World Bank Leaders are set to have a high-level meeting with President Lazarus Chakwera and key ministers to discuss the bank’s partnership with Malawi and review the cost of damage as a result of Cyclone Freddy.
The two leaders who are expected to arrive in Malawi on Thursday April 27, 2023 are; the World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde and Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwakwa.
The visit comes at a time the country has been facing multiple socio-economic shocks due to Cyclone Freddy, COVID-19 and the year-long cholera outbreak.
The two are expected to start their tour by visiting some of the most affected areas in Blantyre city where they will also take time to discuss recovery efforts with key government departments.
A statement which quotes Bjerde who has indicated that their visit aims to reaffirm strong partnership with Malawi during a very challenging period and to discuss how the World Bank can best provide support in line with the country’s ambitious agenda for economic reform and recovery.
The World Bank is currently financing 21 national projects in Malawi amounting to $2.5 billion in addition to five regional operations through which Malawi accesses $343 million in financing, reaching a total commitment of $2.8 billion.
Water and sanitation, education, social protection, energy, and agriculture are the key focus areas the Bank is supporting.
