NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s Lands and Urban Development Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu on Wednesday delivered remarks in his capacity as co-facilitator of the preparations for the High-Level Meeting on the New Urban Agenda (NUA), with Malawi serving in this role alongside Poland in New York.
The remarks were made during a breakfast meeting held on the margins of the Second Africa Urban Forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, organized by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
In his statement, the Minister briefed delegates on the current status of preparations, outlining both progress made and the ongoing consultative process.
He underscored the importance of sustained engagement by Member States and called for proactive participation to ensure that the objectives of the NUA are effectively realized.
He further reminded delegates of the forthcoming review of the Agenda, scheduled for July in New York, emphasizing the need for coordinated inputs and strengthened commitment to deliver meaningful and action-oriented outcomes.
The Minister also invited fellow Ministers to actively patronize the NUA-related meetings organized during the UN-Habitat Executive Board sessions in Nairobi, as well as engagements at the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan.
He stressed the importance of strong African participation in these platforms to ensure that Africa’s priorities are effectively articulated and reflected in the New Urban Agenda.
Chipungu added that Malawi is urbanizing rapidly, with about 20% of the population living in urban areas, mainly in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba, and Mzuzu.
However, around 70% of urban residents live in informal settlements, highlighting the urgent need for improved serviced land, housing finance, and affordable housing.
“To respond, Malawi is advancing urban development under Vision 2063, including the development of eight secondary cities to support balanced and sustainable growth.
“Government is also implementing key reforms, including the review of the National Urban Policy and National Housing Policy (2025–2030), and the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2023 to strengthen resilience and safer settlements,” he said.
Chipungu explained further, “We are also prioritising slum upgrading, expansion of serviced land, and improved access to housing finance, alongside major programmes such as the Malawi Housing Corporation projects and innovative subsidy and mortgage schemes”.
The Minister assures, “Malawi remains committed to strong partnerships with development partners, the private sector, and local authorities to deliver sustainable urban solutions.
“We reaffirm our commitment to Agenda 2063 and inclusive, resilient urban development”.