Scotland's First Minister to visit Malawi

First Minister John Swinney is to recognise 20 years of partnership with Zambia and Malawi by visiting the countries, the Scottish Government announced yesterday. This will be the first time since then First Minister, Jack McConnell signed the historic co-operation agreement with Malawi in 2005, that a First Minister has visited the nation.

When the First Minister addressed a Scotland Malawi Partnership event in August 2024 in Edinburgh, he pledged his commitment to go to Malawi. Whilst there, he is expected to announce new international development funding for health and investment partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education, advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Speaking ahead of the trip, Mr Swinney said:

“The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges, can have transformative impact on communities. Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the Global South and North work together. Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing globally and learning from our partners – for example providing joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage, and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and disability education. Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid programmes overseas, internationalism, and international solidarity, has never been more important. Scotland will continue to stand with the international community and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”

MaSP CEO, Linda Dembo said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership through Scottish Government international development support. This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration. At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.”

The SMP is delighted that the First Minister has again affirmed his commitment to the ongoing bilateral partnership with Malawi and that he is to see first hand, some of the many positive impacts of it in 'the warm heart of Africa.

SMP CEO Stuart Brown commented: “In tough times, you find out who your true friends are. With everyone facing economic hardship, it is to the First Minister’s credit that he and the Scottish Government are upholding the responsibility that we have to vulnerable people in our partner countries. Especially when the aid cuts of the USA and UK will inevitably lead to loss of life, are hurting women and girls, halting progress in tackling TB and returning some HIV-AIDS' provision to that of the 90s, it’s vital that Scotland stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Malawi. People in all walks of life throughout Scotland, including those under financial pressure, value the friendships they have with people in Malawi. John Swinney will see some of the many positive impacts of support from Scotland in areas including Healthcare, Education and the Climate Emergency, which are making a positive difference, people-to-people and community to community.”

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