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Malawi’s economy poised for growth: Experts optimistic about second quarter of 2025

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Malawi’s economy poised for growth: Experts optimistic about second quarter of 2025



By Jones Gadama

Malawi’s economic landscape is looking up, with experts predicting a strong performance in the second quarter of 2025.

According to Bertha Chikadza, President of the Economic Association of Malawi (ECAMA), the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests are expected to boost foreign exchange inflows and ease food inflation pressures.

Speaking to MBC Digital, Chikadza expressed hope that these developments will have a positive impact on the country’s economy.

Her sentiments were echoed by Leslie Fatch, President of the Financial Market Dealers Association, who believes that generating more foreign exchange at the auction will spur business activities.

The tobacco industry is a significant contributor to Malawi’s economy, and the opening of the Kanengo, Chinkhoma, and Limbe auction floors is expected to increase foreign exchange earnings.

Bertha Chikadza



The auction floors will provide a platform for farmers to sell their tobacco, attracting buyers from around the world and injecting much-needed foreign currency into the economy.

The key drivers of economic growth in Malawi include the tobacco auction floors, crop harvests, and foreign exchange generation.

The opening of the tobacco auction floors is expected to boost foreign exchange inflows and increase government revenue.

Ongoing crop harvests will help ease food inflation pressures and increase food availability, reducing reliance on imports. Increased foreign exchange earnings will help stabilize the local currency and reduce pressure on the balance of payments.

Chikadza noted that the economic outlook for the second quarter of 2025 is promising, with the potential for increased economic activity and growth.

She, however, emphasized the need for continued policy support to ensure that the economy remains on a stable path.

Fatch shared similar views, stating that the increased generation of foreign exchange at the auction will have a positive impact on business activities. He added that this will help to stimulate economic growth and increase investor confidence in the country.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi regularly publishes economic reviews, providing insights into the country’s economic performance.

According to the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s economic reviews, the country’s economy is showing signs of resilience, with some sectors performing better than expected.

The World Bank’s Malawi Economic Monitor also provides an in-depth analysis of the country’s economic performance and prospects. The report highlights the challenges facing the economy, including high inflation and limited foreign exchange earnings.

However, the report also notes that Malawi’s economy has the potential for growth, driven by various sectors, including agriculture and mining.

Malawi’s economy is poised for growth, driven by the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests.

Experts are optimistic about the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of 2025, citing increased foreign exchange earnings and eased food inflation pressures.

While challenges remain, the country’s economic outlook is promising, with potential for increased economic activity and growth.

Continued policy support will be crucial in ensuring that the economy remains on a stable path and that the benefits of growth are shared by all.

To sustain economic growth and development, Malawi should diversify the economy, reduce reliance on tobacco and other traditional exports by promoting non-traditional exports, improve infrastructure, invest in infrastructure development to support economic growth and increase competitiveness, and enhance policy support to ensure that the economy remains on a stable path and that growth is inclusive.

By implementing these strategies, Malawi can ensure that its economy remains on a stable path and that growth is sustained over the long term.

The country’s economic future looks bright, with potential for increased economic activity and growth.

The optimism surrounding Malawi’s economic performance is well-founded, given the expected increase in foreign exchange earnings and the potential for growth in various sectors.

As the country continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, it is essential to maintain a stable economic environment and promote inclusive growth.

With the right policies and strategies in place, Malawi can achieve sustained economic growth and development, improving the lives of its citizens and reducing poverty.

The opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests are just the beginning, and the country’s economic future looks promising.

Malawi’s economy is poised for growth, driven by the opening of tobacco auction floors and ongoing crop harvests.

Experts are optimistic about the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of 2025, and with the right policies and strategies in place, the country can achieve sustained economic growth and development.

Namadingo’s long wait: A day of silence and absence at Mangochi Hospital

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Namadingo’s long wait: A day of silence and absence at Mangochi Hospital

By Burnett Munthali

Patience Namadingo took to his Facebook page to share a deeply frustrating encounter at Mangochi District Hospital.

According to his account, he arrived at Mangochi District Hospital at exactly 02:00 PM today.

