Lilongwe, Malawi — The Government of Malawi launched on 16 April 2025 two national initiatives to support the country’s development strategy: the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) and the Malawi SDG Investor Map. Developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations (UN), the tools are designed to strengthen coordination of financial flows and mobilize investment aligned with Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Malawi’s economy is facing multiple pressures, including high inflation, rising public debt, and climate-related shocks. The INFF and SDG Investor Map aim to improve resource mobilization and attract private capital to key sectors.

Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, at the launch called for coordinated engagement in implementing the initiatives: “Today, I urge every stakeholder here to act to ensure that the INFF and the SDG Investor Map are fully utilized to achieve the nation’s development goals. Government agencies, integrate the INFF into your planning. Development partners, align your support with our development strategy and financing strategy. The private sector, explore the (SDG) Investor Map and co-create solutions.”

The INFF provides a national framework to align public and private financing with development objectives. It promotes financial reform, strengthens institutions, and supports debt management. The SDG Investor Map identifies investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure, and financial services—areas where social impact and economic return can be achieved together.

Hon. Vitumbiko Mumba, Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the investor map’s potential to advance inclusive growth: “The Malawi SDG Investor Map is more than a document; it is a pathway towards our shared vision of prosperity, sustainability, and dignity for every Malawian.”

The SDG Investor Map outlines seven Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs), including solar mini-grids, mega-farms, and eco-tourism, aligned with national priorities under Malawi 2063 and the First 10-Year Implementation Plan.

The launch received strong support from international partners. UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Rebecca Adda-Dontoh stressed the importance of domestic financing in the context of constrained global aid: “Recalling the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society need to do more to increase financial resources for sustainable development. This calls for more innovative and practical solutions to bridge the financing gap.”

UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Fenella Frost underscored the role of the tools in enabling systemic transformation: “These tools are not just technical solutions but enablers of systemic change. By combining the INFF’s strategic financing approach with the SDG Investor Map’s market-driven opportunities, we are creating a blueprint for inclusive growth.”

Other development partners also provided input. Mr. Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, noted the need for sustained reforms, while Mr. Rune Skinnebach, European Union Ambassador to Malawi, highlighted the need to improve investment competitiveness.

From the private sector, Ms. Daisy Kambalame, CEO of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), called for urgent reforms: “Let’s take those tough decisions right now. It might not make political sense, but it will still salvage the economy, and we will all benefit and grow.”

The Government outlined next steps to operationalize and promote the tools:

• Activate the Development Coordination Group to support INFF implementation. 
• Promote the SDG Investor Map across global investor networks. 
• Strengthen multisectoral partnerships to enhance impact.

Dr. Joseph Nagoli, Acting Director General of the National Planning Commission, emphasized the need for focused delivery: “Having a plan is one thing; implementing it is another. To achieve a timely impact, it is essential that we collectively commit to executing what has been planned, with a strong focus on coordinated implementation and financing.”

With fewer than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the launch of the INFF and SDG Investor Map reflects Malawi’s commitment to mobilize diverse resources and translate planning into action.

Find the SDG Investor Map at the SDG Investor Platform.