Malawi gov't trims foreign missions staff

The Malawi government Thursday announced that it is downsizing the country's staff in foreign missions from 234 established positions to 152 positions.

The government also announced that the number of local staff in the country's foreign missions will be downsized from 217 to 184.

Malawi Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Minister, George Chaponda, announced this at a press briefing held in the capital Lilongwe.

Chaponda said the downsizing of the staff in foreign missions is part of the country's Public Sector Reforms Programme aimed at achieving vibrant civil service and steady economy.

The minister said the exercise will help government save over 7.5 million U.S. dollars in personal emoluments, rentals for the diplomats and school fees for their children this financial year alone, and a further 10.4 million dollars during the next financial year.

According to the minister, some contracts of the diplomatic staff have not been renewed while some employees in foreign missions have been recalled to be absorbed back into the ministry.

"The ultimate aim of these reforms is to make Malawi missions more cost-effective, lean and efficient," said Chaponda. "But this does not mean government has no money to pay embassies."

The minister further said the downsizing will continue and that the expected number of staff in Malawi's foreign missions is 126.

Over the past years, Malawi closed her embassies in Canada, Namibia and France.

Recently, the country established a mission in Geneva, Switzerland, to strengthen ties with UN Agencies that operate from the country. Endit