The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has welcomed a government directive limiting local travel by ministers and deputy ministers to one trip per month, describing the move as a key step toward cutting public spending under Malawi’s austerity budget.
In a statement released on 12 February 2026, HRDC said the directive issued through the Office of the President and Cabinet and the Office of the Chief Secretary reflects a commitment to fiscal discipline at a time when national resources are under pressure.
HRDC said restricting travel will help reduce costs linked to allowances, fuel and other related expenses, and allow more public funds to be directed toward essential services and citizen welfare.
The coalition has urged authorities to apply the cost-control measures consistently across all levels of government operations to ensure meaningful savings.
It also called for a review of the size and frequency of official motorcades, including the presidential convoy, saying convoys should be limited to essential vehicles for security, medical support and other critical functions.
HRDC noted that although similar directives have been issued before, enforcement has often been inconsistent, weakening their impact.
To strengthen compliance, the coalition has proposed clear monitoring systems, monthly public reporting on travel expenditures, and tighter approval controls through the Office of the President and Cabinet and the Treasury.
HRDC said sustained and transparent implementation of the measures would not only generate savings but also build public trust in government’s stewardship of national resources.
The statement was signed by HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa.
