Malawi has today launched the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) initiative to improve the collection of data for improved child-centred national development planning and implementation.
Launching the initiative in Lilongwe today, Tuesday, February 17 2026, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Hon. Mary Navicha, said the availability of comprehensive and credible data on vulnerable children is key to national development.
She said that without credible and well-coordinated data systems, children, especially those living on the streets or heading households, risk remaining invisible in development plans.
“We must improve the availability of data to make sure no child is left behind in our development efforts,” she said.
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has collaborated with the National Statistical Office (NSO) and Sight Savers in setting up Malawi’s Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan, marking a significant step toward promoting the representation of vulnerable groups in national development planning.
NPC Director General, Fredrick Changaya, said the Charter reinforces the country’s long-term development vision, Malawi 2063, which places young people at the centre of national progress.
In his remarks, Changaya reminded Navicha of a SinoAfrica Think Tank Symposium on Modeling Village Economy into National Economy they attended together in China in 2016, where they were both sent by President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“You were our group leader, Honourable Minister, and you were always taking notes. After classes, we all came to you whenever we needed more information. I’m thankful to President Mutharika for having entrusted me to represent the private sector at the symposium,” said Changaya, who was then heading Candlex Limited.
NSO Commissioner Shelton Kanyanda said the 2028 population census will include all children, including those without homes and in child-headed households.
Malawi joined the IDC in October 2025 to promote the representation of vulnerable groups, especially children, in development planning through the collection of accurate, disaggregated and reliable data on homeless children and child-headed households for inclusive development planning and implementation.
Since then, NPC and NSO have been working with Sight Savers, the IDC Secretariat and the Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development Data, among various partners, to develop the Inclusive Data Action Plan for Malawi.
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