There are growing fears that worsening economic hardship is pushing the majority of Malawians into deep poverty, with a new Afrobarometer survey revealing that nearly eight in every ten citizens are struggling to survive.
The survey, conducted between 2024 and 2025 and published on the organization’s website on Wednesday, highlights growing public concern over the country’s economic trajectory, with a majority of Malawians expressing little confidence in the future.
According to the findings, 77 percent of Malawians believe the country’s economy is performing poorly, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with current economic conditions.
The report further shows that 76 percent of respondents believe Malawi is heading in the wrong direction, placing the country among those with the lowest levels of public optimism about future economic prospects.
The survey underscores the daily hardships faced by many households, with respondents citing unemployment, the rising cost of living, and persistent economic challenges as the main drivers of poverty.
“Survey results show that 70 percent of respondents describe their living conditions as difficult, while 94 percent reported going without a cash income for at least one day during the past year,” the report states.
The findings highlight the magnitude of the economic pressures confronting ordinary Malawians as the country continues to grapple with high inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and other macroeconomic challenges that have undermined livelihoods and reduced household incomes.
The report comes at a time when many citizens are increasingly concerned about the soaring prices of essential goods and services.
Economists have warned that sustained economic difficulties could further erode living standards unless effective corrective measures are implemented.
Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, conducts public opinion surveys on governance, democracy, and socio-economic conditions across the continent.
Its latest findings provide fresh insight into how Malawians perceive their economic wellbeing and the overall direction of the country.
The survey, conducted between 2024 and 2025 and published on the organization’s website on Wednesday, highlights growing public concern over the country’s economic trajectory, with a majority of Malawians expressing little confidence in the future.
According to the findings, 77 percent of Malawians believe the country’s economy is performing poorly, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with current economic conditions.
The report further shows that 76 percent of respondents believe Malawi is heading in the wrong direction, placing the country among those with the lowest levels of public optimism about future economic prospects.
The survey underscores the daily hardships faced by many households, with respondents citing unemployment, the rising cost of living, and persistent economic challenges as the main drivers of poverty.
“Survey results show that 70 percent of respondents describe their living conditions as difficult, while 94 percent reported going without a cash income for at least one day during the past year,” the report states.
The findings highlight the magnitude of the economic pressures confronting ordinary Malawians as the country continues to grapple with high inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and other macroeconomic challenges that have undermined livelihoods and reduced household incomes.
The report comes at a time when many citizens are increasingly concerned about the soaring prices of essential goods and services.
Economists have warned that sustained economic difficulties could further erode living standards unless effective corrective measures are implemented.
Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, conducts public opinion surveys on governance, democracy, and socio-economic conditions across the continent.
Its latest findings provide fresh insight into how Malawians perceive their economic wellbeing and the overall direction of the country.
