The European Union (EU) has today donated locally sourced equipment,  previously used by the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) during Malawi’s electoral process, worth €287,000 to eight selected Malawian non-profit organizations.

Speaking during the donation signing ceremony, EU Ambassador to Malawi, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, said the handover represents the EU’s continued support to local organizations that are working to strengthen democracy and community development.

“Now that the EU EOM observers and core team have wrapped up and returned home, we are indeed pleased to hand over what they have left behind — and I can assure you, representatives of civil society organizations, that these are not broken pieces,” said Gaztelumendi.

The ambassador added that “by donating the equipment sourced by the EU EOM to you, we are ensuring that the locally procured materials and equipment remain in Malawi. This way, they can continue contributing to the important work your organizations do in supporting the overall development of the country and advancing the goals outlined in Malawi’s national vision.”

Gaztelumendi further asserted that each of the recipient organizations contributes in its own way to the shared goals of inclusivity, human dignity, and community resilience — values that the European Union stands for and that lie at the heart of its partnership with Malawi.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the beneficiaries, Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) Executive Director, McBain Mkandawire, expressed deep appreciation to the EU for the gesture.

“We are truly grateful to the European Union for this timely and generous donation,” said Mkandawire. “The equipment will go a long way in enhancing our operations and strengthening the capacity of our organizations to deliver meaningful impact in our communities.”

He further encouraged fellow recipients to maintain accountability and transparency in the use of the equipment, saying, “Let us ensure that these items are used for their intended purpose, so that they continue to serve the same values that inspired this donation.”

Also speaking during the event, Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) President Young Muhamba said the donation will help the organization advance its advocacy efforts.

 “This support will strengthen our ongoing work in promoting social justice and protecting the rights of persons with albinism,” said Muhamba.

The donation includes laptops, smartphones, monitor screens, printers, projectors, and other essential office accessories aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the beneficiary organizations.

The beneficiary organizations are Focus Malawi, the Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM), There is Hope Malawi, the Media Council of Malawi, Malawi Children’s Village, Emerge Livelihoods, Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), and the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA).