Tag Archives: Sub-Saharan Africa

Business

Malawi Economic Monitor: Stabilizing the Economy to Unlock Private Investment and Create Jobs

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE, February 24, 2026 — After years of high inflation, widening fiscal and external deficits, and declining exports, Malawi’s economy requires coordinated action to restore macroeconomic stability, reignite export-led growth, and create the jobs its citizens urgently need, according to the World Bank Group’s latest Malawi Economic Monitor (MEM), Getting Reforms Right.

With 270,000 young people entering the labor market each year—but only about 40,000 formal jobs created—job creation is a central economic challenge. The report calls for accelerated progress on critical reforms to restore fiscal and debt sustainability, resolve foreign exchange shortages, increase and diversify exports, and improve service delivery—laying the foundations for private sector–led job growth.

Malawi’s macroeconomic situation remains fragile. Real GDP growth is projected at 1.9 percent in 2025—below population growth—marking a fourth consecutive year of declining GDP per capita. Fiscal deficits remain among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with interest payments approaching half of domestic revenues, while public debt stands near 90 percent of GDP and the country remains in external debt distress. Inflation remains elevated, driven by food prices and large fiscal deficits, while rising public debt continues to crowd out credit to the private sector.

The MEM underscores that macroeconomic stability is essential for job creation. Without predictable policies, access to foreign exchange, and sustainable public finances, private investment—the engine of employment—cannot grow at the scale Malawi needs.

The MEM’s Special Topic, “Reversing Malawi’s Export Decline”, highlights the sharp deterioration in exports over the past decade which has had implications for employment. High and unpredictable trade costs—stemming from non-tariff barriers, complex and time-consuming licensing processes that often take weeks, ad hoc import and export bans, and slow border procedures—have reduced competitiveness and discouraged firms from expanding production and hiring. Distortions in the foreign exchange market have increased uncertainty and deterred investment. As a result, goods exports as a share of GDP have declined since 2014, the number of exporting firms has fallen sharply, and many firms have shifted to informality and smuggling, fueling illicit trade. Malawi’s export basket remains highly concentrated, with tobacco still dominant, while diversification has receded with fewer product lines and markets than a decade ago.

New opportunities in agro‑processing—such as macadamia, soybeans, and groundnuts—and emerging mining projects show potential to improve the economy and create jobs along the value chain. But policy inconsistencies, foreign exchange shortages, and infrastructure constraints limit scale, competitiveness, and employment generation.

“Malawi has the talent and the opportunity to turn the tide—if the country moves quickly to stabilize the macroeconomy and clear the bottlenecks that make it hard to produce and export,” said Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi. “The MEM suggests that by simplifying trade procedures, improving border efficiency, and creating predictable policies, the country can unlock new investments in agro‑processing and manufacturing—creating better jobs and higher incomes, the very foundation of economic growth.”

To stabilize the economy and support job creation, the MEM recommends strengthening fiscal discipline and increasing domestic revenue mobilization, including streamlining inefficient tax exemptions and prioritizing productive spending. It also calls for progress on debt restructuring and resolving foreign exchange imbalances to anchor inflation expectations. In line with a comprehensive jobs strategy, the report urges repurposing agricultural expenditures away from inefficient subsidies, deepening fiscal decentralization to improve local service delivery, expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity, and facilitating private sector investment in the road sector. Investment in both physical and human capital—including skills aligned with labor market demand—is essential to enable firms to grow and generate employment.

To reverse the export decline, the MEM calls for targeted reforms focused on improving trade efficiency and ensuring predictability. This includes modernizing border management through simplified and digitized import and export licensing procedures and applying transparent timebound trade measures. Strengthening export performance is not only vital for foreign exchange and growth—it is central to creating more and better jobs.

