News

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.

Scotland's First Minister to visit Malawi

10 Oct 2025 • First Minister John Swinney is to recognise 20 years of partnership with Zambia and Malawi by visiting the countries, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

Would you consider standing for election to the SMP Board?

29 Sep 2025

Malawi elects Prof Peter Arthur Mutharika President

25 Sep 2025 • Malawi's Presidential Elections in September 2025

International Interest in Scotland-Malawi Links

26 Jun 2025 • The Scotland-Malawi relationship featured in an international conference in Germany last week on Subnational Diplomacy.

Showcase your Malawi Link in SMP Photographic Exhibition!

09 May 2025 • A picture being ‘worth a thousand words’, the SMP is excited to announce plans to showcase and celebrate SMP members’ dignified partnerships with Malawi, in a touring photographic exhibition.

Support in Holyrood for International Development

25 Apr 2025 • Support for Scotland’s commitment to International Development was voiced during a debate in the Scottish Parliament this week on the ‘International Situation’.

Success from Strength & Perseverance

16 Apr 2025 • Benadeta Singini was an orphan, like so many young people in Malawi today. She attended a rural primary school and was then selected to Ekwendeni Girls’ Secondary School.