The Director of Programs for PLAN International in Malawi, Janet Chidothi has emphasized the need for strategic budget allocation to support the welfare of children in the country.
Speaking during a meeting with Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities cluster on Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre( BICC) in Lilongwe, Chidothi noted that despite Malawi’s shrinking fiscal space, the national debt has surged to 27% of the total budget, consuming a substantial portion of resources that could be utilized for critical sectors like education and child protection.
“Two key recommendations were proposed , firstly, the cancellation of the national debt, which would free up a significant amount of funds for allocation towards essential sectors, this would require advocacy from members of parliament and support from the international community.
“Secondly, prioritizing secondary education and increasing funding for child protection were highlighted as crucial areas for improvement; although the government has made strides in allocating 16.6% of the total budget towards education, there is still a shortfall of 3.4% from the international target of 20%,” she narrated.
Chidothi also added that the allocation of 26 million kwacha per council for child protection is grossly inadequate, emphasizing the need for reprioritization of resources.
“To address these challenges, the government should focus on investing in productive sector like mining, tourism and agriculture to reduce the debt burden and increase revenue.
“Ultimately, effective budget allocation and strategic planning are crucial to supporting the welfare of children in Malawi and driving socio-economic development,” she said.
Chairperson for Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities, Savel Kafwafwa, said the recent budget meeting highlighted several key issues particularly in regards to education and debt.
“While the government has made notable strides in allocating funds towards children, with the education budget reaching 16.6% of the total budget, it still falls short of the international target of 20%,” he said.
He, therefore said one of the major challenges facing Malawi is its substantial public debt, which consumes 28% of the whole budget.
“This debt burden is equivalent to the combined budgets of four big ministers, highlighting the need for the government to invest in productive sectors and implement long-term plans such as mining, tourism, and agriculture,” he said.
Meanwhile the Executive Director for Action Aid Malawi, Yandura Chipeta, appreciated the investments made so far on children in the national budget, however noting that there is more that needs to be done to ensure the country realise the commitments in Vision 2063 and the SDGs.
“Action Aid Malawi therefore calls on you, the Honourable Members of Parliament to consider the recommendations discussed during this engagement and recommend an increase in the financial commitment to all sectors that will ensure an improved quality of life and equitable access to public services for all children in Malawi,” she said.
