Government, private sector team up for El Niño

Government and the private sector have joined forces to strengthen Malawi’s preparedness for the anticipated El Niño conditions during the 2026-27 season.

Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi, who chairs the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño, led an engagement with the private sector in Lilongwe Wednesday.

The meeting brought together government officials and representatives of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).

Saidi said the government was taking early measures to prepare the country for the possible effects of El Niño and stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to strengthen Malawi’s resilience.

He also urged the private sector to support implementation of the 2026- 27 El Niño Preparedness Plan, particularly in addressing its financing requirements.

NGWIRA—El Niño is an economic risk

The plan requires about K488.5 billion, leaving a financing gap of approximately K324.8 billion.

Speaking at the meeting, MCCCI president Ronald Ngwira said the anticipated El Niño conditions should not be viewed merely as a disaster management issue but also as an economic risk.

“El Niño is an economic risk,” Ngwira said.

He said Malawi’s dependence on agriculture meant disruptions to production could quickly translate into higher food prices, reduced household incomes, increased import requirements and pressure on foreign exchange.

Ngwira said the impact could extend beyond agriculture to electricity generation, water availability, manufacturing, transport and trade.

“This calls for the private sector and businesses to be part of the solution,” he said.

He called for a structured government-private sector preparedness partnership to complement the national response framework.