By: Kassim Kajosolo
The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has pledged to extend financial support to people with disabilities once the long-awaited Disability Policy is implemented.
This assurance follows a follow-up meeting in Lilongwe between NEEF officials and members of the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (Fedoma).
Executive director of the Association of the Physically Disabled in Malawi (APDM), Charles Khaula, said the policy must not only exist on paper but also translate into real opportunities that promote inclusiveness and accessibility in all national programmes.
“As an association, we want NEEF to implement this policy so that people with disabilities are recognised and supported as equal members of society. Without access to finance and opportunities, our participation in national development remains limited,” Khaula said.
He further emphasised that persons with disabilities encounter unique challenges that demand tailor-made solutions if Malawi is to achieve genuine social and economic inclusion.
Responding to the concerns, NEEF credit director Felix Tembo assured that people with disabilities will soon be eligible to access loans.
“The initiative will promote independence and self-sufficiency among persons with disabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Tembo said.
Fedoma, the umbrella body for disability rights organisations in the country, comprises member associations such as the APDM, Disabilities Rights Organisation Movement (DROM), and the Children Forum for Social Needs (CFSN).
Three organisations, Association of the Physically Disabled in Malawi (APDM), Disability Rights Movement Organisation (DROM) and Chilaweni Forum for Special Needs (CFSN) formed a coalition to run a project focusing on “Inclusion in all government social protection project” Funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF).