News

Zero cases of Ebola in Malawi But vigilance & Preparedness

12 Jun 2026 • There are no active cases of Ebola in Malawi, but with over 1,200 cases in nearby DRC and Uganda, the Malawian authorities are on high alert and are following World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols.

Commonwealth Games-MW July 2026

10 Jun 2026 • With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) is excited to celebrate and support Team Malawi as athletes prepare to compete on the international stage.

New Funding Opportunity – Global Solidarity Fund Launched

05 Jun 2026 • The SG’s new Global Solidarity Fund has been launched, with applications now open for small Scottish-based organisations, community groups and diaspora-led initiatives involved in international development and global citizenship work.

Jack McConnell to advise UK Gov on Soft Power

22 May 2026 • The UK Government announced on Monday that Lord McConnell is to provide advice personally to the Secretary of State on how to harness soft power assets and support the UK’s major events sector.

Scottish Parliament Elected

22 May 2026 • SMP committed to working across Scottish Parliament and welcomes Simita Kumar as Minister for Equalities and International Development.

A tribute to Dr Jim Aitken

23 Apr 2026 • We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr Jim Aitken passed away in Lilongwe on Sunday, 19 April 2026, one day short of his 89th birthday.

UK Bilateral Aid Cuts the most drastic of any G7 country

20 Mar 2026 • The UK Government has announced that direct bilateral aid to UK partner countries will be reduced.

Malawi Visa issue resolved for British Passport Holders

10 Mar 2026 • Following action by the Government of Malawi, the issue of travellers (including UK passport-holders) who did not have a visa in advance being denied passage to Malawi has been resolved.

Malawi’s President Agrees to be SMP’s Honorary Co-Patron

04 Mar 2026 • Malawi’s President, His Excellency Professor Peter Arthur Mutharika has accepted the invitation to be the Scotland Malawi Partnership’s Honorary Co-Patron.

Visas for Malawi - Important Update

20 Feb 2026 • UK passport holders without visas in advance being denied travel. At Saturday 21 February, Lufthansa is denying travel from Edinburgh Airport to Malawi to UK passport holders who have not obtained a Malawi visa in advance.

SMP @20 Anniversary Book Launched

06 Feb 2026 • We were honoured to have as Guest of Honour at the launch SMP Honorary Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who had written a special introductory message in the book

HRH The Princess Royal Supports Scotland-Malawi Links

23 Jan 2026 • On Tuesday, contributors to the SMP Anthu Pamodzi photographic exhibition were honoured by the presence of SMP Honorary Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who attended the exhibition at Edinburgh City Chambers

Scottish Government Increases in Draft Budget For International Development & Humanitarian Emergency

16 Jan 2026 • The SMP welcomes the Scottish Government's plans to increase its annual budget for international development to £16m, including £1m for humanitarian crises.

UK Gov’s New Approach to Africa – Fears for further aid cuts to Malawi

19 Dec 2025 • The SMP is gravely concerned about reports anticipating further swingeing UK aid cuts to Malawi and the impact of the UK Government’s new Africa Strategy on some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Alan James Laverock: a tribute

14 Nov 2025 • It was with much sadness that we learned of the death yesterday of our friend and former colleague, Alan Laverock (70). Alan passed away peacefully in Dundee Ninewells hospital, following a cardiac arrest on Sunday.

First Minister Commits to ongoing Scot Gov Funding of Global South Partners

31 Oct 2025 • The SMP welcomes First Minister John Swinney’s commitment made in The Scottish Parliament to ongoing Scottish Government funding for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Scot Gov Announce Funding to Empower Women & Girls in Malawi & Zambia

31 Oct 2025 • The first grants to be awarded from the £3million Scottish Government Women and Girls Fund will support women and girl-led organisations in Malawi and Zambia.

MaSP & SMP experience First Minister to be Moved by Malawi

31 Oct 2025 • Some of the Members, Directors and Staff of the Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) and of the SMP had the chance to speak with the First Minister whilst he was in Malawi.