LocationsMalawi Launches National Registration Bureau Strategic Plan 2025–2030 on Identity Day and Civil Registration Day
September 4, 2025
Minister of Homeland Security, Hon. Ezekiel Ching'oma (second from right), presents the National Registration Bureau Strategic Plan to UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Challa Getachew (second from left), as the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Dr. Stephen Kayuni (first left), and the Principal Secretary for the National Registration Bureau, Mr. Mphatso Sambo (first right), look on.
Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring universal legal identity and strengthening civil registration systems with the launch of the National Registration Bureau (NRB) Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
The launch in Lilongwe coincided with the joint commemoration of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day and National Identity Day, celebrated under the global theme “My Identity, My Umbrella”.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching'oma, emphasised that identity is not just about documentation, but a foundation for governance, economic growth, and service delivery.
Minister of Homeland Security, Honourable Ezekiel Ching'oma.
“The NRB’s mandate, to build and maintain a comprehensive National Registration and Identification System, is central to Malawi’s development. It provides reliable data that Government, partners, and the private sector rely on for planning and decision-making,” he said.
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi, the new Strategic Plan builds on past achievements, including the registration of millions of Malawians and the integration of the NRB database with services such as the Malawi Revenue Authority and Immigration Department.
It outlines six priority areas, from universal civil registration and inclusive identity systems to strengthening digital public infrastructure and civic engagement.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Challa Getachew.
UNDP Malawi Deputy Resident Representative Challa Getachew reiterated UNDP’s support for Malawi’s journey towards digital transformation and inclusive development:
“Identity is a lifeline. It ensures every Malawian can access healthcare, education, financial services, and exercise their democratic rights. UNDP is proud to stand with Malawi in building systems that leave no one behind.”
As Malawi aligns its efforts with Malawi 2063, the Strategic Plan aims to transform the NRB into a resilient, innovative, and fully digitalised institution, ensuring that every birth, marriage, and death is recorded, and every Malawian enjoys the protection and empowerment of a secure legal identity.
The launch brought together senior Government officials, development partners, civil society, and the private sector, underscoring the importance of collaborative action in delivering inclusive, accountable, and modern identity systems for all.