As many Malawians continue to grapple with rising living costs, scarce foreign exchange, and economic uncertainty, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha has urged patience, assuring citizens that the government’s ongoing economic recovery reforms will soon begin to produce tangible results and improve livelihoods.
Mwanamvekha made the remarks on Wednesday during a national consultative workshop on the National Economic Recovery Plan (NERP) 2025-2030 held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, where government engaged stakeholders on proposed measures aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding the economy.
The Minister said government is aware of public concern over the impact of the reforms but remains confident that the direction being taken will ultimately restore stability and improve livelihoods.
“I can assure you, in a few months to come, Malawians will see why we did what we did,” Mwanamvekha said. “They will believe that we meant well, and that at the end of the day, Malawians need to benefit because you cannot continue what we are doing at the moment.”
He further acknowledged that the reforms are challenging but said government is prioritizing long-term recovery while maintaining essential public services.
“There will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added. “Is it difficult? Indeed. As I said, I have listened to everything.”
Private sector leaders said the consultation process has provided a clearer direction for the recovery plan and highlighted the need for closer collaboration in implementation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Daisy Kambalame said the framework reflects an understanding of the country’s economic challenges and offers a basis for coordinated recovery efforts.
She emphasized the importance of resource mobilization, noting that reduced development partner support makes private sector involvement critical. She also called for strong accountability mechanisms to ensure that agreed priorities are implemented effectively.
Director General of the National Planning Commission Fredrick Jangaya said the National Economic Recovery Plan represents a corrective shift following past implementation gaps in national development programmes.
He said the plan aligns with Malawi 2063 and focuses on accelerating growth through targeted value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and urbanisation, alongside macroeconomic stabilisation efforts.
Jangaya added that Malawi must achieve higher and sustained economic growth to outpace population growth, urging a stronger focus on productivity, industrialisation, and value addition.
