCR Representative, Kouame Cyr Modeste, commended Malawi’s commitment to disaster risk management and its generosity in hosting refugees.
“The government’s proactive steps in securing funds for the ARC drought insurance policy and its dedication to mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events are commendable,” Modeste said.
The payout is expected to strengthen Malawi’s resilience against future climate-related challenges, though specific allocation plans were not immediately announced.
By Tionge Hara, AfricaBrief
