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Sub-Saharan Africa
In 2004 Malawi earned the praise of international observers for the smooth running of its third parliamentary elections. In view of the nation's history, its multi-party democracy – which has only been in existence since 1994 – works well, especially since Malawians had no prior experience of free elections. Up until 1964, the territory that is now Malawi was a British protectorate, after which it spent 30 years under the authoritarian rule of Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
The early 1990s saw mounting opposition to the established regime. In a referendum in 1993, the majority voted for a multi-party system, and the country accomplished a peaceful transition to parliamentary democracy. Germany supported this political process from the outset in conjunction with other key donors. Relations between Malawi and Germany are close and friendly. German scientists have been in Malawi for many years carrying out research into the origins of humankind, and together with local people they built a major exhibition centre for the country's natural and cultural heritage.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. On the Human Development Index (HDI 2007/2008), it ranked 164 out of 177 states. The country itself has hardly any income to finance its state expenditure, and is heavily dependent on international donors. The institutions of what is still a young democracy suffer from financial, human resource and material shortages, causing severe constraints in their capacity to function.
In 2002, after two years' preparation, Malawi launched its poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP), which for four years provided the framework for all development endeavours. In February 2007 the government adopted a new strategy paper, the "Malawi Growth and Development Strategy" (MGDS), which builds on past achievements as well as setting new priorities. Development cooperation between Germany and Malawi is aligned with this programme and coordinated with the work of other donors. The focus is on three areas: basic education, health and democratic decentralisation.
German Embassy
German Embassy in Malawi
Convention Drive
P.O. Box 30046
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Phone: +265 / 1 / 77 25 55
Fax: +265 / 1 / 77 02 50
