By Burnett Munthali
As Malawi approaches the next election cycle, it is an opportune time to reflect on what the nation has gained—and crucially, what it may have lost—under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera, a former pastor who ascended to power in 2020. While his leadership brought initial hopes of moral integrity and a new direction, the past four years have presented significant challenges. In many ways, Malawi has struggled to meet the expectations set at the start of Chakwera’s presidency.
Firstly, one of the most evident losses under Chakwera’s leadership has been economic stability. Despite promises of economic recovery and growth, Malawi’s economy has faced significant hardships, exacerbated by global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war. Inflation has soared, with essential goods like fuel, maize, and cooking oil becoming more expensive. Public debt has ballooned to unsustainable levels, creating challenges in securing additional financing or loans. The once hopeful discourse around Malawi’s economic revival has been replaced by uncertainty and frustration.
While external factors have contributed to these difficulties, critics argue that the Chakwera administration has not effectively addressed the internal inefficiencies and corruption that continue to plague the public sector. The lack of significant economic reforms has also slowed investment and business growth, limiting job creation and further straining the economy.
Secondly, Chakwera’s rise to power was based on a platform of political reform and transparency. His Tonse Alliance promised to tackle corruption, end nepotism, and restore public trust in government institutions. However, his administration has faced mounting accusations of favoritism, failure to deliver on promised reforms, and a disconnect between rhetoric and action. Many of the high-profile corruption cases exposed early in his presidency have stalled, leading to disillusionment among the public.
Furthermore, the Tonse Alliance itself has shown signs of internal fragmentation, with key allies like Vice President Saulos Chilima becoming critical of Chakwera’s governance. This political instability has made it difficult for the administration to maintain a unified and coherent policy agenda, affecting the implementation of critical programs.
Thirdly, one of the more subtle, yet significant, losses has been the erosion of public trust in leadership. Chakwera’s background as a pastor was initially seen as an asset, symbolizing moral leadership, integrity, and compassion. However, as scandals surrounding corruption, inefficiency, and poor service delivery persist, the ideal of a “moral presidency” has waned. Promised reforms in the health, education, and agricultural sectors have been slow to materialize, and many Malawians now question the authenticity of Chakwera’s leadership.
The unmet campaign promises, particularly in the fight against corruption, have also weakened confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver meaningful change. This loss of trust has made it harder for the government to garner support for its policies, both from citizens and international partners.
Fourthly, Malawi has also lost crucial opportunities for growth in areas where Chakwera’s leadership could have made a transformative impact. For instance, despite Malawi’s agricultural potential, the sector continues to suffer from outdated practices, poor infrastructure, and limited investment. The Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), once seen as a key initiative to boost food security, has been marred by mismanagement and supply shortages. This has not only affected the agricultural sector but also deepened poverty for the rural majority.
Additionally, Malawi’s energy sector, which holds the key to industrialization and job creation, remains underdeveloped. Frequent power outages and limited access to electricity have hindered both small and large-scale industries, slowing economic diversification and reducing competitiveness.
Fifthly, President Chakwera’s administration initially promised widespread governance reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. While the president himself often speaks of these goals, tangible results have been minimal. Malawians expected stronger institutional reforms to reduce government waste, streamline public service delivery, and enhance accountability mechanisms. Instead, the country has seen a continuation of the same governance challenges that have hindered progress for decades.
The ongoing issues surrounding the public service sector, where inefficiency, political patronage, and bureaucracy persist, highlight the gap between promise and action. This has led to a perception that Malawi is missing out on a crucial moment for systemic change.
In conclusion, President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership over the past four years has not lived up to the high expectations set during his rise to power. While he was seen as a beacon of moral leadership and a potential reformer, Malawi has lost ground economically, politically, and socially during his presidency. The country faces deepening economic challenges, missed opportunities for growth, and a growing sense of disillusionment among the public.
As Malawi looks toward its future, the Chakwera administration will be judged not just on its intentions, but on its ability to deliver tangible results. The nation now waits to see whether the lessons of the past four years will lead to a course correction, or if Malawi will continue to struggle under the weight of unfulfilled promises.
