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Analysis of Mutharika’s early economic signals: From volatility to stability

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Analysis of Mutharika’s early economic signals: From volatility to stability



By Burnett Munthali

Macroeconomic indicators suggest the first signs of traction, providing a glimpse of hope for Malawi, a country that has been grappling with economic challenges for far too long.

Inflation, which peaked at 28.7 percent in September 2025, is projected to fall below 21 percent in 2026, offering relief to households and businesses that have been battered by soaring prices.



This downward trend is a testament to the government’s commitment to tackling the country’s economic woes head-on, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Malawians.

Economic growth is expected to rise from 2.7 percent to 3.8 percent next year, accelerating further to 4.9 percent in 2027, providing a clear indication that the government’s economic policies are starting to bear fruit.

This growth trajectory is impressive, and it is a testament to the government’s ability to create an environment that is conducive to business and investment.

Foreign exchange reserves remain tight, but corrective measures are underway, demonstrating the government’s willingness to take tough decisions to address the country’s economic challenges.

The government is reviewing forex regulations, expanding gold purchases, and exploring gold monetization to strengthen reserves and improve liquidity, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s foreign exchange position.

These measures are expected to help stabilize the kwacha and improve the country’s ability to import essential goods and services.

Austerity measures — including reduced ministerial fuel allocations and tighter travel controls — signal a shift toward fiscal prudence, demonstrating the government’s commitment to responsible financial management.

This shift is critical for rebuilding investor confidence and creating a stable economic environment that is conducive to growth and development.

For investors watching closely, the message is one of stabilization before expansion, providing a clear indication that the government is focused on creating a strong foundation for long-term growth and development.

This approach is commendable, as it recognizes that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved by addressing the underlying challenges facing the economy.

The early signals from Mutharika’s administration are promising, and they suggest that the country is on the path to stability and prosperity.

However, it is essential to note that the journey ahead will be challenging, and the government will need to continue to implement bold and decisive policies to address the country’s economic challenges.

The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are significant, and it is hoped that the government will be able to deliver on its promises and improve the lives of all Malawians.

Abduction of Crossroads Hotel Director sparks national concern

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Abduction of Crossroads Hotel Director sparks national concern



By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s parliament was gripped by concern yesterday over the abduction of Crossroads Hotel management director Sameer Sacranie, with legislators demanding answers from the government as his disappearance stretches to 10 days.

The matter was first raised by Lilongwe legislator Khadija Juma Chunga of the Malawi Congress Party, who pressed the Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito to inform the house on efforts being made to locate Sacranie.

Khadija Juma Chunga



She said today being day number 10, Malawians are worried, and the Muslim community is concerned about his family’s well-being. “We need to know what is happening, and the ministry must make a statement so people know something is being done,” Chunga said.

First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa, who presided over the sitting, ruled that while the issue was of national importance, Chunga had not followed proper parliamentary procedure by introducing it as a supplementary question on an unrelated matter.

Dedza Kasina member of Parliament Joshua Malango of the Malawi Congress Party said the public was demanding answers and urged the government to create room for the matter to be formally discussed. “The Minister of Homeland Security is here; the public is looking for answers as to what happened to our brother Sameer Sacranie of Crossroads,” Malango said.

Musowa cautioned members against duplicating the issues, saying Chunga retained the right to properly table the question before adjournment.

Later, Mukhito informed the house that police officers were working around the clock to secure a breakthrough, saying specialized investigative teams had been deployed and intelligence resources activated. However, he stressed the need for caution and confidentiality to avoid compromising the investigation or endangering the victim.

“Let us not politicize this issue, let us not turn it into a religious issue; crimes do not know tribe or religion, political party; this is a criminal matter,” Mukhito said.

He said the government would deploy every lawful resource available to ensure those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.

Malawi Congress Party Chief Whip Moses Kunkuyu welcomed the minister’s assurance, saying the country remained in shock over the abduction.

Lilongwe Mapuyu South MP Edward Chileka Banda urged the ministry to identify crime hotspots and strengthen security in vulnerable areas.

Sacranie was abducted on February 6, 2026, when unknown gunmen reportedly invaded Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have appealed to members of the public to report any information to law enforcement authorities.

Joshua  Malango

SKC memorial golf tourney March 28

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SKC memorial golf tourney March 28

By Linda Kwanjana

The Saulos Klaus Chilima Foundation has organised a fundraising golf tournament in memory of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima at the Lilongwe Golf Club on 28 March 2026.

Chairperson of the Organising committee of the SKC Memorial golf tournament Brian Coombes said in an interview yesterday that the memorial tournament seeks to raise funds for medical equipment for patients especially in strategic district hospitals.