Before making the trip, he had already tried to get in touch with the hospital’s Director of Health Services earlier that morning at around 11:00 AM.



His calls went unanswered.

In an effort to ensure his visit would be fruitful, he followed up with a text message.

That, too, remained without response.

Upon arriving at the hospital, he made his way to the administration building and approached the office of the Director’s secretary.

The secretary informed him that the Director was not present at the hospital.

When asked about the Director’s whereabouts or the reason for his absence, the secretary responded in Chichewa.

She said, “Lero lonse sindinalankhuleko nawo kunonso sanabweleko nde sindikudziwa kuti alikuti.”

Translated into English, this means she had not spoken to the Director the entire day, he had not been to the hospital at all, and she had no idea where he was.

In search of someone else in authority, Namadingo requested to meet the hospital administrator.

However, he was told that the administrator had stepped out for lunch.

Oddly, it was already 20 minutes to 3:00 PM, yet the administrator had still not returned.

When questioned about this extended lunch break, the secretary casually said, “Mwina adzela kwina,” suggesting that he may have gone elsewhere.

Refusing to give up, Namadingo then asked to meet the District Medical Officer.

Once again, he hit a dead end.

He was informed that the District Medical Officer had travelled to Monkey Bay for a field assignment.

It was at this point that it became unmistakably clear—none of the key figures were available.

The absence of all senior management left Namadingo and his team with no one to meet or speak with.

Faced with this situation, they decided to remain in Mangochi for the night.

They resolved to return to the hospital the following day in hopes of finally securing a meeting with the appropriate personnel.

This unfortunate experience has sparked concerns about the accountability and presence of leadership at a major public health facility.

One can only imagine the frustration of ordinary patients seeking assistance when even a public figure struggles to meet anyone in charge.

It begs the question: how can such institutions function efficiently when critical decision-makers are either absent, unreachable, or unaccounted for?

The incident sheds light on a broader issue within the public health system—the lack of responsiveness and professionalism that affects service delivery and undermines public trust.

Namadingo’s decision to publicly share this story points to a growing demand for transparency and reform.

It also highlights the need for public officials to respect their responsibilities and be accessible to those they are meant to serve.

As Namadingo and his team prepare for a second attempt tomorrow, many are watching closely to see whether the hospital leadership will show up.

For now, all eyes are on Mangochi District Hospital.

Let us hope that tomorrow offers a more encouraging chapter in this unfolding story.

Trump administration freezes $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard amid standoff over federal demands*

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Trump administration freezes $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard amid standoff over federal demands*

By Burnett Munthali

Breaking news has surfaced involving a high-stakes clash between the Trump administration and one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration have announced the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal grants allocated to Harvard University.

This dramatic move came after Harvard refused to comply with specific demands made by the administration.



The nature of these demands has not been officially disclosed in full, but sources close to the matter suggest they involved ideological alignment and policy compliance.

Federal officials claim the university’s resistance to cooperating with administrative directives left them no choice but to impose financial consequences.

The freeze affects a wide range of research and academic programs funded through various federal agencies.

Harvard, which relies heavily on federal grants to support scientific research, public health initiatives, and educational access, is now facing a serious financial crisis.

University administrators have described the decision as politically motivated and deeply damaging to the nation’s intellectual and scientific development.

The Trump administration, during its tenure, repeatedly clashed with academic institutions over matters related to free speech, immigration policy, and ideological neutrality.

This latest action, however, marks an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing tensions between the White House and academia.

Critics of the administration argue that this move undermines academic independence and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.

Supporters of the freeze claim it is a necessary step to hold elite institutions accountable to the American taxpayer.

Harvard University has issued a statement strongly condemning the decision, calling it an attack on higher education and the values of academic freedom.

University officials have vowed to pursue legal action if the freeze is not reversed in a timely manner.

Legal scholars warn that the situation could lead to a constitutional confrontation over the separation of powers and the autonomy of academic institutions.

Meanwhile, researchers and students at Harvard have expressed concern and confusion about how the funding freeze will affect their work and futures.

Many ongoing projects, particularly in areas such as medical research and climate science, are now at risk of being delayed or permanently halted.

