Central to President Chakwera’s speech delivered at the commemoration of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) day held at Sanjika Palace Blantyre today, was the call for a localization agenda, emphasizing that sustainable development must originate from local actors who can effectively address community-specific challenges.
The President reiterated that empowering Malawians to lead their development initiatives is not just a policy but a national imperative. He encouraged NGOs to strengthen local capacities as part of the broader vision outlined in the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
The President disclosed that this focus on local empowerment aims to create resilient communities equipped to handle their development needs while fostering long-term success and sustainability in various sectors, including health, education, and food security.
While the Malawi leader committed the government’s support for a thriving NGO sector, he also urged non-state actors to collaborate with the Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) to ensure well-regulated and coordinated work benefiting many Malawians.
Speaking before the President’s remarks, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Muonaowauza Sendeza, highlighted the vital role non-state actors play in fulfilling the country’s development agenda. She announced a new NGO Policy to address issues affecting NGOs and commended President Chakwera for establishing an NGO Fund.
Innocentia Ottober, Chairperson of the NGORA Board, pledged to work with the Chakwera administration to achieve Vision Malawi 2063. She equally encouraged NGOs to partner with government ministries and the private sector to tackle challenges facing Malawians.
George Jobe, Vice Chairperson of CONGOMA, expressed readiness to work with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for successful upcoming general elections. Maynard Nyirenda, Local NGO Furum representative, thanked the government for its commitment to improving NGO work.
Kate Hartley from International NGO Furum reiterated their willingness to collaborate with the government to address various issues affecting Malawians.
