Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Malawi have strengthened cooperation against irregular migration and cross-border crime, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to protect migrants, combat trafficking networks and promote orderly migration management.
The agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye and Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhitho.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ergogie said irregular migration causes serious harm to citizens and countries, while migration, if properly managed, can help accelerate socioeconomic development and strengthen regional integration.
She noted that Ethiopia serves as a source, transit and destination country for migration, while Malawi constitutes a major corridor along the southern route to South Africa. She said the two countries therefore have important roles in addressing irregular migration and related cross-border crimes.
Minister Ergogie said Ethiopia is working to combat irregular migration through strong policy, legal and institutional frameworks, including the National Council led by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.
She also commended Malawi’s contribution to sheltering migrants, facilitating their return to their countries of origin and bringing organized criminals to justice.
The Minister said the new agreement will strengthen the two countries’ efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, promote sound migration management, protect citizens and support victims.
Minister Mukhitho, for his part, reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to protecting its citizens and combating cross-border crime.
The Malawian delegation arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday, as Ethiopia and Malawi advance cooperation on migration management and the fight against human trafficking and cross-border crime, including along the southern migration route through Malawi toward South Africa.