World Bank Recommends SAVE Project Extension

The World Bank has recommended a one-year extension of the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project in Malawi, pushing the implementation period from July 2026 to June 2027. The project, which has been running since 2021, is funded by the World Bank for USD 100 million over five years.

The recommendation was made on Wednesday in Lilongwe by World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) for the SAVE Project, Nobuyuki Tanaka, during the presentation of the Bank’s Implementation Support Mission report. 

Tanaka noted that while the project has recorded significant improvement in overall performance since the Mid-Term Review, both the World Bank and the Malawi Government have jointly determined that a 12-month extension beyond the current closing date of 30 June 2026 is operationally necessary.

“…based on the detailed analysis and extensive field visits conducted during the mission, the World Bank’s task team and the Government have jointly determined that 12-month extension—beyond the current closing date of June 30, 2026—is operationally necessary,” he said at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) at the Capital Hill

Tanaka emphasised that the project’s objectives remain highly relevant and closely aligned with the Government’s strategic priorities for education and training.

In his remarks the Secretary for Education, Science and Technology (SEST) Dr. Ken Ndala, who also co-chairs the Project Steering Committee (PSC), a strategic leadership team for the SAVE Project underscored the importance of ensuring that the construction component is fully completed, describing it as transformative for the country.

Said Dr. Ndala: “We asked contractors when they thought they would complete construction because, when the structures are completed, it would be very transformative” He explained saying that engagements with contractors are ongoing to establish realistic completion timelines without compromising quality.

The SAVE Project targets increased access to labour market-relevant skills development programmes, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable youths, across priority sectors including agriculture, construction, energy, mining, climate resilience, and financial services.

A total of 32 institutions benefit from the SAVE Project comprising 10 public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), seven National Technical Colleges (NTCs), and 15 Community Technical Colleges (CTCs) spread across the country. Construction, which commenced in November 2024, represents the largest component of the project, accounting for 40 percent of total funding.