UDF President Atupele Muluzi acknowledged President Lazarus Chakwera’s recognition of Malawi’s challenges but urged for a stronger, transformative vision that addresses long-term issues rather than just managing short-term crises.
In his address on Wednesday, Chakwera highlighted four key challenges: shortages of fuel, food, fertilizer, and forex and outlined short-term solutions
Commenting through his official Facebook page, Muluzi said Chakwera’s focus on distributing thousands of metric tonnes of maize and collaborating with international partners like the World Food Programme is commendable.
“These actions provide immediate relief to the millions of Malawians who are vulnerable to hunger. However, the recurring nature of food insecurity demands more than reactive measures—it requires sustainable agricultural reforms and investments to ensure that we do not find ourselves in the same position year after year.
“Similarly, the Government-to-Government arrangement with the United Arab Emirates to stabilize fuel supply is a positive step. Yet, we must ask whether this is a sustainable solution or a temporary fix. The fuel and forex crises are symptoms of deeper structural issues within our economy. Without addressing the root causes—such as economic mismanagement and dependency on external aid instead of a focus on domestic wealth generation – we risk prolonging these hardships for the ordinary Malawian.
“Malawi currently only generates $1bn in foreign exchange per annum when we need over $3bn within the same period to cover imports. We need a strategy to generate foreign exchange to address this deficit.
“I also take note of the removal of VAT exemptions on vehicle imports for senior officials, which signals an attempt to share the economic burden. While this may resonate symbolically with Malawians, we must ensure that such measures are part of a broader strategy to streamline government spending and prioritize resources for sectors that directly impact livelihoods, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“The President’s speech rightly acknowledged the scale of the crises and the challenges posed by adverse weather and global economic shifts. However, this acknowledgment must be matched with bold, actionable strategies that inspire confidence in our ability to rise above these challenges. Malawians deserve more than a narrative of resilience; they deserve a roadmap to prosperity.
“Trust in government institutions is at an all-time low, and this trust will only be restored through transparency, accountability, and swift action. Citizens want to see tangible results, not just promises. The government must move beyond immediate relief measures and articulate a clear, long-term vision that addresses the systemic issues holding our nation back.
“As a nation, we are resilient, but resilience must translate into progress. I urge the government to accelerate the implementation of its plans, engage in honest dialogue with stakeholders, and prioritize policies that build a self-sufficient Malawi. Only then can we truly inspire hope and confidence among the people,” he said
