November 2009 – Malawi's 2008-2017 National Education Sector Plan (NESP) became recently endorsed by the worldwide EFA FTI partnership after having concluded a successful evaluation of the sector plan by the local donor group. Despite an economic growth of 7.9% in 2008 and 9% in 2008, Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Malawi’s education system suffers from a high dropout rate, leaving only 35% of pupils entering the last of primary school. Other challenges affecting Malawi's education sector are the pressures from a very large young population, a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS also among teachers, and having large vulnerable groups such as HIV/Aids orphans and marginalised people.

The NESP goals are (i) expanded equitable access to education, (ii) improved quality and relevant education, and (iii) improved governance and management.

Since November 2009, the number of EFA FTI endorsed countries totals 39, of which 23 are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Read the endorsement documents for Malawi, including a welcome letter of the EFA FTI Secretariat.