Chilima playing golf before his passing



“The primary objective of this golf tournament is to raise funds for the purchase of dialysis machines and patient monitoring equipment, which are critically needed to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. These medical devices will make a significant difference in saving lives and enhancing the quality of care for many patients especially in district hospitals,” said Coombes, a close friend to the late Chilima.

He said the tournament will tee off at 8 am and a prize-giving ceremony will start at 4 pm.

“This event seeks to celebrate Dr. Chilima’s passion for golf while continuing his legacy of giving back to society through meaningful and life-saving initiatives. As you are aware Dr Chilima was a dedicated golfer, humanitarian, and philanthropist whose life was marked by service to others,” said Coombes who partnered the late Chilima in various golf matches.

Coombes appealed for support from various organisations and individuals to support the event and raise funds for the under-privileged.

“We are asking organisations and individuals to support us in continuing the legacy of this son of the soil who always had a passion for this country and its people,” said Coombes.

Chairperson of the SKC Foundation, Chilima’s widow, Mary, also said in a separate interview that the Foundation intends to serve as a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment for Malawians.

“By promoting education, self-reliance, and leadership while maintaining a non-political stance, the Foundation will ensure Dr Chilima’s vision for Malawi and Africa is realized for generations to come,” said Mary Chilima.

The late Chilima was an ardent sports person who starred in golf, football, Basketball, Cycling, jogging among other sporting activities.

Analysis: A new era of fiscal responsibility dawns on Malawi

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Analysis: A new era of fiscal responsibility dawns on Malawi

By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who has taken bold steps to restore financial discipline and rebuild institutional credibility just four months into his presidency.

The President’s decisive action has sent a strong signal to the market that the government is committed to tackling the country’s economic challenges head-on, and is willing to take tough decisions to achieve this goal.



The administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in its decision to halt fraudulent contracts, a move that has brought an end to the era of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the country’s public sector.

This move is expected to save the government millions of kwacha, which can now be redirected towards critical development projects, and has set the tone for a new era of fiscal responsibility.

The government’s willingness to make tough decisions in the face of economic adversity is further demonstrated by the slashing of non-essential travel and spending, a move that sets an example for the rest of the country and shows that the government is committed to living within its means.

This fiscally responsible approach is a welcome change, and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economic prospects.

A comprehensive personnel audit has removed ghost workers from the payroll, ensuring that public resources are being utilized efficiently, and restoring the integrity of the public sector.

This move is expected to save the government significant amounts of money, which can now be used to fund critical public services and drive the government’s development agenda forward.

Public appointments are now grounded strictly in merit, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are serving in key positions, and helping to build a professional and effective public service.

The government’s focus on addressing the country’s immediate economic challenges is evident in its deployment of urgent interventions to calm markets and stabilize supply chains, a move that is crucial for restoring confidence in the economy.

The government has taken concrete steps to address the country’s food security challenges, securing maize to ease hunger, procuring fertilizer to protect agricultural output, and restocking fuel to revive private sector activity.

These moves are critical for supporting economic growth, and demonstrate the government’s commitment to fixing the fundamentals of the economy.

As President Mutharika has emphasized, the emphasis is simple: fix the fundamentals first, and sustainable economic growth will follow.

This approach recognizes that long-term growth and development can only be achieved by addressing the underlying challenges facing the economy, and is a welcome change from the short-term fixes of the past.

Towards a self-reliant africa: Mahama pushes for Pan-African payment system

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Towards a self-reliant africa: Mahama pushes for Pan-African payment system



By Burnett Munthali

Ghana President John Mahama has called on African leaders to expedite the creation of a Pan-African payment system, emphasizing that the continent cannot achieve full economic integration while relying on foreign currencies for trade.

Speaking at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Mahama stressed the need for African countries to shift towards using their own local currencies for trade, rather than relying on the US dollar. This move, he believes, would be a significant step towards reducing the continent’s dependence on external financial systems.



The Ghanaian president’s appeal is closely tied to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. Mahama argued that the implementation of a Pan-African payment system would greatly strengthen the AfCFTA and pave the way for deeper economic integration.

Mahama’s call is part of a broader effort to promote economic self-reliance and intra-African trade. By using local currencies, African countries can reduce transaction costs, increase trade volumes, and foster economic cooperation. The move is also seen as a way to mitigate the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations and improve the continent’s economic resilience.

The African Union has been working towards creating a Pan-African payment system, and Mahama’s call is expected to give the initiative a boost. The system is expected to facilitate cross-border transactions, promote trade, and enhance economic integration among African countries.

As Africa continues to grow and urbanize, the need for a robust and integrated payment system has become increasingly urgent. Mahama’s call is a timely reminder of the importance of self-reliance and cooperation in achieving the continent’s economic aspirations.

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