Coordination Union for Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative convened a high-level dialogue today in Lilongwe, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty as a pathway to a financed and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
The meeting, attended by government officials, civil society organizations, academia, and energy experts, explored how Malawi can transition to cleaner energy while ensuring economic and social stability.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Energy, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni, highlighted Malawi’s vulnerability to climate change, emphasizing the country’s role as Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Group.
“As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, we are experiencing firsthand the devastating effects of the climate crisis—on our homes, infrastructure, economy, and livelihoods. Although we contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, we face disproportionate impacts from climate disasters,” Chikuni stated.
He noted that Malawi has faced more than 19 major floods and seven severe droughts in the past five decades, disasters largely attributed to global fossil fuel extraction and emissions.
The dialogue also highlighted the urgent need for investment in renewable energy and economic diversification to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Seble Samuel, Head of Advocacy and Campaigns at the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, noted that Malawi and other African nations have immense potential to expand renewable energy solutions to power millions of people but require stronger international cooperation to facilitate financing and technology transfer.
Amiera Sawas, Head of Research and Policy at the Treaty Initiative, emphasized that the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty could help address major barriers to clean energy adoption:
“A treaty of this nature would provide a framework to tackle key challenges such as debt, financing, and economic diversification. It would ensure that countries like Malawi can transition away from fossil fuels without leaving any community behind, ” explained Sawas on the sidelines of the dialogue.
Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and the northern city of Mzuzu have already endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, aligning their policies with global climate action while ensuring a just transition for their communities.
The event marks a significant step in Malawi’s commitment to climate resilience, as stakeholders push for a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
