A recent Afrobarometer survey in Malawi found that most citizens prioritize low fuel prices and oppose devaluing the kwacha. The survey, conducted between August 5 and 17, 2026, by the Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi, revealed that 68% of respondents disagreed with devaluing the kwacha, even if it would increase the cost of imported goods. This presents a challenge for the government, which is struggling with foreign currency and fuel shortages.
The survey also found that 67% of Malawians agree that the government should prioritize keeping fuel prices low, even if it sometimes results in shortages. Only 31% disagreed. These findings come amid widespread financial difficulties among households, with 89% of respondents reporting that they had gone without cash income at least once in the previous 12 months. Additionally, 70% had gone without enough food to eat, and 58% had borrowed money from family members or friends to meet their needs.
The survey revealed that most Malawians are dissatisfied with the country's economic condition. At least 58% of respondents described the country's economic condition as fairly bad or very bad, while 59% said it had worsened over the past five years. However, 53% of respondents said the government was managing the economy well, and 52% approved of its handling of price stability. Only 38% gave the government a positive rating on job creation.
Economics Association of Malawi president Bertha Bangara Chikadza warned that resisting exchange rate adjustments could lead to import rationing, making essential goods harder to obtain. She also cautioned that keeping fuel prices below import and supply costs could discourage suppliers and worsen shortages. Chikadza urged the government to increase foreign exchange earnings through exports, improve fuel supply arrangements, and manage the exchange rate carefully.
Mzuzu University economist Christopher Mbukwa said that the 67% of Malawians who want lower fuel prices understand how fuel costs affect transport and the prices of goods. He noted that those opposing devaluation may also be concerned with its effects, as previous currency devaluations have contributed to inflation and further foreign exchange shortages.
The survey's findings have implications for the government's economic management. The report, titled "Malawian perspectives on economic conditions and management and on the role of Parliament," also examines public views on Parliament's oversight role. The survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults aged 18 and above, conducted in their preferred languages.
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation declined to comment, citing a lack of familiarity with the report. The Reserve Bank of Malawi also did not respond to requests for comment. The findings have a national margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.
Key points
- 68% of Malawians oppose devaluing the kwacha
- 67% of Malawians want low fuel prices
- 89% of Malawians have gone without cash income at least once in the previous 12 months
Reporting sources
- Queues over hikes · The Nation
