National
DPP, NAP caution government on “insensitive” borrowing as debt hits MK15.1tn
The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and National Advocacy Platform (NAP) have cautioned the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led administration against “insensitive borrowing”, fearing this will have “very serious repercussions” on future generations.
The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and National Advocacy Platform (NAP) have cautioned the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led administration against “insensitive borrowing”, fearing this will have “very serious repercussions” on future generations.
The sentiments follow revelations that Malawi’s debts have increased by four times since President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera took over power in June 2020.
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During the DPP administration, the debt stood at K4.1 trillion.
DPP vice president for North, Jappie Mhango, warned on Friday that the rapid and unsustainable debt growth poses a serious threat to the country’s economic stability and future development.
“The debt that has ballooned in the past four years is unsustainable and emanates from careless spending by government. What is worrisome is that future generations are going to pay for the sins that this government has committed,” said Mhango.
On their part, NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and his National Coordinator, Baxton Nkhoma, said they were deeply alarmed by the unprecedented surge in Malawi’s public debt, which has skyrocketed by K2.54 trillion in the first six months of 2024 alone, bringing the total to an overwhelming K15.1 trillion.
Kondowe and Nkhoma, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the escalating public debt crisis is an urgent and dire threat to Malawi’s future.
“As debt surges to unprecedented levels, it is devouring a significant portion of the national budget, crippling the government’s ability to fund vital development projects for the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Rising debt brings soaring interest payments that divert essential funds from crucial public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, endangering current progress and imposing a stifling legacy of debt on future generations. This crisis is also crowding out private sector investment, as government borrowing absorbs scarce financial resources, stifling economic growth, job creation, and overall national advancement. The severity of this situation demands immediate and decisive action to prevent further economic decay and secure a prosperous future for all Malawians,” reads the statement in part.
“A critical challenge we face is the severe difficulty of boosting revenue amid a constrained fiscal environment. Hostile economic conditions and an unfriendly business climate are hampering the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) ability to collect the necessary funds to meet national financial needs. The unregulated growth of the informal sector only exacerbates this problem, creating inefficiencies in revenue collection and forcing the government into an unsustainable reliance on debt,” it adds.
Kondowe and Nkhoma further stated that they were equally alarmed by the tendency by parliament to approve loan bills without rigorous scrutiny has significantly contributed to the current debt turmoil.
The duo said Malawians need a parliament that is vigilant, responsive, and proactive—one that prioritizes the long-term prosperity of Malawians over short-term gains and resists financial inducements that compromise the future of our nation.
“The urgency for reform in this regard cannot be overstated. The gravity of Malawi’s debt crisis demands immediate and decisive action. While borrowing might be necessary at times, it must be balanced with stringent measures to ensure debt sustainability and prudent fiscal management,” they said.
Meanwhile, Kondowe and Nkhoma have recommended that the government should conduct a comprehensive audit of debt contraction, evaluating debt volume, purposes, and deliverables to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
National
RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has donated four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service to facilitate blood collection activities. RBM representatives praised MBTS’s vital role in public health, emphasizing their commitment to community initiatives. The tents aim to enhance donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection, addressing logistical challenges.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting life-saving initiatives by donating four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) to enhance its blood collection activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the MBTS Lilongwe Centre, RBM representative Boston Banda, speaking on behalf of the Governor, described MBTS as a “silent national hero” for its tireless role in saving lives through blood collection and transfusion services.
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Banda said the donation reflects RBM’s dedication to initiatives that positively impact communities in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Investment Policy
“At RBM, we believe in contributing to causes that make a real difference in people’s lives. MBTS plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, and we are proud to be part of that effort,” he said.
Receiving the donation, MBTS Board Chairperson Elizabeth Gondwe expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued partnership, noting that the tents will improve donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection exercises.
She added that the donation would help the institution overcome logistical challenges that often hinder smooth operations during field blood collection
“These tents will provide comfort and protection to our blood donors, especially during outreach exercises where weather conditions can be harsh,” Gondwe said.
The central bank’s latest donation follows a previous contribution of branded T-shirts to MBTS, underscoring its continued partnership in promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
National
UN Chief congratulates Mutharika on return to power, pledges continued cooperation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his return to power, pledging continued UN cooperation with Malawi on peace, human rights, climate action, and gender equality under his new administration.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has extended his warm congratulations to President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi, pledging continued collaboration between the UN and the Malawian Government on key areas of mutual interest.
In a congratulatory message, Guterres expressed confidence that the United Nations would continue to enjoy Malawi’s support on global issues including peace and security, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development.
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“I wish to convey my warm congratulations and best wishes to you on your inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi. I am confident that the United Nations will continue to enjoy your support on issues of common interest,” Guterres wrote.
The UN Chief has also commended the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC as Vice-President, describing it as a positive step toward advancing gender equality and the political participation of women in Malawi.
“I applaud the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah as Vice-President and encourage further efforts by your Government towards gender parity at all levels,” Guterres stated.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Malawi’s development, Guterres said the global body would continue supporting the government and people of Malawi in their pursuit of a prosperous future, through the work of the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator.
President Mutharika, who was sworn in on Saturday, returned to the presidency following the 2025 elections, marking a significant political comeback.
National
MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16% effective October 1
MERA has raised fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent effective October 1, with petrol now at K3,499 per litre and diesel at K3,500, citing higher importation costs and exchange rate pressures.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has hiked fuel prices by up to MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent, with new pump prices set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Petrol will now sell at K3,499 per litre from K2,530 (a 38.3% increase), while diesel will go up to K3,500 per litre from K2,734 (a 28% increase).
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According to MERA, the price adjustment follows a sharp rise in landed costs of petroleum products, driven by a higher average market exchange rate of K2,350.00 per US dollar compared to the official rate of K1,751.00.
Board Chairperson Charles Kambauwa explained that although Free-On-Board (FoB) prices for petrol and diesel had dropped by 10.64 percent and 18.14 percent respectively, importation costs escalated due to freight, railage, insurance, handling, and in-transit losses.
“These factors increased In-Bond Landed Costs by 52.42 percent for petrol and 49.67 percent for diesel, pushing the changes beyond the ±5 percent trigger limit under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism,” Kambauwa said.
He added that the hike was necessary to ensure sustainable fuel supply and cost-reflective pricing.
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and put additional pressure on the cost of living, with economists warning of a fresh round of inflationary shocks.
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RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
