By Tiwonge Kampondeni
The Government of Malawi has expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for the donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser towards strengthening Malawi’s food security and agricultural productivity.
Speaking Tuesday during the handover of the initial 500 metric tonnes of fertiliser at the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) offices in Lilongwe, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Roza Fatch Mbilizi, described the donation as timely.
She said the donation comes at a critical time when Malawi is grappling with climate change shocks, including erratic rainfall and natural disasters that have negatively impacted crop and livestock production.
The Minister observed that Morocco was one of the countries to respond to President Professor Arthur Mutharika’s declaration of a state of disaster due to severe food insecurity.
“Morocco’s thoughtful gesture demonstrates not only solidarity, but also a deep appreciation of the challenges confronting Malawi and a sincere commitment to supporting our national development aspirations,” Mbilizi said.
The Minister said the fertiliser will go a long way in assisting over 2,000 farmers, especially in farmer clubs, to enhance winter crop yields, improve household food security and contribute to national economic stability.
She noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi’s economy and the main source of livelihood for the majority of its citizens, making Morocco’s support crucial in building resilience among farming communities.The Minister described the donation as a clear demonstration of goodwill and solidarity from the Moroccan Government.
“It is gratifying to observe that relations between the Republic of Malawi and the Kingdom of Morocco continue to advance steadily, guided by the outcomes of our recent high-level engagements and the deliberations of the Joint Commission of Cooperation.
“In particular, discussions under the proposed Government-to-Government framework on fertiliser cooperation have laid a strong foundation for a transformative partnership in the agricultural sector,” Mbilizi said.
The Minister said ongoing negotiations towards a comprehensive Bilateral Fertiliser Production Agreement, expected to see the establishment of a fertiliser production company in Malawi by OCP Group, reflect the two countries’ shared commitment to long-term agricultural transformation.
Morocco’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mohammed Oumiyer, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development agenda.
He described the donation as not merely material assistance, but a message of sincere friendship and a contribution to resilience and stability.
Commenting on the fertiliser production plant, Oumiyer expressed optimism that the negotiations are promising.
“The 2026–2028 Roadmap, signed in Rabat on November 19, 2025, during Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. George Chaponda’s working visit, expands bilateral cooperation into key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, water management, sustainable development, tourism, mining, capacity building and investment,” Oumiyer said.
The Malawi Government has since assured Morocco of its continued solidarity and commitment to further strengthening the cordial relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Beyond agriculture, Mbilizi acknowledged Morocco’s broader support to Malawi, particularly in higher education through scholarships for Malawian students to study in Moroccan institutions.
