By Cathy Maulidi:
As Malawi faces a critical moment in its economic journey, President Lazarus Chakwera’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Friday could prove to be a defining moment in the nation’s battle against a worsening economic crisis.
With the country grappling with soaring inflation, crippling fuel shortages and the suspension of aid by the United States (US), the pressure on Chakwera to provide more than just words is growing.
Citizens and experts alike are eager for concrete plans, clear timelines and a roadmap for recovery in what could be his most consequential address to date.
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From the departure of the US Agency for International Development (USaid) to faltering economic strategies, the challenges are urgent.
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Economic experts, such as Velli Nyirongo, are hoping for updates on key initiatives like the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy and the Malawi 2063 development blueprint.
Others, such as chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition Gift Trapence, are calling for more than just rhetoric.
As the President prepares to take centre stage, one thing is certain: the nation’s future hinges on his words—and, more importantly, the actions that follow.
“I expect the President to address economic recovery and development. He is likely to provide an update on the [ATM] strategy, which he believes will drive economic growth.
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“He may also discuss progress on implementing the Malawi 2063 development blueprint and outline measures to tackle ongoing economic challenges, including inflation,” Nyirongo said in an interview.
He anticipates that the President will address the fuel crisis, which he believes will be a key topic.
“Malawians want details on the ‘government-to-government’ fuel purchase deal and the potential outcomes of his visit to the United Arab Emirates.
“President Chakwera is expected to inspire confidence and hope while acknowledging the challenges the country faces. Most importantly, Malawians want to hear strategies for dealing with the aftermath of USaid’s departure,” Nyirongo added.
However, words alone will not suffice, according to Trapence.
Emphasising the dire state of the economy, high inflation and persistent fuel shortages, Trapence believes the President’s Sona must go beyond mere speeches.
“HRDC demands concrete plans with specific timeframes for economic recovery, debt and austerity measures, public service reforms, strategies for domestic health sector funding and measures to protect the poor,” he said.
Echoing these concerns, chairperson of the National Advocacy Platform, Benedicto Kondowe, has outlined “a comprehensive” list of expectations.
Like several others, Kondowe also calls for tangible measures to address the economic crisis, including inflation, the weakening Kwacha and the rising cost of living.
“With the exit of USaid, we expect a donor exit strategy, fiscal discipline and public sector reforms. It is also essential that he addresses election preparedness, job creation strategies and improvements in the health sector and social protection programmes,” Kondowe added.
Another organisation, Transparency Initiative, led by Executive Director Nickolas Mwisama, reminded the President that he was elected with a mandate to primarily tackle economic issues.
“But look at where we are five years down the line. We face an unprecedented inflation rate, with the prices of basic commodities rising daily…
“So, every Malawian expects the Sona to clearly outline measures to address these issues in the short, medium and long terms. He must demonstrate how he is fixing the system on the ground,” Mwisama said.
On his part, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Willy Kambwandira warned against what he called Chakwera’s tendency to make promises “without following through”.
“We are not expecting much from his Sona; it will likely be a repetition of previous statements. However, this Sona comes at a crucial time when the country is sliding deeper into a financial crisis… under this watch.
“As this is his final Sona [in this term], we expect the President to provide a self-evaluation of what he has achieved against his campaign promises,” Kambwandira said.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda said the opposition wants Chakwera to address the suffering of the people and present solutions.
“We intend to ask the President questions afterwards about matters affecting the nation,” Chaponda said.
The suspension of US aid has been a major issue in conversations about Malawi’s economy and governance in general.
Several stakeholders have appealed to authorities to find ways of cushioning the gap left by USaid, which has been “disbanded” in line with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu insisted that Chakwera is determined to ensure that Malawians do not suffer due to the suspension of aid.
Without clearly outlining measures being explored in that regard, Kunkuyu said: “We still need aid, yes, but Malawians can be assured that their government will find ways of serving them in the absence of aid.”
