Scottish help for Malawi hailed

Mar 17 2013

Scots are helping create a stable economy in Malawi through the UK Government's development programme, according to Scotland Office Minister David Mundell.

He was speaking ahead of a visit to the UK by the President of Malawi Joyce Banda, which will coincide with the bicentennial celebrations of the birth of Scottish missionary Dr David Livingstone.

Mr Mundell, who recently visited the country, said support from Scotland was helping to reduce poverty, protect the poorest and lay the foundations for strong and stable economic growth.

The UK Government currently provides aid of around £115 million to Malawi, and is one of the largest donors to the country, with the Scottish Government providing aid funding of around £5million, he said.

Mr Mundell added: "Malawi is a great example of how Scotland can make a real difference in the wider world as part of the UK and people in Scotland can be proud of our achievements."

Last year, a £1.2 million fund for projects to help impoverished communities in Malawi was launched by Scotland's international development minister Humza Yousaf.

He invited Scotland-based organisations to bid for the 2013-14 funding during a Holyrood debate.

The Scottish Government is committed to spending at least £3 million each year in Malawi, in the south-east of Africa, and supports around 40 projects.

In 2012-13 the Government will spend at least £5 million funding projects in key areas such as health and education.

Dr Livingstone was a missionary and explorer in Africa, establishing the first links between Scotland and Malawi 150 years ago.