The Malawi Economic Monitor concludes that getting reforms right—and sequencing them well—can quickly ease pressures on firms, drive export growth, and place the economy on a more resilient and inclusive growth path. With decisive implementation and strong public–private collaboration, Malawi can reverse the export decline, rebuild stability, and unlock the private sector dynamism needed to generate more and better jobs.

Contacts:

In Lilongwe: Henry Chimbali, (+265) 888 890 047, hchimbali@worldbank.org

In Washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla, (+1-202) 473-4989, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org

Health

Prevention revolution and policy harmonisation are critical to end AIDS

Maravi Post Reporter

SHOBHA SHUKLA – CNS

Despite having science-based tools for HIV combination prevention, there were 1.3 million people who A collage of people with textdiagnosed with HIV in 2023 – and also in 2024 – hardly any decline between the two years. Despite having science-backed lifesaving antiretroviral therapy to help every person living with HIV healthy and well (and virally suppressed – which also ensures there is zero risk of HIV transmission because treatment works as prevention), 630,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2023 – and also in 2024 – hardly any decline between the two years. We clearly need a prevention revolution to drastically bring down new HIV infections as well as a lot more needs to be done to reduce AIDS-related deaths. ‘Business as usual’ is clearly not an option.

In sub-Saharan Africa, one in four (~25%) of new HIV infections occur among key populations, but in Asia Pacific region, four in five (79%) of new HIV infections occur among key populations (such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, persons who inject drugs, among others).

In 2024 alone, there were an estimated 800,000 new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa, and women and girls accounted for 63% of them. Adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 are more than twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers. These numbers remind us that HIV remains a public health crisis. But HIV is not just a medical or health issue—it is deeply intertwined with social, economic, and legal factors. To truly end HIV as a public health threat, we must look beyond the virus itself and address the broader context in which it thrives,” said Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, Legal Representative and Head of Strategic Litigation and Research, OurEquity, South Africa; member of Johannesburg Society of Advocates.

“Sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice (SRHRJ) is about more than access to contraception or maternal care. It is about the right of every individual to make informed decisions about their bodies, free from violence, coercion, or discrimination. When people – especially women and girls – are denied these rights, they become more vulnerable to HIV and other health risks. For example, only 40% of young women in sub-Saharan Africa have comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention. In some countries, less than 50% of women have access to modern contraception. Gender-based violence remains alarmingly prevalent: in South Africa, a woman is killed every three hours, and one in three women has experienced intimate partner violence,” said Letlhognolo.

Letlhogonolo was speaking in SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights) session co-hosted by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2025), Family Planning News Network (FPNN), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and CNS.

Survivors of violence are at a 50% higher risk of acquiring HIV

“Criminalisation of same-sex relationships and sex work drives key populations underground, away from essential health services. In 31 African countries, same-sex relationships are still criminalised, making it difficult for LGBTQIA+ individuals to access HIV prevention and care. Sex workers, who are 13 times more likely to be living with HIV than the general population, often face harassment and violence, further increasing their vulnerability. Justice is central to this conversation. Laws and policies that discriminate against people living with HIV, LGBTQIA+ individuals, sex workers, and other marginalised groups, not only violate human rights but also fuel the epidemic,” said Letlhogonolo.

“For example, in Nigeria, the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act has led to a 41% decrease in access to HIV services among men who have sex with men. Justice means ensuring that everyone—regardless of who they are or whom they love—can access the information, services, and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives,” added Letlhogonolo.

If HIV funding is not fully restored, new infections and AIDS deaths can increase alarmingly

“Recent global funding cuts could send the world back to levels of HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths not seen since the early 2000s. Next 5-years projection show that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally can dangerously rise if the lost funding (both this year and in recent years) does not return. Many countries have reduced their investments and domestic funding is often inadequate to fully fund the AIDS response – which has been relying on external support,” said Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia Pacific, and Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

“Nine countries in Asia and the Pacific region have rising new HIV infection rates. 9 countries in the region have too low coverage of lifesaving antiretroviral treatments. Moreover, the region has been hit with funding crisis – and – overall HIV prevention crisis too. Between 2010 to 2024, there were 9 countries in Asia Pacific which reported an increase in newly diagnosed people with HIV. Fiji has the world’s fastest growing epidemic, new HIV infections increased by over 3091% in Fiji,” said Murphy.

