As the newly-appointed Cabinet meet in Mangochi for a two‑day retreat, government officials and development partners warned yesterday Malawi stands at a crossroads and needs urgent, practical action to reverse a deepening economic crisis.
The retreat, which concludes today, offers a chance for ministers and partners to map out transformative steps for Malawians who, despite participating in peaceful elections, remain trapped in persistent poverty and shrinking incomes.
In her opening remarks, United Nations acting resident coordinator Letty Chiwara said Malawi faces severe macroeconomic pressures such as fiscal imbalances, rising debt, foreign‑exchange shortages and food insecurity against a backdrop of heightened public expectations.
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“His Excellency the President has rightly observed that Malawi’s crisis is a manmade crisis and, therefore, entirely solvable with sound policies and determined implementation,” she said, while commending the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stabilisation as the foundation for broader economic transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, UN assistant secretary‑general and UNDP assistant administrator Ahunna Eziakonwa warned that free and fair elections do not automatically secure a better future.
She said national transformation cannot be driven by policy alone, but depends on practical action at local level, and engagement by all Malawians.
“And I think you will interrogate the space of what leadership truly means across the board. Economic transformation in any country requires a role of society, not just a role of government where each citizen and each institution contributes. The government can never do it alone,” she said.
Vice‑President Jane Ansah acknowledged the scale of the challenge, listing shortages of foreign exchange, fuel, fertiliser, food and medicine, and the rising cost of basic goods.
She said the government is implementing cost‑containment measures and expanding the Farm Input Subsidy Programme to protect vulnerable households.
“We should also note that global financial patterns are shifting, along with the geo-political order. Support is flowing to regions deemed strategically important to the donors.
“What it means is, we must be smarter with what we have and be more creative on mobilising resources. We must tell a different story now, and we must be innovative, accountable, and results oriented,” she said.
Ansah also challenged Cabinet members to remember the campaigns and promises made to the citizens.
“You asked them to trust you with responsibility, and now we are in government. Time has come to show promises to action,” she added.
The retreat, held under the theme Delivering the Promise: Building a Resilient Economy, Accountable Governance and Strategic Partnership for Malawi’s Transformation, is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
