Scotland and Malawi

Funding of £68,000 for a project which will promote enterprise and economic development in Malawi has been announced.

Minister for External Affairs Linda Fabiani said increasing sustainable growth was a key element of Scotland's Co-operation Agreement with Malawi and the principal focus of a Trade Connections event in Glasgow.

She said:

"In the July Joint Commission meeting, the Government of Malawi urged us to prioritise economic development.

"We must create real opportunities that will enable Malawi to develop its economy and give Malawians the chance to create a sustainable livelihood.

"That is why I am pleased to announce initial support to the Scotland-Malawi Business Group for their Malawi Enterprise Programme. This funding of £68,000 within this financial year will support microfinance and a scheme to help young Malawians to set up their own businesses."

The funding will come from the International Development Fund.