“Along with Fiji, other countries in Asia Pacific where there was an upswing in the number of people newly diagnosed with HIV between 2010-2024 are: 562% rise in Philippines; 187% rise in Afghanistan; 84% rise in Papua New Guinea; 67% rise in Bhutan; 48% rise in Sri Lanka; 42% rise in Timor-Leste; 33% rise in Bangladesh; and 16% rise in Lao PDR. Between 2010-2024, there were 9 countries in Asia Pacific which are also treating less than half of the people living with HIV, such as Afghanistan (11%), Pakistan (16%), Fiji (24%), Philippines (40%), Bangladesh (41%), Indonesia (41%), Mongolia (41%), PNG (46%), and Maldives (48%),” said Murphy of UNAIDS.

Between 2010-2024, there were 9 countries in Asia Pacific which are also treating less than half of the people living with HIV, such as Afghanistan (11%), Pakistan (16%), Fiji (24%), Philippines (40%), Bangladesh (41%), Indonesia (41%), Mongolia (41%), PNG (46%), and Maldives (48%).

“Compared to the decline in the number of people newly diagnosed with HIV between 2010-2024 worldwide (40%), the decline in Asia Pacific is far behind (17%),” said Eamonn of UNAIDS. In Eastern and Southern Africa, new HIV infections declined by 57% during the same period.

Pam Ntshekula calls for rights and safety of sex workers

“Our mission is clear: sex workers deserve dignity, protection, and full recognition of their human rights. We are calling for the full decriminalisation of sex work because sex workers deserve to work in safe, free, and dignified spaces. Right now, criminalisation puts sex workers at risk – it makes them more vulnerable to violence, police abuse, stigma, and poor health access. Decriminalisation would mean sex workers can report crimes without fear, access healthcare without judgment, and work without hiding. It is not just a legal issue —it is about human rights, health, and safety. Every sex worker deserves to be protected, respected, and free to choose how they live and work,” said Pam Ntshekula is a dedicated advocate for the rights and safety of sex workers and Lobbyist Officer, Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), South Africa.

“Many sex workers avoid clinics due to stigma and mistreatment. Full decriminalisation ensures safe, respectful access to SRHR services. Criminalisation limits condom use, outreach, and health education. Decriminalisation creates safer environments for prevention and care. Constant fear of arrest, violence, and shame harms mental wellness. SDG3 includes mental health – sex workers deserve safety and peace of mind,” Pam added.

“Sex workers face high levels of rape, assault, and abuse – often from police or clients. Decriminalisation allows them to report violence and access justice. Gender equality means protecting all genders and identities. My message is: There is no health without rights. There is no equality without decriminalisation. Decriminalising sex work is the single most powerful move to remove legal barriers to health access, justice, and human dignity. It also lets peer educators and health organisations do their work without fear,” said Pam. “We also need to tackle poverty and unemployment by linking sex workers to job training, housing support, and social grants if they choose to exit. Empowerment means choices, not pressure.”

SDG goals and targets are not standalone but interconnected

“Each of SDG goals and targets are interconnected. For example, studies show that countries with higher gender equality have lower rates of HIV infection among women. In Botswana, legal reforms to protect women’s property rights have led to increased economic independence and better health outcomes. We cannot achieve health without justice. We cannot achieve justice without upholding rights. And we cannot uphold rights without addressing the root causes of inequality and exclusion,” said Letlhogonolo.

“It means we must break down silos. HIV programmes cannot operate in isolation from broader sexual and reproductive health services. Legal reforms must go hand in hand with public health initiatives. We must listen to and empower those most affected—young people, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with HIV—to lead the way,” they added.

