Malawi Seeks Disaster Response Support from African Risk Agency
Malawi is one of 39 African countries that have signed the ARC treaty.
SALIMA, Malawi— Malawi's government has requested capacity-building support and financial assistance from African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd) to enhance its natural disaster response capabilities, writes Wendi Mkandawire.
Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda appealed during an ARC Ltd. meeting Thursday with representatives from various African and European countries in Salima District.
"They provide policy payouts of the insurance when we trigger it," Banda said, emphasizing the significance of ARC's role in disaster response.
The request comes just weeks after Malawi received $12 million to procure and distribute maize to hunger-affected populations.
Banda acknowledged the country's current limitations in managing natural disasters.
"Malawi is unable to have the essential capacity to manage natural disasters effectively before and after they occur," he said.
Maxwell Mkwezalamba, ARC Ltd Chairperson, pledged continued collaboration with the Malawian government.
"We believe in providing rapid response when countries are hit by natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and the like," he said, adding that Malawi will soon benefit from a World Bank-funded project.
Malawi is one of 39 African countries that have signed the ARC treaty.