Just over 220 young Malawians are currently on the front lines in Israel, bridging critical labor shortage gap in Israel’s vital agriculture sector.
This influx of labor comes at a time when Israeli farms, integral to the nation’s economy, have had to deal with the loss of thousands of workers following the war in Gaza triggered by the October 7 Hamas attacks.
This transformative program, according Malawi government, is anticipated to yield over US$180 million (exceeding 350 billion Malawi Kwacha) in foreign exchange earnings.
An initial $60 million contribution to the government coffers from the Jewish state has already been secured, signifying not only a financial boost but a visionary collaboration between nations. Despite facing scrutiny, the initiative holds the promise of unlocking numerous opportunities for participants and contributing significantly to Malawi’s development.
Background
Israel has been a key partner in Malawi’s development, with a focus on collaboration in medicine and agriculture. Over the years, Israel sent doctors and agricultural experts to Malawi, contributing significantly to the growth of these sectors. Malawians have also benefited from studying agriculture in Israel, enhancing the country’s capabilities in this vital area.
Notably, during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the majority of African nations, under the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), severed ties with Israel. In contrast, Malawi was among the few African countries that maintained its diplomatic relations with Israel.
This decision underscored Malawi’s distinct diplomatic stance during a critical period, suggesting that the relationship between the two nations transcended geopolitical shifts and was shaped by specific considerations.
According to Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem, the labor export deal between Malawi and Israel is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Lotem, based in Nairobi, highlighted the significance of the deal between Malawians and Israeli firms through their respective governments.
“The exportation of labor to Israel has been under diplomatic discussions for some time, but this time around, the need is huge and urgent; hence, the current recruitment process.” Lotem said.
He added that Malawian workers stand to earn $1,500 a month and, equally importantly, gain valuable knowledge.
The envoy stated, “The biggest incentive is the knowledge, as money comes and goes but knowledge stays.”
Acknowledging security concerns in Israel, Lotem assured those concerned that every effort has been made to protect individuals, including the Malawian labor force.
He commended Malawi for its swift and impressive response to the call for labor, noting that the opportunity has been extended to several African countries.
Recruitment marred in controversy
Malawi’s Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu, openly acknowledges that the recruitment process for the recent Israel employment deal was not without challenges.
He has emphasized that the Ministry of Labour is actively looking into improving these processes including the manner in which information is communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
Kunkuyu emphasizes that there are more opportunities beyond the Israel recruitment deal.
The government plans to send 5,000 Malawians to Israel alone, with additional opportunities in other countries also being explored, according to the Information Minister.
Kunkuyu sees this labor export initiative as a means of economic empowerment for the youth and the country as a whole, making families more self-reliant.
He says the benefits extend beyond individual participants, reaching into local communities as returning workers bring back valuable knowledge and skills, contributing to the overall development of the nation.
Working Environment
Andrew Lyman Mwaungulu, an LUANAR environmental sciences graduate, discovered this agricultural internship opportunity in Israel through LUANAR’s Alumini WhatsApp platform.
Based in Gefen, 80 kilometers from Gaza, Mwaungulu works at the Israel Peretz Agricultural Crops farm. Despite regional tensions, he clarifies that participants, scattered across diverse farms, were briefed that their focus is solely on work, not military engagement.
Mwaungulu engages in greenhouse agriculture, cultivating tomatoes, onions, flowers, and peppers. Despite the 63-month contract and self-funded medical insurance, he expresses enthusiasm for the financial benefits.
The financial aspect is a pivotal component of the program.
Participants receive competitive wages, with Mwaungulu revealing, “We receive 30 shekels per hour, meaning we can earn over K2 million per month.Overtime opportunities further increase our earnings, providing a substantial boost to our economic well-being.”
He envisions using his earnings to establish an agro dealer shop and build a house for his family at Mwenitete in his home district of Karonga.
Coming from a humble background as the firstborn of five children in a financially constrained family, Mwaungulu’s aspirations reflect a commitment to uplift his family and contribute to the development of his community in Malawi.
Baxter Banda, hailing from Dedza district, T/A Tambala, but currently based in Lilongwe, can hardly believe his luck.
He expresses that he is in the right place, calling this opportunity a dream job.
According to Banda, the people in his current placement treat him well, allowing socialization in various ways.
He notes, “Those that drink are allowed that luxury during weekends. Or you can simply go and visit various places of interest.”
Banda, with plans to build a warehouse for agricultural produce, is appreciative of the positive experiences and opportunities afforded to him in this new role.
Calls for transparency and accountability
The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and a consortium of human rights organizations in Malawi have firmly endorsed the Israel-Malawi labor deal.
HRCC Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba is an outspoken advocate for depoliticizing the agreement, urging the involvement of private recruitment agencies to ensure transparency and fairness—a stance aligned with the committee’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of Malawian workers and preventing potential exploitation.
Mkwezalamba emphasizes the enduring advantages of the labor agreement for Malawi’s economy, foreseeing a substantial boost in foreign exchange earnings. Recognizing the potential socio-economic contribution of migration, he points to its inclusion in the 2030 Global Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
Fully supporting the labor export initiative, HRCC recommends a comprehensive and inclusive approach to maximize benefits for Malawi.
The committee underscores the importance of establishing an all-inclusive Labor Export National steering group and creating a dedicated department within the Ministry of Labour.
These measures are designed to effectively manage official labor exports, negotiate bilateral agreements with receiving nations, and safeguard the interests of Malawian workers abroad.
Mkwezalamba, acknowledging diverse perspectives on the matter, underscores the critical importance of objectivity, patriotism, and sincere advice in propelling the nation forward. He calls on the government, citizens and other stakeholders to carefully deliberate their positions on various national concerns, fostering a constructive and collaborative dialogue for the benefit of the country.
In his words, “As such, we implore on Government and all stakeholders and citizens to consider their thoughts on the various selected matters of national concern.”
