LocationsThe National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights provides a framework for responsible investment, effective risk management and sustainable environment for business growth.
Malawi launches National Action Plan to advance responsible business and human rights
October 30, 2026
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Charles Mhango (seated fourth from right) and UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost (seated third from right) join development partners and senior government officials for a group photo following the launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031) in Lilongwe on 29 October 2026.
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
Malawi has launched its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031), setting out a comprehensive framework to ensure that economic growth, investment and business activity contribute to sustainable development while respecting human rights. The Plan provides a roadmap for government, businesses, workers, communities and civil society to prevent business-related harm, strengthen accountability and improve access to remedy.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Charles Mhango officially launched the National Action Plan (NAP) in Lilongwe on 29 October 2026. The NAP positions responsible business conduct as an essential component of Malawi's development ambitions under Malawi 2063, particularly as the country seeks to expand agricultural commercialisation, mining, manufacturing and other investment opportunities. The NAP recognises that economic development and the protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing and must advance together.
The Plan is Malawi's first national framework for implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and is structured around three core pillars: the State duty to protect human rights, the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights, and access to effective remedy for people affected by business-related harm.
For businesses, this includes identifying risks to workers, communities and the environment, taking steps to prevent or reduce harm, and tracking whether those measures are working. For government and oversight institutions, it means strengthening coordination, enforcement and access to justice.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Charles Mhango delivers remarks at the launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031).
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Mhango emphasised that responsible business conduct can help attract investment, strengthen trade relationships and increase confidence in Malawi's economy.
Economic growth and respect for human rights are not competing goals. They go hand in hand.Hon. Charles Mhango, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Minister emphasised that responsible business conduct supports investment and trade by building trust, reducing disputes and helping enterprises meet international standards. He called on businesses of all sizes to embrace the Plan and committed government to providing practical guidance and strengthening institutions that support its implementation.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Fenella Frost, delivers remarks at the launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031) in Lilongwe on 29 October 2026.
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Fenella Frost, highlighted the connection between responsible business practices, investor confidence and long-term competitiveness. She stressed that the launch must be followed by sustained institutional leadership and active private sector participation.
Success will depend on strong institutions working together to translate the Plan's commitments into measurable progress and tangible benefits for businesses, workers and communities.Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative.
She noted that identifying human rights risks early can help businesses avoid operational disruptions, strengthen relationships with communities and improve access to finance and international markets.
Representatives from the private sector welcomed the Plan as an opportunity to strengthen responsible business practices and improve competitiveness. Speaking on behalf of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Dr Peter Matipwiri called for businesses to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business decisions, including recruitment, workplace safety, supplier relationships and engagement with communities..
“The true test of our commitment is not what we promise in this room, but what we practise when we return to work,” he said.
Matipwiri emphasised that small and medium-sized enterprises need practical guidance and training to understand and fulfil their responsibilities. He also called for meaningful participation by workers and communities, alongside clear responsibilities and measurable progress.
MCCCI committed to promoting awareness, encouraging responsible practices, facilitating dialogue and contributing to monitoring implementation, within its mandate and resources.
For civil society and workers, the priority is ensuring that the Plan reaches the people it is intended to protect.
Charles Kajoloweka delivers remarks on behalf of civil society and workers at the launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031).
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
Charles Kajoloweka, speaking on their behalf, welcomed its emphasis on preventing harm and urged government to back implementation with adequate resources, stronger legal protections and accessible grievance mechanisms.
He called for particular attention to be paid to informal workers and communities that face barriers to justice, including the cost of legal assistance, limited information and fear of retaliation. Civil society and workers’ organisations committed to raising awareness in communities, supporting people to bring forward grievances and monitoring progress.
“Let us make this Plan live in the lives of Malawians,” Kajoloweka said.
The Plan was developed through consultations with government institutions, businesses, trade unions, civil society and communities, and received technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Malawi Human Rights Commission provided strategic leadership and guidance throughout the process.
Discussants exchange perspectives on responsible business practices and human rights during a panel discussion ahead of the launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031).
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs will lead implementation, supported by a Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Business and Human Rights comprising government institutions, civil society, the private sector and UNDP. The Plan will be monitored and periodically reviewed to respond to evidence, emerging challenges and stakeholder feedback.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Charles Mhango (left) and UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost (right) hoist a ribbon to mark the official launch of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2026–2031) in Lilongwe on 29 October 2026.
Photo: UNDP Malawi/ 2026
Over the next five years, the Plan aims to contribute to safer workplaces, more responsible investment, stronger protection of land and environmental rights, improved corporate accountability and greater access to justice for people affected by business activities. By embedding human rights into economic governance and business practice, Malawi is taking an important step toward ensuring that development delivers benefits for all while leaving no one behind.
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