Norway’s government says it will shut down its embassy in Malawi by July 2027, citing global instability and the need to realign diplomatic resources.
In a statement on Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide described the decision as part of a broader review of Norway’s foreign service.
“We are experiencing the most serious security policy situation since the Second World War. In a world characterised by growing uncertainty and rapid change, we must adapt the Foreign Service to safeguard Norwegian interests in the best possible way,” Eide said.
The embassy’s closure coincides with Norway’s decision to open a new mission in Qatar, reflecting a strategic redeployment of diplomatic resources to areas of growing geopolitical importance.
The mission in Lilongwe, established in 2000, has been a cornerstone of Norway’s development partnership with Malawi, channelling about NOK 500 million annually into health, education, agriculture and governance.
International Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust stressed that the closure does not mark the end of Norway’s support for Malawi.
“Norway will continue to contribute to development for the people of Malawi following the closure of the embassy,” Aukrust said.
Development assistance will continue through multilateral organisations, with future cooperation involving civil society groups, Norwegian institutions, and other partners under review.
The Norwegian government said it would announce later which embassies would manage relations with Malawi and Zambia, which were both served by the Lilongwe mission.
JN/APA