LocationsMalawi validates first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
April 1, 2026
The validation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Lilongwe brought together the government, private sector, civil society, and partners.
Malawi has taken a significant step towards aligning economic growth with human rights protection, as the government, private sector, civil society and development partners convened in Lilongwe to validate the country’s first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The national validation workshop marks a critical milestone in Malawi’s efforts to strengthen responsible business conduct and ensure that investment, job creation and industrial growth are anchored in respect for human dignity, environmental sustainability and accountability.
The draft action plan, developed through extensive consultations and a national baseline assessment, provides a coordinated framework for implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, focusing on the State duty to protect, corporate responsibility to respect, and access to effective remedy.
Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative.
"For this transformation to be truly inclusive and sustainable, it must also be underpinned by respect for human rights, accountable institutions, and responsible business conduct.”Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative.
Opening the workshop, UNDP Resident Representative Ms Fenella Frost underscored the importance of embedding human rights into Malawi’s development trajectory:
“The development of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights is a significant step for Malawi. It reflects a growing recognition that economic growth, investment, and private sector development must go hand in hand with the protection of human dignity, social justice, and environmental sustainability.”
She added that the plan comes at a critical moment as Malawi advances its long-term vision:
“As we know, Malawi 2063 places strong emphasis on structural transformation, private sector-led growth, industrialisation, and improved livelihoods. These are critical national aspirations. But for this transformation to be truly inclusive and sustainable, it must also be underpinned by respect for human rights, accountable institutions, and responsible business conduct.”
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Charles Mhango.
"It is imperative that business activities are conducted in a manner that respects human dignity, safeguards the environment and strengthens accountability.”Hon. Charles Mhango, Minister of justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Charles Mhango, described the validation as a decisive step in Malawi’s human rights journey:
“Today marks a decisive step in a journey that began several years ago, when Malawi committed itself to aligning its laws and policies with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).”
He emphasised the need to balance economic growth with accountability:
“As Malawi pursues inclusive economic growth, job creation and investment, it is imperative that business activities are conducted in a manner that respects human dignity, safeguards the environment and strengthens accountability.”
The Minister further highlighted the consultative nature of the process that resulted in the draft plan:
“The draft National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights before us today is the product of extensive consultations, research and dialogue among Government institutions, the private sector, civil society and our development partners.”
Malawi Human Rights Commissioner Rosemary Kanyuka.
"Responsible business practices not only protect individuals and communities but also promote sustainable investment."Ms. Rosemary Kanyuka, Malawi Human Rights Commissioner.
From a human rights perspective, the Malawi Human Rights Commissioner, Rosemary Kanyuka, stressed that responsible business practices are essential for sustainable development:
“The Commission firmly believes that economic development and the protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing. Responsible business practices not only protect individuals and communities but also promote sustainable investment, social stability, and long-term economic progress.”
The draft plan is Malawi’s first comprehensive policy framework to guide business conduct in line with international standards while responding to national realities. It seeks to strengthen coordination across institutions, clarify responsibilities, and address gaps in areas such as labour rights, environmental protection, land governance and access to justice.
Today’s validation brought together over 60 participants from government institutions, private sector organisations, civil society, labour unions, academia, traditional leaders and the media, reflecting a whole-of-society approach to shaping the final document.
Participants reviewed the draft plan’s priorities, strategies and proposed actions, with discussions focused on ensuring that it is practical, implementable and responsive to Malawi’s development context.
Once finalized, the National Action Plan will be submitted to Cabinet for endorsement, paving the way for its official launch and implementation.
UNDP, which has supported the process through technical and financial assistance, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance systems and promoting inclusive, rights-based development in Malawi.
As Ms Frost noted:
“We believe that development must be people-centred, rights-based, and grounded in strong institutions. We also believe that responsible business conduct will be important to Malawi’s efforts to realise Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals in a way that leaves no one behind.”