Malawi’s government is allocating K100 billion to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to purchase additional maize in preparation for the expected impacts of El Niño. Both outlets report that the allocation is announced in Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha, during a parliamentary exchange focused on measures being taken to reduce the risk of a potential food shortage linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon. The funds are described as an expansion of the government’s existing preparedness efforts, aimed at strengthening national food reserves so maize is available if crop performance is affected. The announcement frames the move as pre-emptive, with the goal of mitigating the likelihood of a wider food crisis rather than responding after shortages occur. The reports are consistent that NFRA will use the allocation to procure additional maize. The sources do not provide further details on timing of purchases, specific quantities to be bought, or the broader package of measures beyond the funding for the reserve programme.