By Charles Nkhoma

Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have officially signed funding agreements with eight grantees under the Small Grants Programme, committing $312,202 (approximately MWK 547 million) to support community-led initiatives across Malawi. 

The signing event, which took place on Tuesday at the UNDP Office in Lilongwe, marks a significant step in backing grassroots projects that address key environmental and development challenges. 

These initiatives aim to tackle crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and the promotion of sustainable energy use, aligning with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP Malawi Portfolio Manager for Resilience and Sustainable Growth, Rabi Narayan Gaudo, highlighted the programme’s vision and the crucial role of grantees. 

"Today is a remarkable moment in our shared journey toward sustainable development and building resilience.

This initiative is more than just financial support—it reflects our commitment to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and driving lasting change from the grassroots level," he stated.   

National Steering Committee (NSC) Chairperson, Dorothy Tembo Nhlema, who also serves as Programme Manager for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, underscored the importance of collaboration and the rigorous selection process. Out of 93 proposals submitted, only eight projects were ultimately selected for funding. 

"We encourage government and council stakeholders to closely collaborate with grantees to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, allocating resources for monitoring is essential so that the NSC and relevant officials can provide timely feedback on project progress. 

The Committee aims to support initiatives that not only deliver tangible results but also drive meaningful change within communities," she added.