Malawi ranks 95th on Global Hunger Index

Malawi has been ranked 95th out of 123 countries on the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), underscoring stalled progress in the fight against hunger despite years of interventions. The country scored 22.0, a marginal change from 21.9 in 2024 and 21.1 in 2023, signalling that Malawi remains stuck in the “serious” hunger category. Although the country has improved from a score of 43.3 in 2000, when hunger levels were classified as “alarming”, the latest figures point to a worrisome slowdown in progress.

The report was launched on Wednesday in Lilongwe alongside a separate assessment on food systems in Mangochi and Mchinji districts. Within the Southern African Development Community, Malawi performs better than Mozambique and Kenya, both at 25.9, but trails Tanzania (21.1) and Rwanda (21.7). Across the broader region, Somalia (42.6) and South Sudan (37.5) remain in the “alarming” category.

Nkasala, however, maintained that the government is taking steps in the right direction. “We must adapt to shocks to sustain food production and ensure every Malawian has adequate food,” he said. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) country director Susan Bipa said the GHI should serve as a catalyst for action, not just a diagnostic tool.

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“The GHI is an important accountability tool. It helps us track progress, identify gaps and, most importantly, trigger action,” she said. Concern Worldwide UK executive director Sayyeda Salam said hunger is not merely a production issue, but a systemic challenge.

“Calorie sufficiency does not equal nutritional adequacy, and production gains alone do not build resilience. We must move beyond isolated, production-focused interventions and build functional food systems,” she said. Irish Embassy Head of Cooperation Sarah McCan urged the government to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to tackling malnutrition.

“Nutrition is not just about agriculture. It requires a mix of health, education, girls’ empowerment and strong social protection systems to support the most vulnerable,” she said.

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