Press Release

January 25, 2024

USADF and Malawi Government Renew Partnership with up to $7.5 Million Co-Funding Commitment Over the Next Five Years for Agricultural Development

Washington, D.C. - January 25, 2024 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Government of the Republic of Malawi (GoM) have announced the renewal of their $7.5 million strategic partnership to support the development of Malawian smallholder agricultural producers, cooperatives, farmer groups, small-scale agribusinesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises. This commitment involves annual contributions of up to $750,000 from both USADF and the GoM, individually, over a five-year period.

Through this co-funding partnership, USADF aligns its country strategy with the development goals of the GoM, aiming to advance broad-scale, sustainable economic growth and enhance the living standards of marginalized populations in the country through grant investments in Malawi’s agricultural sector. Since 2008, this partnership has collectively awarded $5 million in grant funding, supporting 35 small-scale Malawian agribusinesses, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

“This renewed partnership with the Government of Malawi reaffirms our commitment to enhancing food security, building climate resilience and increasing revenue generation, particularly in underserved areas." said Travis Adkins, President and CEO of USADF. "By investing in smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, cooperative groups, SMEs, and other contributors to the agricultural sector, the cornerstone of Malawi's economic growth, we not only foster job creation and improved livelihoods but also actively contribute to Malawi’s overall economic development."

This partnership renewal was commemorated with a grant signing ceremony on January 24th at the Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe, Malawi, with representatives and officials from USADF, the GoM and the United States Embassy in attendance. These included USADF President and CEO Travis Adkins, Malawi’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Nancy Tembo, Minister of Gender Hon. Jean Sendeza, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Amy W. Diaz.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Malawi at the event, Hon. Banda acknowledged the challenges Malawians face in accessing financing and thanked the U.S. Government and USADF for their ongoing commitment to provide grant funding for small-scale SMEs. P/CEO Adkins emphasized the collaborative nature of this partnership, highlighting the joint efforts of the Government of Malawi and the U.S. interagency. He stated "We work together, not only for the people of Malawi, but with the people of Malawi to help elevate their standard of living."

USADF P/CEO Travis Adkins and Hon. Simplex Banda
USADF P/CEO Travis Adkins, with Malawi’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda following the signing.

 

For any inquiries, please contact comms1@usadf.gov.

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About the United States African Development Foundation (USADF)

USADF is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs. USADF's investments increase incomes, revenues, and jobs through grant investments and market-based solutions to poverty. USADF creates pathways to prosperity for marginalized populations and underserved communities continent-wide. To learn more, please visit www.usadf.gov.