The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has issued a wake-up call to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, urging him to translate his vision for Malawi’s development into concrete, measurable actions.
In response to Mutharika’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe acknowledged the President’s commitment to fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stabilisation, but emphasized that words must be backed by tangible results.
“The President’s address outlined a reform agenda focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and people-centred development. We acknowledge the progress made in stabilising selected commodity prices, reducing maize prices, and committing to reduce inflation from 28.7% to below 21% in 2026,” reacted Kondowe.
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However, Kondowe stressed that addressing Malawi’s public debt burden, estimated at approximately K28 trillion, is crucial to achieving long-term economic stability.
“A clear medium-term debt management strategy is needed, focused on prudent borrowing, enhanced domestic revenue efficiency, expenditure discipline, and strategic engagement with creditors,” he emphasized.
The organization also welcomed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and inclusion, including the introduction of MK100 million annual soft loans for youth and women in every constituency.
“If effectively implemented with transparency and accountability, these allocations can expand economic participation, stimulate entrepreneurship, and accelerate job opportunities for young people at community level,” said Kondowe.
Meanwhile, NAP acknowledged the government’s efforts in agriculture, energy, road infrastructure, and mining sector governance, but stressed that strict anti-corruption safeguards and transparent procurement processes are necessary to ensure that investments deliver durable results.
The organization also welcomed the increase in university student loan beneficiaries and urged the government to consider reducing or subsidising boarding fees for vulnerable and rural learners.
In the health sector, NAP emphasized that increased funding must be accompanied by strict anti-corruption safeguards to prevent theft and diversion of medical supplies.
“Disaster management must shift from reactive relief to proactive resilience-building,” Kondowe said, urging greater decentralisation of disaster management functions and financing to local councils.
The organization concluded that the President’s address has set the tone for national development, and it now rests with Ministers and controlling officers to deliver on the promises made.
“It’s time for action, not just words,” Kondowe said, urging Malawians to hold their leaders accountable for implementing the president’s vision.