First Article 6.2 Activity Authorised in Malawi: Malawi Dairy Biogas Program

Zurich, March 26, 2026 — As part of the bilateral climate agreement under the Paris Agreement between Malawi and Switzerland, the two countries have authorised the first Article 6.2 activity in Malawi. This activity will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 'Malawi Dairy Biogas Program' has been co-developed by ACT Group, Sistema.bio, and EcoGen and is financially supported by The Foundation for Climate Protection and Carbon Offset KliK (“KliK Foundation”). By purchasing the resulting Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), the KliK Foundation will make the activity financially viable.

“This landmark authorisation of the Malawi Dairy Biogas Program under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to advancing practical, people-centered climate solutions,” mentions Honourable Patricia Wiskes, Minister of Natural Resources, Malawi. “The partnership with Switzerland and our implementing partners reflects the kind of innovative, high-integrity climate cooperation that Malawi is proud to champion. It aligns with our national development priorities, strengthens our climate resilience, and contributes meaningfully to the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contributions and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Malawi Dairy Biogas Program aims to distribute 10,000 biogas digesters to smallholder dairy farmers across the country. The household-scale biodigesters empower farmers to turn cow manure into renewable biogas for clean energy and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser. This avoids methane emissions from baseline manure management practices and enables a fuel transition from biomass—such as fuelwood or charcoal—to biogas. The activity documentation is available at the Registered Compensation Projects abroad. (admin.ch)

The biodigester solution is delivered in a turnkey package that also includes a biogas stove, a biofertilizer management system, and a comprehensive technical training, troubleshooting and monitoring program. This mitigation activity offers multiple co-benefits to farmers, enabling them to implement an effective manure management system, thus reducing soil and water contamination. By using clean biogas, households can decrease their reliance on biomass for cooking, allowing women responsible for procuring cooking fuels to spend less time and money. Additionally, biogas use eliminates exposure to indoor smoke and toxic fumes. While easy to install and use, the high-efficiency biodigesters become a permanent fixture on the farm. Moreover, the organic fertiliser produced as a by-product boosts farmers’ yields, resulting in higher income and reduced expenses for synthetic fertilisers, while also facilitating a smooth transition to regenerative agriculture.

“ACT Group is proud to take part in developing this innovative and collaborative program that reduces emissions, improves health outcomes, and advances the energy sovereignty of Malawian dairy farmers. The Malawi Dairy Biogas Program pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the carbon sector through informed technical design and deep commitment to inclusive program development. We look forward to supporting the reporting and certification of this important initiative for years to come,” says Samuel Waechter-Cass, Climate Project Manager at ACT Group.

Legal framework of international climate protection activities

Malawi and Switzerland are collaborating under a cooperative approach outlined in Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The countries signed a bilateral climate agreement at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) on November 16, 2022. This agreement regulates the cooperation between the two countries and establishes a legal framework for implementing greenhouse gas mitigation activities under Article 6.2. The agreement ensures that the mitigation activities will meet the highest standards of quality, environmental integrity, alignment with the UN SDGs, and human rights.

Malawi’s confirmation of the additionality of the mitigation activity to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and its agreement to make corresponding adjustments to its national emissions registry, form the basis for the authorisation of the mitigation activity by both countries. With the Mitigation Activity Design Document and all required supporting documentation, Sistema.bio demonstrated to the Malawian and Swiss authorities that additional financing from carbon revenues is needed to make the activity financially viable.

The ITMOs achieved with KliK Foundation’s financial support will be transferred in accordance with the bilateral climate agreement and used to meet Switzerland's emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement.

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