Malawi has been selected among five countries worldwide to participate in the FIFA Unite Programme, a prestigious initiative drawn from FIFA’s 211 Member Associations.
The other nations selected for the programme are Solomon Islands, Bulgaria, Jordan and Honduras, making Malawi one of only five Member Associations globally to benefit from the 2026 edition of the programme, which was officially launched in 2023.
FAM Marketing Manager Mayamiko Kafwamba is among the five representatives selected from the participating nations.
The FIFA Unite Programme is designed to support targeted development projects, with Malawi set to benefit directly through investment in women’s football and beach soccer. These two areas have been identified as key drivers for increased participation, youth engagement and long-term growth of the game.
As part of the selection process, a FAM delegation travelled to FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, where they made a detailed presentation to senior FIFA officials. The presentation outlined Malawi’s development roadmap, focusing on strengthening women’s football structures, enhancing grassroots pathways and positioning beach soccer as both a competitive discipline and a community-based sport.
Building on this momentum, the FAM delegation proceeded to the FIFA Member Association Office in Paris, France, for further engagements centred on implementation strategies, partnerships and long-term impact.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Kafwamba said Malawi stands to gain not only from direct FIFA support but also from knowledge exchange among the five participating nations.
“The Unite Programme will benefit Malawi Football Association through targeted support in women’s football and beach soccer. Another important aspect of the programme is that it brings together five countries to share ideas and best practices,” said Kafwamba.
He added that the collaborative nature of the programme will expose Malawi to innovative approaches being implemented elsewhere.
“For example, Malawi will learn from the Solomon Islands on E-football as a way of generating revenue,” he said.
Kafwamba noted that such knowledge sharing will help FAM explore new commercial opportunities, diversify revenue streams and modernise football administration in line with global trends.
Through the programme, FAM aims to ensure that the benefits extend beyond the pitch, strengthening institutional capacity and contributing to the long-term transformation of football in Malawi.
