In Malawi 2063, urbanization has been identified as one of the three pillars, through which the nation intends to achieve its development aspirations. The recent Malawi Secondary Cities Plan (MSCP) lays out plans to transform 8 urban centers into an interconnected network of secondary cities. The vision is for economic activities of each proposed secondary city to be anchored in the local economy of the surrounding hinterlands, to create specialized urban hubs that benefit from agglomeration economies and with economic benefits spreading to rural areas and dwellers.
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), with guidance from the National Planning Commission (NPC) and ministries responsible for Local Government and Lands with funding from the Government of Flanders and Irish Aid, have conducted a study to further conceptualize and operationalize how urbanization can be leveraged for inclusive development, using the proposed secondary city of Salima/Chipoka and the mango value chain as a concrete example. The results aim to guide both policy and programmatic work around urbanization and value chain development across Malawi.
We are pleased to invite you to a dissemination event, jointly organized by NPC and IFPRI, where the results of the study will be presented and discussed.
Venue: Ufulu Gardens Hotel & Conference Center, Alimaunde Hall
Date: Wednesday, 7 June 2023
Program
Coffee and networking
Opening Remarks
- Thomas Munthali, Director General, NPC
- James Chiusiwa, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture
Research Findings
- Joachim De Weerdt, Malawi Country Program Leader, IFPRI
- Louw Piennar, Senior Analyst, BFAP
Panel Discussion
- Sellina Malaga, Chief Agriculture Officer, Salima District Council
- Mphatso Kadaluka, Deputy Director of Urban Development, Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture
- Ignatius Majamanda, Director, Malawi Mangoes
- Martha Chimonje, Mango farmer
Audience Discussion
Closing Remarks
- Sofie Geerts, Representative of the Government of Flanders
- Mark Montgomery, Head of Mission, Irish Aid
Moderator
- Thom Khanje, Public Relations & Communications Manager, NPC
Bites and networking opportunity
