Inflation soars in Malawi

Supporters often ask why we focus our efforts in Malawi. The answer lies in the depth of the challenges the country faces and the real potential that exists  to help communities build a better future.

Malawi’s poverty is largely driven by its heavy dependence on subsistence farming, which involves the majority of the population, probably around 80%. This makes people’s livelihoods highly vulnerable to climate shocks, such as frequent droughts and floods. The most recent El Niño event in 2024 brought extremely dry conditions, severely affecting harvests and worsening food insecurity.

In addition to  climate vulnerability, Malawi faces a combination of structural barriers to development:

• Limited industrialization means few job opportunities outside of farming.

• Weak infrastructure—roads, electricity, water systems—makes daily life and economic growth difficult.

• The education system struggles to equip young people with the skills needed for a modern workforce.

• Being landlocked drives up the cost of trade and limits access to global markets.

These issues are compounded by governance challenges, including inefficiencies and corruption, as well as rapid population growth, which puts added pressure on services and resources.

Yet in the face of these difficulties, Malawian communities continue to show remarkable resilience. That’s why we’re committed to working there, partnering with local people to create sustainable solutions that strengthen education, health, food security, and opportunity.

Together we can build a better world.