“It means investing in education, not just about HIV, but about consent, healthy relationships, and bodily autonomy. In Uganda, the DREAMS initiative, which combines HIV prevention with education and economic empowerment for adolescent girls, has reduced new HIV infections among participants by 25%. Supporting community-based organisations is crucial: in Kenya, peer-led outreach among sex workers has doubled the uptake of HIV testing and treatment. It means holding governments accountable for their commitments to human rights and the SDGs,” stressed Letlhogonolo.

“In 2023, out of 54 African countries, only 16 African countries had fully funded their national HIV responses. We must advocate for increased domestic investment and international solidarity. And it means recognising that justice is not just a legal concept—it is a lived reality. When a young woman can access contraception without fear, when a gay man can seek HIV testing without shame, when a sex worker can report violence without risking arrest, we are moving closer to justice,” rightly said Letlhogonolo.

“Essential health services must include sexual and reproductive health services – including safe abortion and post-abortion care, menstrual health hygiene, and mental health services, with particular attention to women, adolescent girls, persons with disability, indigenous peoples, gender diverse communities, older people, young people, migrant workers, refugees, people living with HIV, sex workers, people who use drugs, among others. They must also include all health and social support services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence,” said Shobha Shukla, Lead Discussant for SDG-3 at the United Nations High Level Political Forum 2025 (HLPF 2025) in New York. “We have to ensure that health responses are people-centred, gender transformative and rights-based for all, without any condition or exclusion.”

She rightly called upon the government leaders who had assembled at the UN: “With less than 5 and a half years left to deliver on SDG3, we appeal to governments to step up their actions on gender equality and right to health – where no one is left behind.”

Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is a feminist, health and development justice advocate, and an award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service). She was also the Lead Discussant for SDG-3 at United Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF 2025). She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College; current President of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media); Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024); and coordinator of SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights). Follow her on Twitter/X @shobha1shukla or read her writings here www.bit.ly/ShobhaShukla)

–              Shared under Creative Commons (CC)

Development

Consortium of Global Multilateral Development Banks Calls for Measures to Support Trade Continuity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Maravi Post Reporter

Bankers, interviewed for the Trade Finance ‘Pulse Check’, unanimously call for an urgent switch in the focus of support towards the private sector and smaller enterprises to avoid an insolvency crisis

JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, October 8, 2020/ — The Pulse check https://itfc-idb.cld.bz/Pulse-Check-Trade-Finance-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa-during-COVID-19) report issued by a consortium of multilateral development banks and trade research institutions, recounts the views of sub-Saharan banks on multi-lateral development banks’ (MDBs) responses to uphold a well-functioning trade finance market.

The report, which brings together perspectives & insights from 70 trade finance executives from 20 countries, unanimously calls for an urgent switch in the focus of support programs towards private sector and smaller enterprises to avoid a ‘second wave insolvency crisis’ that threatens greater, and far more widespread, economic hardship on the continent than we have seen till now.

Demand for trade finance instruments in the first half of 2020 seems to have flattened compared to growth expectations, while banks, supplying those instruments, have typically “flown to safety” restricting their lending to existing clients. Overall, according to interviewees, the market has contracted from at least 10% on average from 2019 levels in volume and even greater in value because of furloughed projects and investments. Full recovery is only anticipated by end of 2021 at the earliest.

Banks interviewed mentioned that their main constraints revolved around risk uncertainties / macroprudential limitations to extend credit outside of their comfort zone, especially during a persisting pandemic.

The report makes several priority recommendations for MDBs. These include a switch in focus to private sector support, increasing availability of risk-sharing instruments as well as a more granular funding offering. The report also illustrates the need to emphasise pooling of efforts and resources across MDBs and DFIs operating in Africa to respond more effectively to the unfolding situation.

Contributing organisations include the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD), the East African Development Bank (EADB), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Center (ITC), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and the Trade & Development Bank (TDB).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).