Boards and executive management of State-owned enterprises have been challenged to strengthen teamwork and corporate governance as Malawi seeks to accelerate the implementation of its long-term development blueprint, Malawi 2063.
Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi, said effective collaboration among leaders of statutory corporations is key to improving performance, accountability, and service delivery.
Saidi made the remarks on Monday during the opening of the 2026 Team Building and Corporate Governance Training in Mangochi, where he urged leaders of public institutions to work together towards achieving national development priorities.
Saidi said that institutions deliver stronger results when boards and management operate with mutual respect, clearly defined roles, and a shared vision for success.
“Government expects State-owned enterprises to strengthen governance, uphold financial discipline, improve institutional performance and safeguard public resources,” he told participants.
“Leadership should be guided by integrity, professionalism, transparency and teamwork,” Saidi added.
He stressed that public trust in government institutions depends on how effectively leaders manage resources and deliver services to citizens.
The training, he said, is part of broader efforts to align the operations of State-owned enterprises with the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
Malawi School of Government Director General, Professor Lewis Dzimbiri, said strong and well-governed public institutions are vital to service delivery and economic growth.
“These institutions represent the commanding heights of the economy and their efficient management is crucial,” Dzimbiri said.
He noted that poor coordination between boards and management has in the past weakened performance in some State-owned entities.
“This training will help leaders know each other, share experiences and strengthen their institutions,” he said.
Dzimbiri added that building a culture of accountability and collaboration is necessary if Malawi is to achieve its long-term development goals.
The week-long training has brought together board chairpersons, chief executive officers and senior executive management from various State-owned institutions.
Its focus areas include corporate governance, leadership, strategic communication and effective teamwork.
Participants are expected to develop action plans aimed at improving institutional performance and ensuring prudent use of public funds.
Government officials say similar capacity-building programs will be rolled out to ensure that State-owned enterprises become engines of economic transformation rather than a burden on taxpayers.
