SASSCAL has launched a new initiative to expand its membership to all countries in the Southern African region. This move follows a decision by the SASSCAL Council to promote broader regional inclusion and strengthen cooperation on climate and environmental issues.
As part of this effort, a SASSCAL delegation visited the Government of Malawi on 18 February 2026 in Lilongwe.
The purpose of the visit was to present SASSCAL’s mandate and strategic goals, and to explore Malawi’s possible participation in the initiative.
The delegation was led by Ms. Alexandria Angala, Vice-Chair of the SASSCAL Governing Board, on behalf of the Chairperson, Prof. Gabriel Miguel. The team also included Executive Director Prof. Nelago Indongo, Director of Science, Technology and Human Capacity Development Dr. Budzanani Tacheba, and Board Secretary and Legal Advisor Ms. Johanna Mumangeni.
During the meeting, Ms. Angala said climate change does not respect national borders and that countries in Southern Africa face many of the same environmental challenges. She explained that stronger regional cooperation through SASSCAL would help countries improve their efforts to adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change. Prof. Indongo added that expanding SASSCAL’s membership would encourage countries to share research, data and expertise. This would help avoid duplication of work and improve coordinated climate action across the region.
The initiative was welcomed by Malawi’s Principal Secretary for Natural Resources, Mr. Richard Perekamoyo. He said the Southern African region faces common climate challenges that require joint solutions. He also highlighted the importance of working together to improve preparedness and resilience.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Ben Yassi, Deputy Director of the Environmental Affairs Department, and Dr. Maggie Muthali, Research Fellow at the MwAPATA Institute.
The engagement marks an important step toward stronger regional cooperation and united climate action across Southern Africa.
