By Jack McAdams:
Facts have, once again spoken for themselves as public confidence in the country rises concerning Government’s management of economic affairs.
This is according to a recent Afrobarometer survey which has also generated headlines highlighting that many Malawians believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. While such findings deserve attention, a closer examination of the same survey reveals a more balanced and encouraging story about public perceptions of the Government’s economic governance.
Importantly, the survey confirms that negative perceptions are declining. While 60% of respondents say the country is going in the wrong direction, this figure has fallen substantially from 76% in 2024 and 89% in 2022. Similarly, those describing the country’s economic condition as “fairly bad” or “very bad” have decreased from 77% in 2024 to 58% in 2026. At the same time, positive assessments of the economy have risen from 20% in 2024 to 34% in 2026. These trends suggest that public sentiment is gradually improving as economic reforms take effect.
The most significant finding in the survey is that public confidence in the Government’s management of the economy has increased dramatically. According to the survey, 53% of Malawians now say the Government is handling the economy “fairly well” or “very well”. This represents a remarkable 32 percentage-point increase from just 21% recorded in 2024, more than doubling approval ratings in only two years.
The findings also show that the Government has secured majority approval on several key economic indicators. A majority of respondents approve of the Government’s efforts in creating good business conditions (54%), managing the economy (53%), and keeping prices stable (52%).
These are not marginal improvements but clear indications that many citizens are recognising the effectiveness of policy interventions aimed at stabilising the economy and creating an environment conducive to growth.
The survey further demonstrates that Government policies are broadly aligned with public preferences. Two-thirds of Malawians support the Government’s position of prioritising affordable fuel prices, even where supply pressures may arise. Likewise, 68% oppose further devaluation of the kwacha, reflecting public concern about the inflationary effects of such measures and validating the Government’s cautious approach to currency management.
The political affiliation data reinforces this positive assessment. Beyond supporters of the governing party, a majority of non-partisan respondents (53%) believe the Government is managing the economy well. This is particularly significant because it indicates that confidence in economic management extends beyond party loyalties and is shared by many independent citizens.
The fact that more than half of non-aligned respondents express confidence in the Government’s handling of the economy points to growing recognition of the progress being made.
No government would claim that Malawi’s economic challenges have been fully resolved. The survey clearly shows that many citizens continue to experience economic hardship. However, what the data also shows is that people are increasingly acknowledging the Government’s efforts and effectiveness in addressing those challenges.
The trajectory showcases that approval of economic management is rising, negative assessments are falling, and confidence in key economic policies is strengthening. The message from the survey is therefore not one of failure, but of progress.
