By Twink Jones Gadama

Project Hope Namibia, a USAID-funded organization, has terminated the contracts of approximately 3000 employees working in eight districts across Malawi. The sudden decision has left many workers reeling, with some expressing disappointment and frustration.

According to sources, the US government had issued a stop-work order, but the organization’s decision to lay off such a large number of employees has raised eyebrows. When approached for comment, officials from Project Hope Namibia requested more time to respond to the matter.

The Executive Director of the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), George Khakhi, has described the layoffs as “unfortunate” and has appealed to the Malawi government to create more job opportunities to support the affected workers.

Project Hope Namibia has been implementing a $60 million project aimed at preventing new HIV infections and improving the health, well-being, and protection of children, adolescents, and young women living with, affected by, and vulnerable to HIV. The project’s sudden decision to lay off workers has raised concerns about the impact on the organization’s goals and the welfare of the affected communities.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Malawi government will respond to the ECAM’s appeal and what measures will be taken to support the laid-off workers.