By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda has underscored the importance of the 2025-2026 Pre-Budget Consultation Meetings in promoting the country’s economic stability and growth.
He made the remarks during the opening of the 2025-2026 Pre-Budget Consultation meeting held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Monday.
Chithyola emphasised that given the current economic climate, it is essential for Malawians to collaborate in identifying key areas for the budget to focus on, to promote sustainable economic growth and resilience for the betterment of the people.
He noted that the past year has seen both notable progress and significant challenges, saying domestically, the country has worked tirelessly to stabilise inflation, strengthen its currency, and improve public service delivery.
“However, we continue to face persistent economic hurdles.Globally, the world is navigating the adverse impacts of geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and the negative effects of climate change,” said Chithyola.
He stated that such consultative meetings will provide a platform for all stakeholders, including the business community, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, youth representatives, academia, and the general public, to present their views and proposals on the 2025/26 National Budget.
“Government has laid out a framework for the 2025/26 budget that aims to drive the economy towards stability. The preliminary framework is designed to enhance fiscal consolidation while positively supporting the financial sector. My Ministry is still in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the possibility of disbursing resources through the Extended Credit Facility (ECF),” he said.
The minister highlighted that Government plans to implement the upcoming budget using revenue generated from taxes and other sources, rather than rely on borrowing.
On his part,Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Heatherwick Njati encouraged the participants to constructively contribute to the consultation process.
“The budget can only produce the desired and needed results if we get our National priorities right and identify clear and impactful attainable goals on the onset.
“The budget can only produce results if it is prepared and implemented consulted and collaboratively,” he said.
Among those who attended the meeting are Director General for the National Planning Committee Dr.Thomas Munthali , the Commissioner General of Malawi Revenue Authority , Daniel Dominic Daka and representatives from various Civil Society Organisations.
The meeting was the first in a series of national consultative meetings planned in all regions of the country.
