The Association of Retired Civil Servants in Malawi has welcomed the government’s decision to initiate the mass payment of long-delayed gratuities, describing it as a long-overdue relief for affected pensioners.
“The delays in payment of gratuities affected retirees dating back to 2022 and 2023, causing serious hardship to pensioners across the country,” said Association President Nellie Nkhumba in a statement released on January 27, 2026.
The association said many pensioners endured financial distress and emotional trauma while waiting for benefits, with some dying before receiving their entitlements.
It noted that over the past week, its leadership has observed a significant increase in gratuity payments being made to retired civil servants in the country.
While applauding the current administration for initiating the payments, the association urged the government to fully clear outstanding gratuities for all retirees from 2023 through the end of 2025 by the promised 2026 deadline.
The association also said it is working closely with the Office of the Accountant General to monitor the implementation of the payment exercise.
It added that it will continue updating the public and expressed hope that the government will permanently return to the legally stipulated three-month timeframe for paying gratuities after retirement.
