Deputy SPC calls for collective efforts to achieve Malawi 2063

Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet who is also head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Dr. Janet Banda has emphasized on the need for enhanced collaboration in the implementation of Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP)-1 to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.

Speaking during the official opening of the Pillar and Enabler Coordination Groups (PECG) meetings, Tuesday in Lilongwe, Banda assured the gathering that Malawi's vision is within reach but it only needs commitment and collective efforts to make it into reality.

"I want to remind all of us that the Malawi we envision is within reach, but needs our collective efforts, commitment and collaboration to make it reality. Let us fully embrace the platform that PECGs offer, break away from siloed approaches, and work together toward the successful implementation of the MIP-1.

"This is where the PECG framework comes in. By bringing together stakeholders with shared interests. Working together to break the siloes ensures that we can support one another where weaknesses exist. Our mission is collective; we include the government and private sector, non-government organizations, academia among others," she said.

The deputy SPC also hailed the European Union, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for their technical and financial support in the efforts.

Director General of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Thomas Munthali, said the collective efforts have played a great role in progressing despite that the country has passed through various challenges.

"2063 was subsequently launched in November 2021 to graduate the country to a low middle economy by 2030 and meet most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Implementation of the one to date has been a mixture of challenges and progress amidst of challenges.

"The 2023/2024 annual progress report highlights the achievement made so far and also outlines areas for improvement under the agricultural productivity and commercialization pillar the country has registered progress in irrigation, mechanization and livestock production," Munthali said.

Director of Administration in the department of Economic Planning and Development, under the Ministry of Finance, Malango Botomani, acknowledged the strides made towards the agenda but also highlighted areas needing improvement.

“We have made significant progress in certain areas, though we are aware that some pillars are lagging behind. Our progress is slower in those areas, but overall, we are making notable strides in achieving the MIP-1 agenda,” Botomani said.

She further emphasized that the meeting with key stakeholders, including the Public Engagement for Comprehensive Governance Systems (PECGS), aimed to ensure that all pillars and enablers of the MIP-1 are successfully implemented.

Chief of Party for USAID, Dr. Francis Oggo Okelb expressed optimism about the progress.

"The data presented today highlights areas of hope, but it also assists to identify areas that require more attention. The commitment from the National Planning Commission to raise awareness and improve access to information is essential for driving better change,” Okelb said

The Malawi 2063 is Malawi's long-term development vision, launched to guide the country towards becoming an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation by 2063.

The MIP-1 represents the first 10-year plan aimed at realizing the vision through strategic investments and initiatives in key sectors like agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization.