1. INTRODUCTION
The Government of the Republic of Malawi warmly welcomes delegates attending the Africa Foundational Learning Exchange 2026 (FLEX2026). This Administrative Circular provides information regarding logistical and administrative matters such as accreditation and registration, transportation, and accommodation for delegates during FLEX2026.
2. VENUE AND DATE
The Meeting will be held at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe from 15th to 17th July, 2026. The venue offers conference facilities, accommodation, and related services.
3. PARTICIPANTS
The Meeting will bring together over 500 delegates across the African Continent that will include Ministers of Education, Multilateral Development partners, Philanthropists, researchers, Civil Society Organizations and Private sector & practitioners.
Each participating State and organization is requested to register online by clicking here and submit a list of delegates in advance through diplomatic channels to the FLEX2026 secretariat.
4. ACCREDITATION
All members of the delegations participating in FLEX2026 must be accredited as access to the venue will be restricted to accredited participants only. After accreditation, a personalized, non-transferable photo ID card will be issued to each delegate prior to the Meeting. For security reasons, delegates should wear this photo ID card at all times in all the FLEX2026 venues.
As such, approved delegates must submit in the online registration form the following to facilitate issuance of the badges:
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Passport biodata page
Badges will be issued to the delegates upon arrival at the BICC in Lilongwe.
5. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
It is anticipated that most delegates will arrive through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe, the designated official port of entry for the meeting. However, delegates are free to use alternative Ports of Entry into Malawi. The Government of Malawi will facilitate Airport reception and Immigration and Customs formalities at Kamuzu International Airport.
Delegations are requested to communicate in the online registration form their travel itineraries or alternative Ports of Entry into Malawi.
6. TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
The Government of the Republic of Malawi will provide the following ground transportation:
- Airport transfers from the airport (KIA) Lilongwe to designated Hotels and vice versa on departure;
- Daily movement between accommodation (only designated hotels) and the venue of the meeting;
- Official functions.
7. ACCOMMODATION
Please note that each participating delegation is responsible for booking or contracting hotel rooms for their entire delegation. Hotel arrangements must be made directly with the hotels, either through individual reservations or group block agreements. It is highly recommended that all delegations finalize their hotel arrangements as soon as possible to secure a booking at their preferred hotels during the Meeting.
Please note that delegates that will be sponsored by ADEA will have their accommodation booked for them and this will be communicated to them directly.
Click here to access the list of designated hotels and lodges in Lilongwe.
8. MEETING SCHEDULE
The Meeting will take place over three (3) days from 08:30 Hours and end at 18:00 Hours, unless specified otherwise:
- Day 1 (15th July, 2026): Technical Exchange Sessions;
- Day 2 (16th July, 2026): Opening, Ministerial Round Table, and Technical Exchange Sessions;
- Day 3 (17th July, 2026): School Visit, technical sessions, resolutions and closing.
A detailed programme will be circulated separately.
9. LANGUAGE AND INTERPRETATION
English language will largely be used during the meeting, however, interpretation into French and Portuguese languages will be available.
10. SECURITY
The Republic of Malawi is generally a safe country. However, the Government of Malawi will ensure adequate security for all delegates throughout the meeting period. Delegates are advised to:
- Carry their identification at all times;
- Comply with standard security protocols; and
- Take normal security precautions at all times.
11. MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
Media coverage will be coordinated by the Government of Malawi. Accreditation will be required for all media personnel.
Official statements and press briefings will be conducted as per the programme.
12. HEALTH SERVICES
Basic medical services will be available at the venue. Delegates are advised to have valid health insurance.
13. VISA REQUIREMENTS
Nationals of all Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States are exempt from visa requirements for entry into the Republic of Malawi.
Malawi applies a reciprocal visa policy. Participants are therefore advised to verify whether they require a visa and review the applicable entry requirements before travelling.
Participants who are eligible and able to use the Malawi e-Visa System are strongly encouraged to apply online well in advance of their travel to facilitate entry into Malawi.
For participants who are unable to obtain an e-Visa, or where the online application process is not available or unsuccessful, the Malawi Immigration Office will facilitate the issuance of a Visa on Arrival. To support this process, participants requiring a visa must complete the passport details section in the registration system. The Malawi Immigration Office will then issue a Visa on Arrival authorization letter, which will enable participants to board their flights and obtain their visa upon arrival in Malawi.
Participants may verify their visa eligibility and entry requirements through the Malawi e-Visa System or contact the Visa/Liaison Officer on +265 993 989 660 or via email at abmijere@gmail.com for further assistance.
14. HOSPITALITY EVENTS
The Republic of Malawi will organize official hospitality events, including, a Welcome Reception on the evening of 15th July, 2026 for all Delegates. A detailed programme for the event will be communicated in due course.
15. DOCUMENTATION
All official documents for the event will be shared electronically as such, delegates are encouraged to bring their laptops, tablets, and other gadgets.
16. GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate
In July, Malawi has a cool, dry winter, offering sunny days and significantly colder nights. Daytime temperatures in Lilongwe usually peak around 24 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures can drop to around 9-11 degrees Celsius. Delegates are encouraged to carry warm clothing.
Time Zone
Malawi operates on the Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC +2
Payments/Banking Services
- Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Debt Cards) are accepted.
- Foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, British Pound and ZAR are accepted for payments at hotels and are also exchangeable at commercial banks and Forex Bureaus.
- Banking hours: 0800 – 1500 Hours
17. LIAISON CONTACTS
Phunziro Jawati
Deputy Chief of Protocol
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
📞 +265888868020
📧 pjawati@yahoo.com
Lindiwe Chide
Director of Quality Assurance
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
📞 +265888308523
📧 lindiwe.chide@education.gov.mw
Aloise Prosper Faye
Human Resources and Administration Officer
Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)
📞 +2250779100699
📧 p.faye@afdb.org
Chinedu Anarado
Communications Specialist
Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)
📞 +2347031896630
📧 c.anarado@afdb.org
Mamy Razafimahatratra
IT Officer
Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)
📞 +2250777309572
📧 m.razafimahatratra@afdb.org