By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Malawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Kester Kaphaizi, has reaffirmed Malawi's commitment to the objectives of the African Risk Capacity (ARC), emphasising that these initiatives offer solutions to challenges faced by Malawians.

Kaphaizi made the remarks during the official ratification of Malawi's ARC membership by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He highlighted the benefits of ARC's drought insurance policies, which support government efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity as Malawi contends with adverse weather conditions.

Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, along with representatives from ARC, commended Malawi government for its decision to ratify the agreement.

He also commended Malawi's active participation in ARC programs since their inception in 2012, noting that this ratification signifies a deeper collaboration between Malawi and ARC.

ARC is a specialized agency of the AU aimed at assisting AU member states in enhancing their capacity for planning, preparation and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.

The goal is to achieve these aims in a timely, cost-effective and transparent manner, thereby protecting and improving food security of vulnerable populations.

Since 2015, Malawi has received a total of US$40 million in drought insurance payouts from ARC due to adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural growing seasons.

The most recent payout, amounting to US $11.2 million, was presented to the Government of Malawi through President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in August 2024