BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has issued a comprehensive response to the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered by President Arthur Peter Mutharika at the opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament and the 2026/2027 Budget Meeting, describing the address as a reform oriented blueprint that now demands disciplined implementation.
The statement was jointly signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, who reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to constructive engagement, independent oversight and accountable governance in advancing national development priorities.
In its statement, NAP welcomed the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, strengthened oversight, merit based appointments and macroeconomic stabilisation, describing these as necessary pillars for rebuilding economic confidence and advancing sustainable growth.
On macroeconomic performance, NAP acknowledged reported progress in stabilising selected commodity prices, the reduction in maize prices and the commitment to reduce inflation from 28.7% to below 21% in 2026.
The organisation noted that these indicators suggest renewed momentum toward economic recovery but emphasised that sustained interventions are required to ease the cost of living for households affected by high prices of food, fuel, transport and essential services.
The civil society body also highlighted the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to MK5 billion per constituency as a strategic opportunity to accelerate grassroots development, provided that strong oversight, digital tracking and transparent audit systems are enforced to prevent misuse.
On public debt, NAP expressed concern over Malawi’s rising debt burden, estimated at approximately K28 trillion, with over 80 percent constituted by domestic debt.
The organisation warned that high interest obligations continue to exert fiscal pressure, crowd out private sector credit and limit funding for essential services.
The organisation called for a transparent medium term debt management strategy supported by parliamentary oversight and prudent borrowing.
In the area of social protection, NAP welcomed the introduction of MK100 million annual soft loans for youth and women in every constituency, as well as MK250 million in grants for persons with disabilities.
The grouping also applauded the commitment to fully support the National Children’s Commission, noting that if transparently implemented, these programmes could expand economic participation and stimulate community level entrepreneurship.
On agriculture and food security, the organisation commended Government interventions in maize procurement and fertiliser distribution, as well as plans to redesign mega farm programmes and promote local fertiliser production.
However, NAP stressed that long term food security requires investment in irrigation expansion, climate resilience, crop diversification and strengthened agricultural extension services.
The energy sector reforms, including efforts to restore generation capacity and increase national electricity output to over 1,000 megawatts by 2030, were described as critical to industrialisation and SME growth.
NAP urged transparent procurement processes and expanded renewable energy investments to guarantee sustainability and affordability.
NAP further welcomed commitments to resume road maintenance, rehabilitate trunk roads, and ring-fence tollgate revenues for maintenance of the M1.
The organisation stressed that infrastructure investments must be shielded from corruption through strict procurement standards, independent technical supervision and routine audits to ensure value for money.
In the mining sector, the organisation supported the suspension of licences, audit of the registry, ban on raw mineral exports and steps toward establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
The grouping also called for mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership and transparent Mining Development Agreements to prevent illicit financial flows and contract manipulation.
On industrialisation and tourism, NAP recognised the push for Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, alongside flagship tourism projects such as the Salima Integrated Tourism Resort and the Likoma Activity Centre.
The grouping noted that if strategically coordinated and transparently managed, these initiatives could drive job creation, export competitiveness and economic diversification.
The organisation also welcomed continued implementation of free secondary education and the planned increase in university student loan beneficiaries from 32,480 to 38,000 in the 2026/2027 financial year.
The grouping however encouraged Government to consider targeted subsidies for boarding fees to enhance equity for vulnerable learners.
In the health sector, NAP acknowledged increased allocations including MK17 billion for health services and MK5 billion for vaccines, alongside infrastructure projects such as Blantyre District Hospital and dialysis services at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
However, it cautioned that increased funding must be accompanied by strict anti corruption safeguards and strengthened supply chain monitoring.
Addressing disaster management, NAP urged a shift from reactive relief to proactive resilience building including decentralised disaster financing and stronger district level coordination to address floods, hunger and climate shocks affecting millions of Malawians.
On governance and anti corruption, the organisation welcomed the President’s declaration that there will be no “sacred cows” in the fight against corruption.
The grouping therefore called for strengthened coordination among oversight institutions and sustained political will to ensure impartial enforcement of the law.
Finally, NAP emphasised that the 2026/2027 National Budget must align with the priorities outlined in the State of the Nation Address, translating policy vision into funded, measurable and accountable action.
It stressed that economic recovery must balance private sector growth with strong protection of people centred interests, including sustainable salary adjustments within fiscal realities.
