On June 28, 2024, the Blantyre District Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six NGOs: YWCA Malawi, Epilepsy Warriors Foundation, AQUAID Lifeline, JHPIEGO, Hygiene Village, and Hope for Development. This agreement, mandated by the Ministry of Local Government, ensures that the council is informed about the development projects undertaken by its partners in the district, aiming to benefit local residents.

Melayi Mhone, Director of Planning and Development, highlighted that the MoU specifies mutual expectations, project details, target populations, durations, and budgets. Mhone encouraged close collaboration between the NGOs and the council’s sector heads to benefit from policy guidance and avoid duplication of efforts. She also urged NGOs operating in the district without an MoU to formalize their agreements promptly. Currently, 30 NGOs have signed MoUs with the council, and additional partnerships are welcomed to further enhance the provision of essential social services.

JHPIEGO Programme Manager Chimwemwe Chirembo praised the council for this initiative. YWCA Malawi remains committed to working with the council and other organizations to support development efforts in Blantyre District.

Published by: Irene Ntonga