The academic community across the United States has rallied in support of Harvard, viewing the incident as a broader threat to research and education nationwide.

Prominent voices in academia are calling on Congress to intervene and ensure that federal funds are not used as political leverage.

The Trump administration’s move is being analyzed not just as a bureaucratic maneuver, but as a calculated expression of political pressure.

Observers point out that the decision comes amid a larger effort by Trump-era officials to reshape American institutions along certain ideological lines.

If the freeze remains in place, Harvard could be forced to seek alternative funding sources or scale back vital programs.

The long-term effects of this financial standoff could ripple beyond Harvard, potentially influencing how universities engage with federal agencies moving forward.

As legal teams prepare for potential court battles and policymakers debate the implications, the standoff continues to capture national and international attention.

This development underscores the fragile balance between government authority and institutional autonomy in a polarized political environment.

For now, the future of $2.2 billion in research and academic grants remains uncertain, hanging in the balance between legal appeals, public pressure, and political will.

Muluzi sounds the alarm on hunger crisis, promises bold agricultural reforms

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Muluzi sounds the alarm on hunger crisis, promises bold agricultural reforms

By Burnett Munthali

No food means no money.

That is the harsh reality facing countless Malawian families across the country.

Atupele Muluzi, a prominent political figure and presidential hopeful, has drawn national attention to this crisis with a candid and urgent message.

He states clearly that this is the daily truth for many Malawians who are struggling to survive.

Families are being forced to go to bed hungry, and that alone, he argues, is proof enough that Malawi is far from achieving real development.

According to Muluzi, it is senseless to talk about economic growth and progress when citizens are failing to meet the most basic human need—food.

He emphasizes that hunger is not just a symptom of poverty but a root cause of it.

Without proper nutrition and sustenance, people lack the energy, health, and focus needed to work, study, or build a better future.

Muluzi’s message is not just a lament, but a rallying cry for change.

He proposes a straightforward and practical solution that places farming and food production at the center of the nation’s development strategy.

“My plan is simple,” he says, with conviction.

He wants to invest in farming.

He believes that a well-supported agricultural sector can be the foundation of economic recovery and sustainability in Malawi.

Supporting farmers, according to Muluzi, is key to ensuring that food is both available and affordable to every Malawian.

He insists that smallholder farmers need access to modern tools, improved seeds, irrigation systems, and reliable markets.

He also points out that government must reduce the cost of farming inputs such as fertilizer to make agriculture more profitable and less risky.

Muluzi envisions a future where agriculture is no longer seen as a last resort or survival tactic, but as a powerful engine of prosperity.

In his view, empowering rural communities to feed themselves and their neighbors can transform Malawi’s economic and social landscape.

He also highlights the importance of food security as a national security issue, noting that hunger breeds instability and desperation.

If elected into power, Muluzi says he will prioritize food systems as a matter of urgent national interest.

He vows to redirect resources, policies, and political will toward turning farming into a respected and rewarding livelihood.

He assures Malawians that food should never again be used as a weapon of political manipulation or as a symbol of national failure.

“Change is coming,” Muluzi declares with optimism and determination.

He believes that with the right leadership and a renewed commitment to farming, Malawi can rise from hunger and move toward lasting prosperity.

His message has resonated with many, especially in rural areas where people feel forgotten and abandoned by those in power.

As the 2025 elections approach, Muluzi’s focus on agriculture and food security could reshape the political conversation in Malawi.

It is now up to the people to decide whether this vision of change is the one they believe in.

ACB nabs ex-MHC official over allowance scam

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ACB nabs ex-MHC official over allowance scam

By Chisomo Phiri

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested former director of administration and corporate affairs at the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC),Bob Chimkango, on allegations of misusing allowances.

According to the ACB Principal Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Egrita Ndala,the bureau’s investigations revealed that Chimkango received fuel and subsistence allowances totaling K7,430,820 in 2019 for attending a High Court constitutional case in Lilongwe unrelated to MHC’s interests.

Chimkango



He is set to face charges for abuse of public office, as outlined in Section 25B (1) and Section 34 of the Corrupt Practices Act.

The arrest of Chimkango underscores the ACB’s commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.

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