Malawi and IFAW renew partnership to protect wildlife and support communities

(LILONGWE, Malawi - 27 October 2026) The Government of Malawi and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have renewed their conservation partnership, committing to protecting wildlife, strengthening local livelihoods, and attracting investment to Kasungu National Park and the wider Malawi-Zambia border landscape.

Malawi's Hon. Minister of Insdustrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, met IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes in Lilongwe to agree on priorities for the next phase of their work together.

During their meeting in Lilongwe, Downes reaffirmed IFAW's long-term commitment to Malawi, focusing on community-led approaches that improve livelihoods, help communities adapt to climate change, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

"I'd like to assure the Government and all citizens that IFAW is committed to supporting Malawi for the long term. Together, we shall succeed!"

Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife has worked to restore Kasungu National Park since 2017 through investments in wildlife protection, park infrastructure, and community development. These efforts have supported wildlife recovery and helped neighbouring communities benefit from conservation.

The partners reaffirmed Kasungu's importance within the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area, known as MAZA. This cross-border conservation area connects habitats that elephants and other wildlife need to move, find food and water, and survive.

The Government and IFAW are committed to strengthening regional cooperation and seeking new funding and partners for the landscape. Their shared priorities include protecting habitats, improving community livelihoods and helping people and wildlife coexist safely.

Minister Itaye highlighted conservation's contribution to Malawi 2063, the country's long-term development vision, through tourism, economic opportunities and greater resilience to environmental challenges.

"We look forward to renewing our MoU with IFAW, and to continue the mutual support between the Government of Malawi and IFAW," said Hon. Minister Itaye.

Both partners emphasised that lasting conservation depends on sustained investment and the meaningful involvement of people living alongside protected areas.

Ends

Press contacts

Bruce Sosola,
IFAW Country Director-Malawi
m: +265991582444
e: [email protected]

Christina Pretorius
Communications Director, Africa
m: +27 82 330 2558 
e: [email protected]