Sustainable development is defined by the United Nations as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Based on this, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created. It consist of 17 goals with 231 unique indicators. In line with the SDGs, the Malawian government has implemented the Malawi Growth and Development strategy with nine priority areas.

1. Agriculture and Food Security (SDG 2)
2. Energy, Industrial Development, Mining and Tourism (SDG 7, 9)
3. Transport Infrastructure and Nsanje World Inland Port (SDG 9)
4. Education, Science and Technology (SDG 4)
5. Public Health, Sanitation, Malaria and HIV and AIDS Management (SDG 3,6)
6. Integrated Rural Development (SDG 1, 8, 10)
7. Green Belt Irrigation and Water Development (SDG 9, 12)
8. Child Development, Youth Development and Empowerment (SDG 4)
9. Climate Change, Natural Resources and Environmental Management (SDG 13,14,15)