Malawi's President Arthur Peter Mutharika has marked his first year back in office with a call for national unity, emphasizing the need for collective effort to rebuild the country's economy and consolidate progress in various sectors. In an exclusive interview with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV on Sunday, October 4, 2026, Mutharika reflected on the first 12 months of his administration, outlining significant gains while acknowledging serious economic challenges that remain.
Mutharika said returning to State House after securing more than three million votes in the September 2025 presidential election was both exciting and a major responsibility. He thanked Malawians for the confidence placed in his administration and for their support during its first year. The President said the past year had brought successes as well as setbacks, but maintained that the country was moving in the right direction.
The President highlighted that Malawians were enjoying greater freedom and were no longer living in fear of their government. He noted that his administration had made progress in addressing food security, with food availability improving significantly. Mutharika recalled that conditions had deteriorated to the point where some Malawians were surviving on buffalo beans, locally known as chitedze, but said his government had worked to stabilise the wider economy.
Mutharika pointed to his administration's focus on the "four Fs" — food, fuel, fertiliser, and forex — as central to its economic recovery programme. He said fuel supplies remained stable throughout the first year of his administration, while the government had also launched its fertiliser programme. However, he acknowledged that foreign exchange shortages remained one of the country's most difficult economic challenges.
The President highlighted infrastructure development as a major priority, with roads that had been neglected for years being rehabilitated. He cited work on sections of the M1 and other major roads across the country as evidence of the government's infrastructure drive. Preparations were underway to commission the Mangochi-Makanjira Road, while additional road construction and rehabilitation projects were expected to advance in Lilongwe and other parts of the country.
Mutharika also emphasized his administration's investment in modern markets and education loans as part of efforts to expand opportunities and improve access for Malawian students. Despite the progress highlighted by the President, Malawi's debt burden and broader economic pressures remain significant challenges for his administration. Mutharika said debt restructuring was necessary because government revenues were insufficient to meet the country's financial obligations.
The President ended the interview with an appeal for national unity, expressing concern about growing anger, hostility, and division among Malawians. He recalled Malawi's longstanding reputation as the "Warm Heart of Africa" and said the country needed to rediscover the spirit of tolerance and togetherness associated with that identity. Mutharika urged Malawians to work together to build the country and overcome its challenges.
Key points
- President Mutharika marks his first year in office, highlighting progress in food security, fuel supplies, and infrastructure development.
- The President acknowledges that serious economic challenges remain, including foreign exchange shortages and a significant debt burden.
- Mutharika calls for national unity, urging Malawians to work together to rebuild the economy and overcome challenges.
