US commitment to Malawi at $756 million

The United States of America (USA) has for the past 11 years committed $756 million (K227 billion) to Malawi, Finance Minister Dr Ken Lipenga has said.

 

Lipenga said this during a signing of new cooperation for agriculture and health sectors between the United States Agency for International Development (USaid) and Malawi worth $105 million (K33 billion).

“This is extraordinary generous. It confirms the friendship and solidarity the people of the United States of America have with Malawi,” he said.

USaid has committed $177 million (K55 million) to Malawi this year alone.

While stressing that Malawi does not take the financial assistance from the US for granted, Lipenga noted the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened.

The minister said Malawi was excited to receive US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, early this year.

“While she was in Malawi, she was able to see the good work Usaid is doing in the area of agriculture, nutrition and health,” said Lipenga.

He said Clinton met with Peace Corps volunteers and appreciated what they are doing in the villages.

Lipenga said USaid agriculture programme will help to boost productivity in the areas of dairy and legumes.

He said both dairy and legumes production are crucial as they provide smallholder farmers with opportunities to improve their incomes and nutrition.

US Ambassador Jeanine Jackson said while her government continues to support Malawi through different initiatives and programmes, the US is aware that President Joyce Banda’s immediate concern is food insecurity in the Southern Region.

She said USaid has set aside $14 million (K4.4 billion) for food aid and is ready to provide any other assistance need be