The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has announced a USD 7.4 million funding commitment to UNFPA and the Government of Malawi to implement a ground breaking programme aimed at improving the lives of adolescent girls and teen mothers in Dedza and Mchinji districts.
This investment underscores a shared commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and fostering economic empowerment among Malawi’s youth.
Through the Addressing Challenges to Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment through Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ACE) Programme, the funding will directly benefit 173,660 adolescents and young people aged 10-24, with an additional 354,883 indirect beneficiaries. The initiative aligns with Malawi’s national development priorities, including Vision 2063 and the National Population Policy, by tackling key barriers to education, SRHR, and economic independence for adolescent girls.
Speaking on the significance of this investment, Man Shik SHIN, KOICA’s Country Director stated: “KOICA is committed to empowering adolescent girls in Malawi by expanding access to education, sexual and reproductive health services, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This partnership with UNFPA and the Government of Malawi is a critical step towards breaking cycles of poverty and inequality, ensuring that young women can lead healthier, more autonomous lives.”
UNFPA Malawi Representative, Nelida Rodrigues, emphasized the impact of the initiative: “This programme will address harmful practices such as child marriage and gender-based violence while strengthening adolescent agency and community support structures. Through this investment, we aim to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to make informed choices about her future.”
Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Isaac Katopola added: “The government welcomes this partnership, which will enhance efforts to keep girls in school, provide essential health services, and create economic opportunities. By strengthening the social fabric of our communities, we are building a future where young women are empowered to reach their full potential.”
The ACE Programme will be implemented from 2025 to 2028, employing a three-tiered approach to empower adolescent girls and teen mothers by enhancing comprehensive sexuality education in schools and communities, training teachers, and supporting at-risk girls with bursaries to complete their studies.
Further, the program will strengthen adolescent-friendly health services, expanding outreach programs, and ensuring access to family planning, maternal health care, and sexual violence support services and provide financial literacy training, vocational skills development, and supporting safe spaces where young women can build resilience and access economic opportunities.
By addressing systemic challenges such as early pregnancy, school dropouts, and economic marginalization, the programme contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality). The initiative will also support Malawi’s national efforts to reduce adolescent birth rates and eliminate harmful gender norms.
