By Jones Gadama
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Rumphi West, Yona Mkandawire, has labeled the proposed 2025-2026 budget as “retrogressive.”
Mkandawire’s remarks came during a parliamentary debate on the proposed budget, in which he expressed concerns that the financial blueprint prioritizes expenditure over production.
According to Mkandawire, the budget’s focus on expenditure will hinder Malawi’s ability to achieve its 2063 agenda, a comprehensive development plan aimed at transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy.
The legislator emphasized that the government’s lack of commitment to investing in critical production areas, such as agriculture and manufacturing, will continue to hold the country back.
Mkandawire also highlighted the government’s failure to investigate and prosecute high-profile corruption cases as a major obstacle to Malawi’s progress.
This lack of accountability, he argued, undermines the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development.
The MCP lawmaker’s criticisms echo concerns raised by other stakeholders, including economists and civil society organizations, who have warned that the proposed budget does not adequately address the country’s pressing development needs.
Mkandawire’s remarks are not the first time he has challenged the government’s policies.
In February 2025, he openly disputed President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address, accusing him of presenting false information about development projects in his constituency.
As the debate on the proposed budget continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to Mkandawire’s criticisms and those of other stakeholders.
One thing is clear, however: the government must prioritize investments in critical production areas and ensure accountability in its use of public resources if it hopes to achieve its development goals.
In related news, the Malawi government has come under increasing pressure to address corruption and ensure transparency in its financial dealings.
The country’s anti-corruption agency has been criticized for its failure to prosecute high-profile corruption cases, sparking concerns about the government’s commitment to accountability.
As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the debate over the proposed budget is likely to intensify.
Mkandawire’s criticisms have highlighted the need for a more nuanced and informed discussion about Malawi’s development priorities and the role of the budget in achieving them.
