Mwanamvekha orders full audit of Mega Farms, NEEF Farm-Input loan programmes

Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha has revealed that two of Malawi’s major agricultural programmes—the Mega Farms initiative and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) farm-input loans—will undergo a comprehensive audit.

He said the audit has been initiated to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to these flagship initiatives, which have attracted both praise and criticism since their launch.

Mwanamvekha explained that the government wants to ensure that every kwacha invested in these programmes benefits Malawians directly, particularly smallholder farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

He noted that the Mega Farms initiative, which was designed to boost large-scale commercial agriculture and promote food security, has faced operational challenges that require detailed scrutiny to understand their root causes.

According to the minister, the government has received reports of inefficiencies and irregularities in the disbursement and utilization of NEEF farm-input loans, prompting the need for a thorough financial and performance review.

Mwanamvekha said the audit will be carried out by independent institutions with the necessary expertise to guarantee objectivity and credibility in the findings.

He added that the government is committed to using the audit results to make informed policy adjustments aimed at improving the overall efficiency of Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The minister stressed that the Chakwera administration has placed agricultural reform at the centre of its economic agenda, with a strong focus on ensuring that public resources are managed prudently.

He further stated that the audit process will also help identify bottlenecks in implementation and offer recommendations for better coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and implementing agencies.

Mwanamvekha assured the public that the findings of the audit will be made available once completed, as part of the government’s commitment to openness and public accountability.

He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, civil society organisations, and development partners, to cooperate with the auditors to ensure the exercise is completed efficiently and without obstruction.

The Mega Farms and NEEF initiatives were introduced to transform Malawi’s agricultural economy, but recent concerns about loan repayment defaults, procurement irregularities, and low productivity have raised questions about their sustainability.

Mwanamvekha said the government’s priority is to restore confidence in these programmes by addressing weaknesses that have hindered their intended impact on rural livelihoods and national food security.

He concluded by reaffirming his ministry’s dedication to promoting fiscal discipline across all government projects, saying that sound financial management remains the cornerstone of sustainable national development.