MZUZU: Malawi’s President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has applauded the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its unwavering support in mitigating the effects of El Niño and other natural disasters affecting the country.
This comes as the AfDB, through the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, presented $11.2 million and $400,000 in drought insurance payouts to the Malawi government and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), respectively.
The payouts are aimed at strengthening the resilience of regional member countries against climate shocks by promoting proactive climate risk management.
Speaking from Mzuzu State Lodge today, President Chakwera emphasized that the funds will enable Malawi to continue its development while maintaining the dignity of its citizens, including refugees.
“El Niño and other cyclones will continue to affect us, but when you have shock absorbers like this, it becomes easy to manage,” said Chakwera.
AfDB Principal Country Economist, Albert Mafusire, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Malawi in building in-country capacity for mitigating and proactively managing climate hazards. The AfDB guru said considering the high levels of exposure of Malawi to climatic hazards, the Bank is committed to continue supporting Malawi to build in-country capacity for mitigating and proactively managing climate hazards.
Taking his turn, the UNHCR Country Representative, Kouame Cyr Modeste, expressed hope that the funds will greatly assist all those affected by the disasters in Malawi.
ARC Group Board Member and ARC Ltd Board Chairperson, Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba, encouraged other agencies to follow suit and support the millions of Malawians and refugees suffering from the impact of climate-related disasters.
Shire Times senior political commentator, Joseph Masina has underscored that “this latest development underscores Malawi’s efforts to strengthen its climate resilience and secure international support to mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters on its people and economy”.
