By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA (Retired) officially opened the Cabinet Retreat in Mangochi, delivering a message on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika that emphasised decisive leadership and national responsibility.
She reminded Cabinet members that the President’s vision, announced during his 4 October 2025 inauguration, remains the guiding framework for governance and public service.
That vision, she explained, is rooted in patience, discipline and sustained effort as the foundation for rebuilding Malawi.
Dr. Ansah highlighted a renewed social contract between Government and citizens, stressing that Ministers must exemplify commitment and accountability in fulfilling it.
She cautioned that the retreat is more than a routine meeting, describing it as a strategic platform to confront Malawi’s economic, social and political challenges.
The Vice President outlined the pressing difficulties the country faces, including persistent shortages of foreign exchange, fuel, essential medicines and basic commodities.
She observed that the business environment is currently more constrained than it was in 2020, reflecting broader economic pressures.
Millions of Malawians, she said, continue to live below the poverty line and are awaiting tangible improvements from Government action.
Dr. Ansah acknowledged the measures already implemented by the DPP-led administration, such as cost containment, expansion of the farm input subsidy programme, and the removal of ghost workers through payroll audits and digitisation.
However, she emphasised that these actions represent only the beginning of the work required to transform the nation.
The Vice President encouraged Ministers to think creatively and courageously in identifying pathways to sustainable prosperity.
She stressed that achieving meaningful progress requires disciplined, accountable and responsible leadership at every level of Government.
Dr. Ansah noted that Malawi often excels in policy design but struggles with policy implementation, highlighting the importance of follow-through.
She urged the Cabinet to consider global financial shifts and changing geopolitical priorities, which increasingly direct aid and investment to regions deemed strategically important.
In response, Malawi must be innovative with its limited resources and proactive in seeking new financing avenues.
The Vice President called for a transformation of Malawi’s national narrative, centred on results, integrity and accountability.
She reminded Cabinet members that citizens expect campaign promises to be converted into real, everyday improvements.
Dr. Ansah said the retreat should reinforce the Government’s commitment to stabilising the economy and restoring confidence among Malawians.
She urged Ministers to remain aligned with the long-term vision of MW2063 and to prioritise agriculture as the engine of inclusive growth.
She also emphasised the need for disciplined investment in industrialisation, mining and value addition, supported by reliable energy and robust infrastructure.
Digital innovation and artificial intelligence, she suggested, must be leveraged to enhance identity systems, streamline procurement, and increase transparency in Government operations.
The Vice President encouraged the exploration of private capital, diaspora resources, and innovative partnerships to support sustainable development.
She urged faster progress in decentralisation, noting that empowering secondary cities and local authorities would broaden economic opportunities nationwide.
Ministers were reminded that effective leadership is measured by the results achieved after the retreat, not by speeches delivered within it.
Dr. Ansah underscored the importance of unity, discipline and innovation in shaping every decision moving forward.
She highlighted the necessity of consistent policy execution as the foundation of strong and reliable governance.
President Mutharika’s commitment to attracting serious investors was also reaffirmed, with the Vice President quoting his emphasis on partnerships rather than handouts.
To create an investor-friendly environment, she stressed the importance of respecting contracts, enforcing clear rules, and combating corruption.
Dr. Ansah noted that Malawi already has a clear developmental direction, with political momentum beginning to build.
She urged Ministers to draw inspiration from nations that overcame adversity through determination and resilience.
The Vice President challenged leaders to act with integrity, deliver results faithfully, and rebuild public confidence in national institutions.
She expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme, for their continued support.
Acknowledging UN Assistant Secretary General Ahunna Eziakonwa, she highlighted the importance of international solidarity in Malawi’s development journey.
Dr. Ansah formally declared the Cabinet Retreat open on behalf of President Mutharika.
She concluded her address with a prayerful blessing over the nation.
