GREEN INNOVATION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Malawi faces serious and worsening linked problems of unsustainable energy supply and ecological degradation that significantly undermine economic development potential. Firewood is the primary source of energy for cooking, both at household level and in public institutions such as schools, prisons, hospitals, and markets. The status quo places huge demands on natural systems which exacerbate environmental and socio-economic threats for the country.

Resultantly, Malawi continues to experience consecutive series of climate-related disasters. These include; cyclone Idai in 2019-2020, cyclone Ana and Gombe in 2022, cyclone Freddy in 2023, severe droughts and dry spells in 2020-2023, El Niño in 2023-2024, and Cholera outbreak in 2022-2023. The increasing frequency and intensity of these climate events underscores the urgent need for holistic investment in climate-resilient approaches.

Subsequently, the Malawi Government has conceived the Green Innovations and Circular Economy Program (GICEP). The program aims to foster sustainable interventions that will mitigate climate change, create green economic opportunities and enhance social resilience.

The key components of the program include: clean energy sources; circular economy integration; research and development; policy and regulatory frameworks advocacy; gender equity and social inclusion; community and stakeholders’ engagement; and capacity building.