The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with stakeholders in the housing sector to strengthen collaboration and expand access to adequate and affordable housing in the country.
The agreements, signed with the Malawi Housing Corporation, Centre for Community Organisation and Development (CCODE), FDH Bank Limited and Habitat for Humanity Malawi, establish a framework for cooperation in developing planned, affordable and community-driven housing programmes.
Speaking during a multi-stakeholder workshop on adequate and affordable housing in Malawi, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Chimwemwe Chipungu, MP, said addressing the country’s housing challenges required coordinated efforts.
Chipungu called on financial institutions to develop accessible housing finance products, including affordable mortgages, housing microfinance, rent-to-own schemes and housing savings schemes, to enable more Malawians to acquire, construct and improve their homes.
“Property developers and investors should explore how they can partner with Government for the development of affordable housing and serviced land,” he said.
He therefore called for the promotion of alternative affordable housing technologies, locally available building materials, efficient construction methods and climate-resilient designs to reduce construction costs while ensuring safety, durability and sustainability.
The partnerships will also explore affordable housing finance arrangements, including a proposed Community Housing Fund, while promoting approved settlement plans, appropriate housing designs, construction quality assurance and coordinated neighbourhood infrastructure.
National Director of Habitat for Humanity Malawi, Rex Chapota, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to partnering with Government to improve the housing sector and expand access to decent, affordable and resilient homes.
The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to identify practical investment opportunities, financing solutions, potential pilot projects and institutional commitments to improve housing delivery.
The signing of the MoUs marks a step towards strengthening public-private and community partnerships in addressing Malawi’s housing deficit and advancing access to adequate housing for all.
