Malawi Approves National Biotechnology Policy

The National Biotechnology Policy that provides a framework for effective implementation of biotechnology programs and activities in Malawi has been approved by the Cabinet chaired by President Bingu Wa Mutharika, who is also the minister for Education, Science and Technology. In a foreword to the policy, the President said his government recognized the pivotal role biotechnology can play towards economic growth and poverty reduction. He said biotechnology will facilitate Malawi’s speedy attainment of capacity to be food secure, create wealth and achieve socio-economic development as stipulated in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) and Vision 2020. The Policy provides an enabling framework to promote and regulate the development, acquisition and deployment of relevant biotechnology products to reposition Malawi from being a predominantly importing and consuming economy to a manufacturing and exporting one. It therefore creates a conducive environment that allows biotechnology business to flourish. With the Biosafety Act already in place since 2002, the approval of the policy is expected to hasten the country’s plans to commence contained trials of Bt Cotton and GM Cassava.

For more information contact Daniel Otunge (d.otunge@cgiar.org) of ISAAA AfriCenter or the National Research Council of Malawi (nrcm@sdnp.org.mw )