EU funding door at risk

Malawi’s delay in approving a key international agreement could cost the country future development opportunities, raising fresh concerns over its engagement with the European Union.

Leader of the Malawi delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo has warned that failure to ratify the Samoa Agreement may limit access to potential EU funding and other support programmes.

Mwenifumbo issued the warning in Parliament on Friday while presenting a report on Malawi’s participation at the first Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly meetings held in Ezulwini, Eswatini, from May 7 to 14, 2026.

He said ratifying the agreement would enable Malawi to secure predictable funding, maintain its active participation in the OACPS-EU partnership and access opportunities aimed at supporting economic growth, trade and development.

“The ratification of the Samoa Agreement remains an urgent but lagging priority,” Mwenifumbo told Parliament.

He said by the time of the meetings, only 12 OACPS member states, including eight African countries, and nine European Union member states had ratified the agreement, with no country from the Southern African region having completed the process.

Mwenifumbo said failure to conclude the ratification process could limit Malawi’s ability to benefit from funding and programmes under the renewed partnership framework.

“Timely ratification is essential for Malawi to secure predictable funding from the EU and to fully access the benefits of the agreement,” he said.

The Samoa Agreement provides a framework for cooperation between OACPS countries and the European Union in areas including economic development, trade, investment, education and sustainable development.

Mwenifumbo said Malawi could benefit from initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway, which seeks to support investment in infrastructure, skills development and local industries.

He added that stronger cooperation with the EU could also create opportunities for young Malawians through education and skills programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, while promoting recognition of academic and technical qualifications.

The delegation further highlighted the need for partnerships that create local value, particularly in sectors such as mining, where Malawi should focus on processing and manufacturing instead of exporting raw materials.

However, Mwenifumbo cautioned that while government should expedite the ratification process, Malawi must carefully consider contentious issues contained in the agreement to ensure they align with the country’s national interests, cultural values and principles.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement to secure Malawi’s active standing, voting rights, and access to dedicated regional protocol funding,” he said.

The delegation also recommended that government ministries strengthen collaboration to maximise benefits from the agreement, especially in agriculture, youth empowerment, education and women’s economic participation.

Mwenifumbo said Malawi’s participation in the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly provides an opportunity for the country to influence decisions and push for partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.