Lilongwe, 14 August 2026 – Malawi has taken a significant step towards achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services with the official launch of the Presidential WASH Compact, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening WASH governance, increasing investment and accelerating service delivery across the country.
The Compact was officially launched at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe by the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Honourable Roza Fatch Mbilizi, MP, on behalf of His Excellency the State President. The event brought together Cabinet Ministers, Principal Secretaries, development partners, district councils, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector and other key stakeholders committed to advancing Malawi’s WASH agenda.
In her remarks, Honourable Mbilizi described the launch as a transition “from commitment to implementation,” emphasising that water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental to human dignity, public health, education, economic productivity and national development. She noted that the Compact provides a single, accountable framework for coordinated action built around three strategic commitments: expanding access to sustainable WASH services, strengthening WASH sector systems and mobilising sustainable financing. She further called on all stakeholders to translate these commitments into funded plans, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results.
Speaking during the launch, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Honourable Charles Chilambula, MP, underscored the importance of sanitation as a cornerstone of public health, stating that “sanitation is not a luxury but a public health necessity, a matter of human dignity and an essential investment in national development.” He highlighted the Compact’s ambition to increase access to basic sanitation from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030, calling for stronger coordination, increased investment, and collective action to ensure every school, health facility, workplace and community has access to adequate sanitation services. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to move “from commitment to action, from action to investment and from investment to results.”
On behalf of development partners, UNICEF Representative Dr. Penelope Campbell congratulated the Government of Malawi on this important milestone, describing the Compact as a credible framework for strengthening climate-resilient WASH services, improving sector coordination, and increasing investment. She stressed that success would depend on a costed implementation plan, clear responsibilities, public reporting and sustained accountability.
Welcoming the launch, WESNET Executive Director, Safari Mbewe, commended the Government for demonstrating strong political leadership in prioritizing the WASH sector.
“The launch of the Presidential WASH Compact marks a defining moment for Malawi’s WASH sector. It provides a shared vision and a coordinated framework that brings Government, civil society, development partners, the private sector and communities together around common goals. WESNET stands ready to support implementation of the Compact through evidence generation, policy advocacy, citizen engagement and strengthened accountability to ensure that no one is left behind.”
As Malawi’s national umbrella network for organizations working in the WASH sector, WESNET reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside Government and sector partners to promote collaboration, strengthen accountability, and support the effective implementation of the Compact.
The Presidential WASH Compact aligns with Malawi 2063, the National Water Policy (2023) and Sustainable Development Goal 6, providing a roadmap for expanding access to safe and sustainable WASH services while strengthening governance, financing and sector coordination. As implementation begins, the Compact represents a renewed national commitment to ensuring Water and Sanitation for All, Always.
