Norway has been providing Balance of Payment and Budget Support to Malawi since 1998. In line with the Paris Declaration on donor harmonization, Norway has channeled its general budget support through the Joint Framework (JF) for Common Approach to Budget Support (CABS) in cooperation with other Development Partners. Fundamental principles outlined in the JF are commitment to poverty reduction, respect for human rights, democratic principles, sound macroeconomic management, and good governance. A revised JF is expected to be signed in 2011.
Norway supported the parliamentary and presidential election in 2009 through the UNDP. Norway also contributed support to the implementation of the Strategic Plan of Parliament in 2006-2009. During the period of the plan, only a limited number of activities were carried out because of political conflicts and electoral preparations.
For several years Norway has supported a programme providing civil rights training for poor people in rural areas. Several local communities have succeeded in cases where they have demanded their rights to the development of infrastructure in areas such as education, health and water supply. Women constitute an important target group of the programme. This has led to women increasingly taking on leadership roles in so-called Village Rights Committees.